The capital’s location, amidst mountains and forests, means there are many fantastic day trips from Bogota for remote workers. Indeed, visitors living in the city will at one point or another wish to get away from Bogota’s concrete jungle and enjoy some of the more authentic and natural options available close by. The city itself is conveniently connected through a sophisticated highway system with surrounding areas, and the local transmilenio facilitates travel within some parts of Bogota.
Even if you’re looking for a longer trip out to some of Colombia’s famous beaches, you can always catch a cheap flight of from El Dorado Airport of less than an hour to the Atlantic coast or 1.5 hours to the Pacific areas. No matter what sort of activity you are looking for, there are certainly lots of fantastic day trips from Bogota for remote workers and below we highlight some of the most popular.
A visit to the beautiful Usaquen area will make for a fabulous day trip not too far away from the heart of the city. This neighborhood is located north of El Chicó, east of the Suba and Engativa suburbs. This neighborhood has historically been the home of Bogota’s upper-middle class and the area feels relaxed and welcoming. In Usaquen you will find great food options around Usaquen Park as well as lively garden bars filled with local young people and visitors to the city. Here you will also find the iconic Santa Barbara de Usaquen Church and the unmissable Usaquen Flea Market which provides a unique shopping experience for artisanal products and foods. Here you will also find several independent art galleries and it is very easy to get to from the center of the city via car or Transmilenio.
Another essential day trip from Bogota for remote workers will be to the northern town of Zipaquirá, about an hour north of the center of the city by car. Zipaquira is best-known for its Salt Cathedral which boasts an underground altar in a salt cave. This is a truly unique attraction and there are special tours provided by onsite guides and also day tour providers in Bogota. The town has much more to offer, including the Jaime Duque Park with endless picnic opportunities and the local Archeological Museum. For book-lovers, Zipaquira also offers a house museum where Gabriel Garcia Marquez once lived during his studies. You can get to Zipaquira via car or taxi from Bogota, or by taking the Tourist Train from El Salitre station.
Chicaque Natural Park is an excellent day trip from Bogota for remote workers looking to get away from the congestion and pollution of the city center. The park is a natural reserve for a variety of unique wildlife in the area and provides truly amazing hikes through winding cloud forests. The space is well-organized, quiet and a perfect escape from the city - Chicaque boasts two excellent restaurants as well as accommodation options in tents, glamping huts and more. At Chicaque, surrounded by incredible rock formations, you’ll be able to take to the trees with many of the climbing activities onsite as well as walk through lush oak forests. The best way to get to Chicaque is to take an Uber or taxi there from the heart of the city.
Another unmissable day trip from Bogota for remote workers, Villa de Leyva is located around 3-4 hours north of Bogota. Indeed, given its distance from the city, it is definitely suggested to take a couple of days here. Villa de Leyva is a charming village boasting conderful colonial architecture and cobblestones streets around the vast Plaza Mayor. The local Our Lady of the Rosary Church several historical building dating as far back as the 17th century surround the main square. While you’re here, definitely check out Casa Terracota, the local vineyards and the Pozos Azules attraction. You can get to Villa de Leyva via direct bus from El Salitre bus station. Taxis will also take you here but the trip is likely to be very expensive and not particularly shorter.
Nothing is more emblematic about Bogota than Monserrate. Indeed, this mountain is located close to the center of the city but there is enough to see and do here to make it an enjoyable day trip. Atop this mountain you will find a church, as well as several well-regarded restaurants and by far the best sweeping views of the entire city. It is a place for culture, reflection and enjoying some fresh air way above the congested avenues of the city center. You can get to the top by taking the fun cable car or funicular route, or by foot via the pedestrian trail which takes around 2 hours.
For more information about living in Bogota as a remote worker, check out our complete Bogota guide.