Top 5 Bogotá Outdoor Activities: Explore the City’s Wild Side

Bogotá, that big capital of Colombia, isn’t just museums and tasty restaurants; it’s also got some really fantastic outdoor spots. Very, very different activities can get you out into the fresh air, right in the middle of it all. Is that the Andes Mountains standing tall in the background or very inviting parks right there to wander in? There is so much to experience. Anyway, here is a peek into some must-try outdoor adventures that the city has to give.

1. Hiking Up Monserrate

Going to Monserrate is more or less a Bogotá tradition. Yet it is so much more, as it gives you the opportunity to take in the city’s amazing views. So, imagine making your way up the trail, it is pretty challenging, and the reward? You know, it’s worth it. So that beautiful church is standing guard on top, looking over the entire city. We are going to share a brief story with you! I recall attempting the hike early one Saturday, just before dawn. Honestly, the quiet, as well as the twinkling lights below, was super magical. Is that every bead of sweat worthwhile? I think so. So, if you would rather not hike, you can very easily take a cable car or funicular up, in the same way. You will get to the top no matter what.

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2. Biking Through Usaquén

Usaquén feels quite a bit like its own small town, it is surrounded by that vast urban setting. So what’s super awesome is taking a bike ride, on top of the usual way of wandering around by foot. It has very narrow cobblestone streets, which gives a great atmosphere. But the streets also make for a relaxing ride. Right? That area is super charming! Is that something to do? Check out the Sunday market where local artists show their work, it could be a great thing to do on your cycling break, very much needed after pedaling so much. I went one time, or should I say “attempted”, to buy way too many paintings and artisan goods! Just about very gorgeous. What you will discover could fill up a whole wall!

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3. Exploring Parque Simón Bolívar

Want something a little more chill? Usually Parque Simón Bolívar does the trick. It could be the city’s very biggest green spot, where so many people from everywhere hang out and take a break from the madness. It has lots of room to jog around, to do yoga, or even to just read a book beside the lake, of course depending on whether it’s a good reading environment, or if the activity of people gets you too easily distracted. If there is a special outdoor event, there is a great chance that you could very well catch it here. So one afternoon I think I spent it watching a free concert. A really amazing show. And, very unforgettable because a ton of other people liked the show so much they attended! And it wasn’t costing anyone anything.

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4. Birdwatching at the Botanical Garden

Right then, if you feel something is missing in the green side of nature, it’s time to check out the Botanical Garden. As a matter of fact, the diversity of plants is very cool, just the sheer variety could interest just about anyone who likes nature, even in the smallest bit. Typically, the thing to do there is to check out the super cool birds. Is that their colors that just pop amongst the leaves? It might be really nice for people into birds, beginners to more advanced types. One time I was hanging out there and actually learned that Bogotá is considered quite a fantastic place for birdwatchers; who knew that it’s just because of all the various ecosystems so nearby?

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5. Day Trip to Parque Nacional Chingaza

So to switch it up a bit and completely leave the city for one of the days, you can very well go on a little day trip to Parque Nacional Chingaza. I think so because you have beautiful scenery waiting for you not too far outside of town, in fact I highly recommend going! Arguably that natural reserve has like breathtaking views of the páramo, very high-altitude ecosystem. Then, what is so good for doing out there? To hike, very peaceful hiking. Anyway, to do some soul-searching out there is just gorgeous. So I kind of consider spending time up there in the mountains as that best possible cure for burnout.

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