Cundinamarca is the department that surrounds Bogotá, and in many ways it’s Colombia’s best-kept secret. In just a few hours from the capital, you can descend from the cold highlands of the Andes to warm tropical valleys, cross ancient Muisca lagoons steeped in the legend of El Dorado, walk into cathedrals carved from salt, or find yourself climbing a rock face beloved by Colombian rock climbers.
With 116 municipalities (not counting Bogotá itself), Cundinamarca has enough variety for a lifetime of weekend escapes. In this guide, we’ve selected the ten most beautiful towns in Cundinamarca, chosen not only for how they look but for what each one offers a traveller looking to understand the heart of central Colombia.
1. Zipaquirá, home of the Salt Cathedral
Just 50 kilometres north of Bogotá, Zipaquirá is home to one of Colombia’s most extraordinary attractions: the Salt Cathedral, an underground temple carved 200 metres deep into an ancient salt mine. Its illuminated tunnels, monumental cross and enormous naves make it a place unlike any other, both spiritual and dramatic in equal measure.
Beyond the cathedral, the town centre is worth exploring on its own. Its colonial plaza, elegant white cathedral above ground, and cobblestone streets make it a comfortable base for a full day of exploration. It’s the most famous town in Cundinamarca for a reason.
2. Guatavita, the lagoon of El Dorado
An hour and a half from Bogotá, Guatavita hides one of the most legendary sites in the Americas: the sacred lagoon where the Muisca people performed the golden ritual that gave rise to the myth of El Dorado. Their new leader would be covered in gold dust and rowed to the centre of the lagoon to offer treasures to the gods.
The modern town of Guatavita, built in the 1960s after the original was flooded by a reservoir, is a charming whitewashed village with red-tile roofs and colonial-style streets. The hike up to the lagoon takes around three hours round trip and rewards you with one of the most atmospheric landscapes in the country.
3. Villa de Guaduas, an official heritage town
Two hours from Bogotá on the road toward Honda, Villa de Guaduas is one of Colombia’s seventeen official Heritage Towns of Colombia. Its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and rich independence history make it a stop for anyone interested in the country’s origin story.
Here you’ll find the birthplace of Policarpa Salavarrieta, a heroine of Colombian independence, now a museum. The town also holds the Puente Navarro, the first bridge built over the Magdalena River, dating from the late 19th century. The nearby Salto de Versalles waterfall makes for a stunning day trip into the surrounding countryside.
4. Nemocón, the quieter salt mine
An hour north of Bogotá, Nemocón offers an alternative to Zipaquirá’s Salt Cathedral: its own Salt Mine, less crowded but no less impressive. Its enormous underground salt mirrors, formed when water pools reflect the walls, create a surreal, almost otherworldly experience. Fans of Spanish cinema may recognise it as a filming location for the movie The 33, about the Chilean mine rescue.
The town itself is small and pleasant, with a well-preserved central plaza and easy access from Bogotá. Perfect for travellers who want the salt-mine experience without the tourist crowds of Zipaquirá.
5. Suesca, Colombia’s rock-climbing capital
An hour from Bogotá, Suesca is the country’s most popular destination for sport climbing. Its sandstone cliffs, known as the Rocas de Suesca, stretch for kilometres along the valley and welcome climbers of every level, from beginners taking their first lesson to advanced climbers tackling long trad routes.
Beyond climbing, Suesca offers mountain biking, horseback riding along scenic trails, and a growing scene of small cafés and boutique lodges. Even if you never touch a rope, the sight of the cliffs against the Andean plateau is worth the visit.
6. Choachí, waterfalls and hot springs
Just 50 kilometres east of Bogotá, tucked between the mountains of Monserrate and Guadalupe, Choachí is home to one of Colombia’s natural marvels: La Chorrera, the tallest waterfall in the country at over 590 metres, cascading in a series of dramatic steps down the mountainside.
The town is also known for its hot springs, a perfect complement to a day of hiking. Add rappelling, adventure sports, ecological trails and hikes toward the Sumapaz páramo, and Choachí becomes one of the most complete nature destinations near the capital.
7. Villeta, the “Sweet City”
Ninety kilometres northwest of Bogotá, Villeta is nicknamed the Sweet City of Colombia for its important production of panela, the unrefined cane sugar that’s a staple of Colombian cuisine. Its warm climate, averaging around 30°C, makes it a favourite weekend escape for people fleeing the chill of the highlands.
Visit the traditional trapiches, the small mills where the cane is pressed and boiled down, take a bike ride along the country roads, try canyoning in the surrounding hills, or simply relax by the pool at one of the many rural fincas. The Camino Real between Villeta and Guaduas is also a beautiful walk for history-minded travellers.
8. La Vega, the classic weekend escape
About an hour from Bogotá, La Vega is one of the classic weekend escapes for locals. Its comfortable 24°C climate, colonial main square, and easy access make it ideal for a short getaway that still feels like a real change of scenery.
The natural attractions are excellent: the Butulú Hill, the Camino Real trail, the Tabacal Lagoon, the Cacahual wetlands and several waterfalls scattered across the countryside. Locals travel here just to eat the triveguno, a stew of three meats wrapped in plantain leaves that has become a regional icon.
9. Tabio, colonial charm plus hot springs
Just 45 kilometres from Bogotá, Tabio was founded in 1603 on former Muisca territory and remains one of the most charming colonial towns in the region. Its plaza, the Immaculate Conception church, and small oratories are a lovely stop on the way to nearby Zipaquirá.
Tabio’s biggest attraction, however, sits just outside the town: the Termales del Zipa, a set of natural hot springs that have welcomed visitors for centuries. Add the Peña de Juaica, a striking rock formation, and the small botanical garden, and Tabio becomes an ideal half-day or overnight escape from the capital.
10. Nimaima and Tobia, the adventure capital
Ninety kilometres from Bogotá, Nimaima and its inspection area of Tobia have become one of the country’s most important adventure sports destinations. The rivers, canyons and forests of this warm-climate region are perfect for rafting, canyoning, torrentismo (waterfall rappelling), ziplining and horseback riding.
The town itself is small and unassuming, but Tobia has grown into a full ecotourism hub with adventure operators, camping areas and rustic lodges. Ideal for adrenaline seekers looking for an easy trip out of Bogotá.
Discover Cundinamarca with Colombia Memories
Exploring Cundinamarca is one of the most rewarding ways to understand central Colombia. From the salt cathedrals carved into the mountains to the sacred lagoons of the Muisca people, from adventure sports towns to colonial plazas frozen in time, this region has more variety than most countries can offer.
At Colombia Memories, we design tailor-made trips through Cundinamarca and the rest of the country for European travellers. We combine towns, nature and cultural experiences with carefully selected accommodations, certified local guides, and a network of more than 300 verified partners across Colombia. As a Travelife Partner Certified company, we prioritise experiences that leave a positive mark on the communities you visit.
Want to build a route through the most beautiful towns in Cundinamarca? Tell us what kind of trip you dream of and we’ll design your itinerary together, step by step. Get in touch with our team →
Frecuently Ask About Cundinamarca
What is the most beautiful town in Cundinamarca?
Zipaquirá tops most lists thanks to its Salt Cathedral, one of Colombia’s most iconic attractions. Guatavita, Villa de Guaduas and Suesca are also strong contenders.
How many days do you need to visit the towns of Cundinamarca?
Because they’re close to Bogotá, you can visit most of them on day trips or weekend escapes. A route combining 4 or 5 towns takes about 5 to 7 days.
Which towns in Cundinamarca are officially recognised as Heritage Towns of Colombia?
Villa de Guaduas is the only town in Cundinamarca part of the official Heritage Towns of Colombia network.
What is the best time of year to visit Cundinamarca?
The driest months, December to March and July to August, are ideal. Weekdays are always calmer than weekends, which draw crowds from Bogotá.
Can you visit Cundinamarca by public transport?
Yes, most towns are reachable by bus from Bogotá. A private driver or rental car gives you far more flexibility, especially for combining several towns in one trip.
