5 Warm Municipalities Less Than Two Hours From Bogota
Bogota, with its cold climate and constant rains, is Colombia’s most populous metropolis. Bogota is so intense and vibrant, those who live there sometimes need a change of scenery and take a break and take a getaway to a warm land.
The good news is that Bogotá is surrounded by destinations that offer an escape from tropical heat and natural beauty. Here are five hot-land municipalities that are no more than two hours away, perfect for a weekend getaway or a short vacation.
1. Mesitas del Colegio: Beautiful Vacation Estates
Located a little more than 80 km from Bogota, Mesitas del Colegio is a haven of peace and tranquility in the midst of a natural environment full of life. This municipality is the ideal place to spend a few days in the midst of its warm climate, its charming landscapes and its vacation farms.
Here is a list of activities you can do:
- Rest for a few days in a country estate: Mesitas del Colegio is full of spectacular farms, very well equipped and in the middle of nature, where rest, fun and disconnection come together to give you a well-deserved vacation.
- Enjoy the local gastronomy: In this municipality you will find a wide variety of restaurants serving typical Colombian and international dishes.
- Buying handicrafts: Mesitas del Colegio is an ideal place to buy Colombian handicrafts, you will find stores selling products made of wood, leather, ceramics and other materials.
- Take ecological hikes: Mesitas is surrounded by beautiful trails, where you can walk and reach popular sites such as the Cascada de la Chorrera, an impressive waterfall of 30 meters high.
2. Melgar: Sun and water parks
Melgar is a municipality known for its warm climate and nightlife, ideal for escaping the cold of Bogota. In this municipality you can enjoy a wide variety of activities, from relaxing in the thermal waters of its numerous water parks to practicing extreme sports such as rafting.
Melgar is known for activities such as hiking, horseback riding, canopy, canyoning, bike park and paintball. However, its water parks are its main attraction and should be visited by every tourist. These are some of the best known water parks:
- Los Arrayanes WaterPark: It has natural thermal water pools, slides, children’s games and green areas. It has a large and beautiful camping area for lovers of this practice.
- Parque Acuático Termales de Melgar: This park has natural hot springs pools, water slides, children’s playgrounds and green areas.
- Los Cocuyos WaterPark: Park with many pools, natural hot springs, slides, children’s games and contact with nature. It also offers lodging in cabins and camping.
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3. Carmen de Apicala: Rest and adventure
Located just over an hour and thirty minutes from Bogota, Carmen de Apicala is a warm refuge with an average temperature of 33°C. This municipality is perfect for those seeking tranquility and relaxation in hotels or renting a farm near the town, but you can also find different activities such as:
- Nature walks: Surrounded by beautiful nature, in Carmen de Apicala you can enjoy ecological walks, horseback riding or bike rides.
- Hot springs: Carmen de Apicala has several water parks with thermal waters, perfect for relaxing and relieving stress.
- Cave of the Bats: Visit the most enigmatic of this municipality, there you will find a magical place full of mystery. It is said that thousands of bats live here.
- Viewpoint of the Virgin: From this viewpoint you can enjoy a panoramic view of the town and its surroundings.
- Extreme Sports: In Carmen de Apicala you can practice various adventure sports, such as rafting, canopy and paragliding.
4. Villeta: Colonial and very social
A little more than two hours from Bogota, in Villeta you will feel like in another era, with its colonial architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Known as “La Ciudad Panelera” Villeta offers tourists the option of walking its cobblestone streets, visiting the Main Square and the Panelero Museum, or simply enjoying a hot drink in one of its traditional stores.
In this municipality you can also do activities such as:
- Bathe in the Saltos de los Micos waterfalls: These are waterfalls where you can swim, practice canyoning, rappel and jump up to 10 meters.
- Walk along the Camino Real: You can visit the sugar mill and enjoy the Eco Camping.
- Visit the Panela Museum: Would you like to learn about the history of panela? This is a traditional product of the region. You will learn about the process of making panela, from the planting of sugar cane to the milling and packaging.
- Attend the different cultural events: Some of the most popular events are the Llanera Music Festival, the National Film Festival and the Gastronomic Festival.
5. Choachí: Hot springs and hiking
Leaving Bogota and just over an hour away, you will find Choachí. This municipality has a climate that varies throughout the year. Summers are long, comfortable and cloudy, while winters are short and cool.
Choachí offers a variety of activities for visitors who wish to explore its natural beauty and rich culture. In this municipality you can enjoy activities such as:
- Relax in the hot springs: The thermal springs in Choachí are perfect for relaxation. Immerse yourself in its warm waters and enjoy the tranquility.
- Visit the Orchid Gardens: If you are a flower lover, visit the beautiful orchid gardens in Choachí.
- Bathe in La Chorrera Waterfall: It is one of the highest waterfalls in Colombia. You can take a hike to reach it, as the trail will take you through forests and breathtaking scenery. Along the way you will enjoy panoramic views.
In conclusion, taking a trip to Choachí, Melgar, Carmen de Apicalá, Villeta and Mesitas del Colegio are a great option less than two hours from Bogotá. Each with its own particular charm, they offer you a unique opportunity to discover vibrant and quiet places that will help you create unforgettable memories.
