Hiking Bogotá's Surrounding Peaks: Day Trips to Breathtaking Andean Views

While most tourists take the cable car or funicular to Monserrate's summit at 3,152 meters, the pilgrim's path—a steep stone stairway of over 1,500 steps—offers the most rewarding approach. I set out before dawn, my headlamp illuminating the path as local devotees make their way up alongside me, some on their knees in religious devotion.

The trail ascends through cloud forest ecosystems, where the vegetation gradually shifts with the altitude. The predawn climb means you'll likely have moments of solitude between groups of pilgrims—perfect for pausing to sketch the emerging silhouette of the city below. I always carry a small watercolor kit in my pack; there's something meditative about capturing the gradient of blues and purples as night surrenders to morning over the Bogotá savanna.

Reaching the summit just before sunrise rewards you with a spectacular light show as the first golden rays touch the white church that crowns the mountain. This 17th-century sanctuary dedicated to the Fallen Lord is as much a cultural landmark as it is a religious one. The panorama from here encompasses not just Bogotá in its entirety but stretches to reveal the vastness of the Andean landscape beyond.

After exploring the summit and perhaps enjoying a traditional breakfast of hot chocolate and almojábana (cheese bread) at one of the restaurants, I recommend descending via a different route than the main pilgrim's path. The less-traveled Sendero Ecológico winds through denser vegetation, offering glimpses of hummingbirds and the occasional Andean guan. The biodiversity here serves as a reminder of what once covered these mountains before the urban expansion below.

Hidden in plain sight within the eastern edge of Bogotá lies Quebrada La Vieja, a natural treasure that feels impossibly distant from city life despite its location. The trail begins in the upscale Rosales neighborhood, where at 5:30 AM sharp, park rangers open the gates to a limited number of hikers each day.

What makes La Vieja special is its accessibility combined with authentic wilderness. Within minutes of starting the trail, the urban soundtrack fades, replaced by rushing water from the quebrada (creek) and a chorus of Andean birds. The path follows the waterway up through increasingly pristine cloud forest—a microclimate that collects morning mist, creating an ethereal atmosphere perfect for photography.

The trail gains elevation quickly, switchbacking up the mountain through changing vegetation zones. About halfway up, you'll encounter a small waterfall that provides a natural rest point. I've spent many mornings here with my travel journal, capturing the play of light through the canopy as the sun rises and transforms the forest.

After approximately 90 minutes of steady climbing, you reach a natural viewpoint called El Mirador. Unlike Monserrate with its church and restaurants, this summit offers nothing but a simple wooden cross and unobstructed views. The northern expanse of Bogotá unfolds below, while the páramo ecosystem—unique to high Andean regions—surrounds you with its characteristic frailejones plants, their fuzzy leaves capturing moisture from passing clouds.

The limited entry system means you'll share this experience with only a handful of locals—mostly dedicated runners and nature enthusiasts. Conversations flow easily here, and I've received some of my best tips about Colombian art galleries and hidden cafés while catching my breath alongside Bogotanos at the summit.

While Monserrate draws the crowds, its neighboring peak—Guadalupe—offers a more solitary and challenging experience. Crowned by a massive 15-meter white statue of the Virgin Mary that's visible from much of Bogotá, this 3,317-meter mountain provides what I consider the most comprehensive views of the city and surrounding landscape.

The ascent to Guadalupe requires serious preparation. The trail is less maintained, steeper in sections, and significantly less trafficked than its famous neighbor. This isolation is both its challenge and its charm. I recommend hiring a local guide for your first attempt, not just for safety but for the cultural context they provide about the mountain's significance to bogotanos.

The route begins near the Circunvalar road and immediately plunges into dense vegetation. The initial section follows a cobblestone path that dates back to colonial times before transitioning to natural trails that can become quite technical. My trekking poles have proven invaluable on these steep sections, especially during the fall when afternoon rain can make the descent slippery.

What captivates me about Guadalupe is how the ecosystem transforms dramatically with elevation gain. The lower sections feature typical Andean cloud forest, but as you climb higher, the vegetation shortens and the iconic frailejones appear—prehistoric-looking plants with woolly leaves that have adapted to the harsh páramo conditions. These unique plants create otherworldly landscapes that seem more suited to a fantasy film than a hike just outside a major metropolis.

Reaching the statue requires approximately three hours of steady climbing. The monument itself, constructed in the 1940s, stands on a platform that offers 360-degree views. On clear days, you can see not just Bogotá but all the way to the snowcapped peaks of Los Nevados National Park over 100 kilometers away. The solitude at the summit provides a perfect opportunity for meditation or sketching—I've filled countless pages capturing the dramatic cloud formations that build over the afternoon across the high-altitude landscape.

For the truly adventurous solo traveler seeking to experience the most unique ecosystem surrounding Bogotá, Páramo de Sumapaz represents the ultimate day trip. Technically still within Bogotá's city limits (making it the world's largest urban park), this vast páramo is Earth's largest alpine tundra ecosystem—a high-altitude wonderland that feels like walking on another planet.

Reaching Sumapaz requires either joining a specialized tour or renting a vehicle with high clearance. The journey takes approximately 3 hours from central Bogotá, passing through rural communities where life moves at a different rhythm. I recommend leaving the city by 5 AM to maximize your time in the páramo before afternoon weather typically deteriorates.

What makes Sumapaz extraordinary is its otherworldly landscape—rolling hills covered with frailejones (the iconic furry plants that can live for hundreds of years), crystal-clear lagoons reflecting perfect skies, and expansive views that seem to stretch forever. This ecosystem serves as Bogotá's water factory, with the páramo's unique vegetation acting like a giant sponge that captures moisture from passing clouds.

The main hiking route follows the Las Catorce Lagunas (Fourteen Lagoons) trail, a moderately difficult 12-kilometer loop that showcases the páramo's diversity. The altitude here ranges between 3,500 and 4,000 meters above sea level, meaning oxygen is noticeably thinner. My altitude sickness pills have helped me adjust more comfortably, though I still recommend taking the first hour at a gentle pace while your body acclimatizes.

As an artist, I find Sumapaz offers the most compelling landscapes for both photography and sketching. The interplay of light across the undulating terrain creates ever-changing shadows, while the frailejones—some standing over 3 meters tall and hundreds of years old—provide fascinating subjects with their anthropomorphic forms. The quality of light at this altitude is unlike anywhere else, with extraordinary clarity that makes colors appear more saturated and distances difficult to judge.

Beyond its visual appeal, Sumapaz holds profound ecological significance. This fragile ecosystem faces threats from climate change, with rising temperatures pushing the delicate balance of species toward extinction. Hiking here comes with responsibility—stay strictly on marked trails, pack out all waste, and respect the absolute prohibition on fires or camping.

Hiking solo in the mountains surrounding Bogotá offers unparalleled freedom and connection with nature, but it requires careful preparation and cultural awareness. After multiple visits to these trails over the years, I've developed practices that balance adventure with safety.

First, understand that security situations can change. While many trails have become significantly safer in recent years, always check current conditions before setting out. I make it a habit to speak with locals—hotel staff, restaurant owners, or taxi drivers—to get their assessment of trail conditions. Colombian people are incredibly helpful and will give honest advice about which areas are currently recommended for solo travelers.

Second, timing is everything. Most trails are safest when hiked early in the morning (5-10 AM) when local exercise enthusiasts are out in numbers. This isn't just for security—afternoon weather patterns typically bring rain and fog that can make navigation challenging and trails dangerous. I've learned this lesson firsthand after being caught in a sudden downpour on Quebrada La Vieja that transformed gentle streams into rushing torrents within minutes.

Third, dress appropriately—both for safety and cultural sensitivity. Bogotá's mountain weather is notoriously changeable, requiring layers that can adapt to conditions. My go-to setup includes moisture-wicking base layers, a warm mid-layer, and a reliable rain jacket that packs down small but provides essential protection from sudden showers. Equally important is avoiding flashy clothing or equipment that might draw unwanted attention in urban areas before and after your hike.

Finally, embrace the local hiking culture. Colombians are incredibly sociable on trails—a simple "Buenos días" goes a long way and often leads to wonderful conversations. Some of my most meaningful connections in Colombia have come from chance encounters with local hikers eager to share their knowledge of the mountains. This social aspect also enhances safety, as fellow hikers look out for one another on the trails.

For women hiking solo, I recommend connecting with local hiking groups like 'Bogotá Hiking' or 'Mujeres a la Montaña' through social media. These communities organize regular group hikes and provide valuable support networks for international visitors wanting to explore beyond the standard tourist trails.