Top Things to do in Choachi
10 Things to Do in Choachi That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Choachi, Colombia including Cascada La Chorrera, Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), Finca Cafetera La Esmeralda, Parque Aventura la Chorrera, Mount Monserrate, Termales Santa Monica, Casa Libreria Wilborada 1047, Museo Botero del Banco de la Republica, Alameda de Quebrada Vieja, Luis Angel Arango Library.
Restaurants in Choachi
1. Cascada La Chorrera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 161 reviews
Reviewed By travelwiz13 - United States
Just across the Mountains from Bogotá, this is a gorgeous taste of rural Colombia. From the main road, you pass through a couple villages and reach a really nice private park -- with super friendly staff -- where you can purchase admission, have some Cuban food, and then take the walk to the Waterfalls. The guide is not at all necessary, although if you're alone and looking for company, it might be worth the money. My friend and I visited during "dry" February and, while La Chorrera wasn't that full of water, it was still pretty spectacular -- and the other Waterfalls were nice, too. The hike isn't that difficult, but it's rocky and steep in places, and I can see how it would be a bit tricky in the rainy season -- if you have them, wear hiking boots, but sneakers should be okay. The altitude was a bit rough on me, but I paused now and then and it was fine.
My friend and I actually took an Uber there and back -- the driver waited for us -- and we paid $73,400 for the ride there, the driver stopped the journey, and then we paid him cash (same fare) plus a tip for waiting a few hours, for the ride back. The total was about US$60. The road to the trailhead is partially dirt and a bit rocky, so while our Uber driver's sedan was fine during the dry season, I'm not sure things would have worked that well in the rainy season. (I'm also pretty sure that a less agreeable Uber driver would have refused to take his car up/down the dirt road to the trailhead.)
A cheaper option -- although for 3 or 4 people you're close to an Uber price -- would probably be to take the "bus" (a van) to the dirt road to the trailhead, and then transfer to a motorcycle taxi, hitchhike, or just go on foot. Honestly, the road to/from the trailhead looked longer/steeper than was described online, so I was happy to skip that walk, especially given how hard the altitude was on me. If you're taking the bus, bring extra cash, in case you want a taxi in/out from the trailhead.
Plan on 5-6-ish hours if going by Uber or car, and perhaps 8-10 hours (maybe longer), if going by bus/foot/local taxi.
On a sunny day in late February, my friend and I had the place to ourselves, so tourists might want to consider a weekday visit, as weekends are full of local people enjoying the scenery and hike.
It's obvious most tourists and backpackers don't know about this place, which is a shame, because it's gorgeous and close to Bogotá. The scenery reminded me a bit like Salento/coffee region, minus the wax palms.
2. Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
The Banco de la República Gold Museum houses one of the most important collections of pre-Hispanic metallurgy in the world. As its history, which dates back to 1939, has unfolded, so this institution has become a symbol of Colombia's cultural memory. Its golden exhibition, fully renewed in November, 2008, is a place you cannot miss in your next trip to Bogota.
Reviewed By C H - Washington DC, District of Columbia
This is a truly amazing collection of pieces.
The museum is laid out in a pathway for you to follow upwards, explaining both the history of precious metals and the processes that were used by different groups of people over time.
The collection is huge and well labeled and laid out. It is amazing that such a collection has been amassed and well worth a visit.
3. Finca Cafetera La Esmeralda
Overall Ratings
5 based on 3 reviews
Enjoy the peacefulness of the countryside and the fresh air near the city. Know the coffee culture from the cultivation to the cup, with a personalized tour in ecological trails and beautiful landscapes. At just 50 minutes from Bogota D.C. and 10 minutes from Choachi Cundinamarca.
Reviewed By KBS269 - Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
Great authentic coffee plantation, cute animals and beautiful hillside surroundings. A perfect spot to learn about the coffee process or purchase some delicious coffee! Our host and guide was most informative and attentive.
4. Parque Aventura la Chorrera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By DrAcharya - India
Amazing, one of the highest water falls in the globe!! Breath taking scenario.Well preserved nature around, taken care by local farmers' Association. Wonderful guides who take care of you throughout the trail.There is a entrance ticket worth.
5. Mount Monserrate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
Monserrate hill provides exceptional panaromic views of Bogata and beyond.
Reviewed By HelenBorda - Santo Domingo
This is worth going. The scenic view from up top will leave you in awe! Its beatiful vegetation and sculptures are a must once in a lifetime,because it is very high and many people can not tolerate,regardless the church is nice and also two fancy restaurants to choose from. There are two ways to go up and down. Funicular and cablecars. Either is very fast and secure.
6. Termales Santa Monica
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By RNSD84 - Bogota, Colombia
We spent an night with family (5 of us) enjoying the aguas termales. We purchased an overnight promotion that was all inclusive including a massage. The price averaged about $50 per person.
The hotel rooms were spacious with plenty of room for the 5 of us, although we spent little time there, mostly enjoyed relaxing in the various pools. The grounds are nicely kept and during the week, there were less than 20 other people.
7. Casa Libreria Wilborada 1047
Overall Ratings
5 based on 136 reviews
Set within a gorgeous restored English-style mansion, this bookstore brings you home. Immense wood shelves are covered in books, and the comfortable lounge chairs and couches beg to be sat on. The selection covers it all: classic to modern literature, poetry, photography and food, graphic novels and essays. Treat yourself to a hot beverage at their coffee shop while you read or chat with friends. As if the books in English and the bilingual librarians weren't enough reasons to visit, they also have cultural programs for children, and adults can listen in as experts discuss Literary topics. This is a place to let your creativity and imagination run wild.
Reviewed By Jane E - New York City, New York
I found this bookshop and cafe in an internet search for English language books in Bogota. It turned out to have a disappointing English language range but a terrific cafe with great wifi. The Libreria ranges over 3 floors of what looks like an old...MoreJane Thanks a lot for your candid opinion. We brought books every two months. I will use yur comments to improve the selection. Best regards Yolanda
8. Museo Botero del Banco de la Republica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Great little museum containing works of renowned Colombian painter and sculptor, Fernando Botero.
Reviewed By Nesligul D - Istanbul, Turkey
Botero is one of Colombia’s most famous artists and there are two important Botero museums in Colombia, one is in Bogota and the other is in his hometown, Medellín.
Both are nice and should be visited. P
This museum also has works of art of other famous artists from other countries.
All these paintings are given to the museum by Botero himself as a present.
50 of these works of art are his own and the remaining 83 are of other artists.
The building itself used to be the Moneda/ Mint of the country.
9. Alameda de Quebrada Vieja
Overall Ratings
5 based on 98 reviews
Reviewed By namchegompa - Bogota, Colombia
this is a great hike that'll get your heart rate up and put you in the throws of nature without the inconvenience of driving two hours out of town for the experience. the closest parking lots if you drive are down the hill a spell and you have to walk the path through an urban-ish trail until you get to the head of the hike-it adds about 15/20 minutes to your journey. if you take a taxi, have them drop you off at "mirador de la canada" (populates on google maps and waze better than the actual address, which is 'calle 71 #2-84'). it's the name of the apt building where the trail starts just behind. you walk through nice changes in scenery and even young-ish legs can make it to the top (i'd say 8yrs old and older ideal). it's better to go early and head down by 9am because the police along the trail leave by 10am. at a leisurely pace with little legs (8 and 11 yrs old) amongst us we did the round trip in 3 hrs.
10. Luis Angel Arango Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 388 reviews
Reviewed By Marcela R - Bogota, Colombia
Located un the hearth of the Candelaria, it is more than a library... it has great art collection.... in front of it there is the sala de las custodias, which has 3 custodias in puré gold and precious stones....please do not miss it
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