Fancy some exercise? Get out into nature at: Chicaque National Park a 30-minute drive away from Bogota. A “cloud forest” with beautiful nature and various activities. The funny thing is that most tourists do not know this national park near Bogota. This allows you to go for walks at your leisure, without running into people every time.
Visiting Chicaque National park is a full-day program. There are several trails in the park. We opted for the slightly longer routes…. We spent over 8 hours on the trail, including at least 6 hours of walking. Although, walking wasn’t quite it. Adventurous scrambling and slipping down to then somewhat cursing over 1.5 hours just walking up at the end of the day. Don’t be deterred, because you will be rewarded with beautiful views, a waterfall and activities. For example, you can even zipline from one tree to another. Very convenient for the non-action lovers among us. Visiting Chicaque National Park is definitely recommended if you are staying in Bogota, have a basic fitness level and fancy nature around you.
And then…you have the “the day after. “You will feel it the next day,” Christian told me. Our German friend. And yes, he was right. Like an old lady, I walked down the stairs. Trying to avoid feeling my muscle pain anywhere. Although we all know that obviously doesn’t work. But visiting Chicaque National Park was well worth the muscle pain! And let’s face it, it feels good to have sore muscles somewhere, too. Even in Bogota.
Practical information about Chicaque National Park
By Colombian standards, transportation to and from the park is very well arranged from Bogota. Would you like to go to Chicaque National Park check out the website. Here’s how to get there and when it’s open (weekends only). Admission was 29,000 COP. You can have lunch in the park. The trails are easy to find and therefore you don’t need a guide.
Bogota during a rainy day
Botero Museum 
But what if in the morning the rain comes pouring down? So what can you do in Bogota without coming back to your hostel like a lapsed cat? Right! To the Botero Museum. Medellin-based artist Donación Botero is known for his voluminous creations. Everything he makes is round and full. His work is unlike anything else, which is why I liked his work. In addition to Botero, other paintings and artworks by Picasso and others are on display. Admission is free and there is a small cafe.
Muse del Oro
In addition to the Botero museum, there is also Museo del Oro in Bogota. Or the gold museum. You’ll find the largest pre-Colombian goldwork collection in the world at the Museum del Oro. It is beautiful to see all that the pre-Colombian civilization made from gold. From body-covering armor to masks. On Sundays and holidays (except therefore on Fridays during Semana Santa) admission is free. On Mondays and holidays that fall on a Monday, the doors of the Museum del Oro remain closed. All other days the museum is open and a ticket costs COP 3,000 (about 1 euro).
Vegetarian food in Bogota
Of course, all these activities make you hungry! Fortunately, as vegetarians, it was not difficult for us to eat well in Bogota. Below is a list of restaurants where you can eat (good) veg. Based on our own experiences in Bogota:
- Taj Mahal – Curries and naan. And, of course, Lassi’s . Address: Calle 119B No. 6A-34, Usaquen, Bogota.
Standard furnishings, nothing special. But the food is delicious! - Osaki – Sushi, Miso soup, Asian. Address: Calle 118A nr 6a-05
Beautiful modern decor. The crowd: hip Colombians, expats and businessmen. There is a positive energy. And lots of choices for vegetarians. Great place for all types of diners. - Crepes&Waffles – pancakes (sweet & savory), fresh fruit drinks. Look for branch near you on the Creps & Waffles website. Usually I have a somewhat negative association with a chain. But at Crepes & Waffles in Columbia, not at all. Healthy dishes, vega, vegan, delicious fruit juices, no matter what you order they have everything. The nice thing is that all people from different walks of life come here to eat. Young and old. We can’t wait for a branch to come to the Netherlands.
