Bogotá: Visit Colombia’s Highest Waterfalls & Guadalupe Hill

La Chorrera drops 590 meters through the hills near Choachí, and the best part of this outing is the gradual build-up: countryside views from the car, a forested trail, then the growing roar of water before the falls finally appear. The route also includes El Chiflón, giving you two waterfalls in one day.

I like the private format, since the pace can feel more personal than a large bus tour. I also like the practical hotel pickup, driver-guide, entrance tickets, and small snack included in the $103 price.

The main catch is the walk. This is not a roadside photo stop, and the trail can be muddy or tiring. Also, the supplied route details cover El Chiflón and La Chorrera, not a separate visit to Guadalupe Hill, so confirm the exact stops before booking.

Key points to know before you book

• La Chorrera drops 590 meters: The main event is a powerful waterfall reached on foot through lush vegetation.
• El Chiflón comes first: You get a 75-minute stop for a second waterfall, photos, walking, and views.
• The whole outing lasts seven hours: That includes the drive from Bogotá, both walks, and the return.
• A private group gives you room to set the pace: The outing may even run with only you and the guide.
• José is a guide to look out for: He is praised for friendly service, careful driving, clear explanations, and checking on guests during the walk.
• Pack for a real hike: Wear sports shoes, carry water and sunscreen, and bring clothing that can get dirty.

From Bogotá to Choachí by morning road

Your day begins with pickup at your Bogotá hotel. The early start matters because this is a seven-hour outing, and the waterfalls are reached by road and trail rather than by a quick city transfer.

As the buildings thin out, the drive turns into part of the attraction. You get views of the Colombian countryside on the way toward Choachí, with the promise of a much larger waterfall ahead. The provided details do not give a precise pickup time, so check availability when you book and be ready at your hotel early.

The transportation is described as special transport to and from your hotel, with a driver-guide included. That makes this easier than arranging separate transport to Choachí, finding the waterfall entrance, and returning to Bogotá on your own.

The private setup is useful here. You are not trying to keep up with a large group, and the guide can explain what you need for the walk and check how you are doing. José is specifically praised for being friendly, helpful, and attentive. One booking even ended up with a single participant, which made the walk feel especially quiet and personal.

El Chiflón gives you a warm-up waterfall

The first listed stop is El Chiflón Waterfalls, where you have about 75 minutes for a visit, a walk, photos, and scenic views. Think of this as both a proper stop and a useful warm-up for La Chorrera.

A first waterfall helps you settle into the day. You get time to stretch your legs after the drive, take photographs, and begin walking through the vegetation before tackling the longer main stop. The sound and sight of rushing water also set the mood for what follows.

This is a self-guided portion of the outing, so do not expect a constant stream of narration or a formal group presentation at every point. Your driver-guide handles the practical side, while you have time to explore at your own pace.

Seventy-five minutes is enough for a meaningful visit, but it is not an open-ended stop. If you like taking many photos or walking slowly, keep an eye on the time. The day has another waterfall ahead, and La Chorrera receives the larger share of the schedule.

The long walk toward 590-meter La Chorrera

La Chorrera gets roughly two hours, making it the main reason to book this trip. You leave the vehicle and follow a trail through lush vegetation, with the sound of rushing water acting as your guide.

The route is designed around anticipation. At first, you are walking through greenery. Then the water becomes easier to hear. As you get closer, the falls begin to feel less like a distant attraction and more like a force filling the valley.

The exact trail conditions are not provided, so you should prepare for uneven or dirty ground rather than a smooth city path. The activity specifically warns that this is a long walk. Comfortable shoes and sports shoes are both recommended, and clothes that can get dirty are a sensible choice.

Bring water. Also pack sunscreen, a hat, and an umbrella. Those items may sound excessive for a waterfall walk, but weather can change, and the organizers specifically recommend them. Comfortable clothing is more important than looking polished for the ride back to Bogotá.

This is not the right outing for someone who wants to step out of a car, take one picture, and leave. The walking is what makes the waterfall feel earned, but it also limits the tour’s appeal for anyone with mobility concerns or low walking stamina.

Feeling the spray at the base

The payoff comes when La Chorrera fills your view. At 590 meters, the waterfall has a scale that is difficult to grasp from a photograph. The closer you get, the more you notice the cool mist, the noise of the falling water, and the force of the drop.

You will have time to stop at the base, enjoy the surroundings, and take photographs. The two-hour visit is long enough to avoid a rushed glance, though it still includes the walk in and out. Keep your phone or camera protected from moisture if you move close to the spray.

The setting gives you something a viewpoint alone cannot. You are not simply looking at a tall waterfall from a road. You hear it before the final view, then feel the mist when you approach. That change from sound to sight to touch is what makes the stop memorable.

At the same time, do not expect a fully structured guided hike with a detailed talk at every bend. The outing includes a live guide in English or Spanish, but the waterfall stops are described as self-guided. You should see the guide as your point of support for transportation, tickets, directions, and general care, with free time to enjoy the falls yourself.

What the private format adds

A private group changes the feel of the day. You are not sharing the vehicle with a large party, and the schedule can be less awkward when you want to pause for photos or take a breather.

That does not mean you can redesign the outing completely. The listed route gives El Chiflón 75 minutes and La Chorrera two hours, with the whole activity lasting seven hours. Still, a private driver-guide is a useful choice for a trail-based day, especially when your energy level may vary.

José receives particularly strong praise for this part of the job. He is described as a good driver, friendly, and careful with guests. One detailed account says he explained what was needed for the walk and checked on the guest’s condition along the way. That kind of attention matters more on a long trail than a polished speech about the scenery.

The tour offers English and Spanish guiding. If language support is important to you, select the language you need when booking or confirm it before departure.

Is $103 a fair price?

At $103 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see a waterfall near Bogotá. The value comes from what is bundled together: hotel pickup and return, a driver-guide, tickets, special transportation, a small snack, two waterfall stops, and a private group.

A self-arranged visit might cost less if you are comfortable sorting out transport and entry details yourself. But you would also need to handle the road to Choachí, organize the return, and manage the two waterfall visits without the same built-in support.

The price makes more sense for you if convenience matters, your time in Bogotá is limited, or you prefer a private outing. It is less compelling if you are mainly looking for the lowest possible cost and do not mind making your own arrangements.

Lunch is not included, and breakfast is optional rather than part of the package. You should plan around that. The included small snack is useful, but it is not a substitute for a meal after a long morning of driving and walking. The information provided does not specify where lunch can be bought, so ask the operator about meal timing before you leave.

The Guadalupe Hill question

The experience is presented with Guadalupe Hill in its title, but the supplied route lists Bogotá, El Chiflón Waterfalls, La Chorrera Waterfall, and the return to Bogotá. It does not list a separate Guadalupe Hill visit or give time for one.

That difference is worth checking before you pay. If Guadalupe Hill is important to you, ask Encanto Colombiano Tours whether it is included on your selected departure. Do not assume that a title reference means you will stop there.

The waterfall program itself is clearly laid out: El Chiflón for 75 minutes, La Chorrera for two hours, and scenic countryside views along the drive. For most people, those two stops are enough for a full day outside Bogotá.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a strong nature break from Bogotá and enjoy walking to a payoff. It suits people who like hearing water before seeing it, taking photos, and spending time outdoors rather than rushing through several city sights.

It is also a good fit if you value a private group and hotel pickup. The driver-guide setup takes away much of the transport worry, and the chance of having only one participant can make the walk feel calm.

You should think twice if you dislike long walks, need wheelchair access, or want a very easy sightseeing day. The outing is not suitable for wheelchair users, babies under one year, people over 95, or people over 70 according to the stated restrictions. Baby strollers and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

The age limit may seem broad, but it signals that the operator considers the trail demanding enough to require extra care. If you are near those limits or have concerns about walking, ask before booking rather than relying on the private format to solve the issue.

What to pack for the waterfall trail

Keep your packing simple and practical:

• Comfortable sports shoes with a secure sole
• Clothes that can get dirty
• Water
• Sunscreen
• A hat
• An umbrella
• A small bag for personal items and camera protection

You do not need to dress for a formal tour. The road portion may be easy, but the waterfall walk is the part that determines your comfort. Shoes that look good in Bogotá but slip or pinch on a wet trail are a poor trade.

An umbrella has two uses here: sun protection and rain protection. The same is true of clothing that can get dirty. You are heading into a natural area, not a paved plaza.

Booking flexibility and practical details

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps you from paying at the moment of booking. Starting times depend on availability, so check the date carefully.

The activity includes skip-the-ticket-line access, though the route still involves walking and waiting for transport. Hotel pickup is included from the place where you are staying in Bogotá, so provide accurate accommodation details.

The operator is Encanto Colombiano Tours. The guide language options are English and Spanish, and the group type is private. Those details are especially useful if you want a more direct day with fewer people and less time spent gathering a large party.

Should you book La Chorrera from Bogotá?

Book it if you want one substantial countryside outing, a very tall waterfall, and the ease of private hotel transport. The combination of El Chiflón, La Chorrera, trail time, and attentive driver-guide service gives the day more substance than a simple photo stop.

I especially like the chance to get close enough to feel the mist and hear the full roar of La Chorrera. José’s careful, friendly approach is another encouraging sign, though guide assignments can vary.

Skip it if you want a short, effortless excursion, need accessible paths, or are counting on Guadalupe Hill without confirming the route. For everyone else, the $103 price is reasonable when you place a value on private transport, included tickets, and a guide who helps you manage a long walk outside Bogotá.

FAQ

How long does the waterfall tour last?

The activity lasts seven hours, including pickup in Bogotá, the drive to Choachí, visits to both waterfalls, and the return to Bogotá.

Which waterfalls are included?

The route includes El Chiflón Waterfalls and La Chorrera Waterfall. El Chiflón receives about 75 minutes, while La Chorrera receives about two hours.

How tall is La Chorrera Waterfall?

La Chorrera is 590 meters tall.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and return transportation to the hotel where you are staying in Bogotá are included.

What languages are available for the guide?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. A small snack is included, while breakfast is optional.