Off the beaten Path from Bogota, and can't be missed!
By: Luci

Off the beaten Path from Bogota, and can't be missed!

Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá 

 An impressive Cathedral hewn out of a salt mine in Zipaquira. A visit is by guided tour. English, German, French, and Spanish guides are available. To get there take the Transmilenio to Portal del Norte and then a bus to Zipaquirá (45 min / 3,400 COP). Ask the bus driver for directions to the cathedral, it is only two blocks from the main plaza. The current cathedral is the second construction and opened in 1995 after the first one had to close because of safety concerns.

Laguna del Cachique Guatavita

 This spiritual lake is where the legend of El Dorado originated. The Muisca Indian King used to have religious ceremony in the middle of the lake, painted all his body with gold dust, and threw gold things offered in sacrifice into the lake. English/Spanish guided tour is available. To get there take the Transmilenio to Portal del Norte and then a bus to Guatavita and ask for another transportation to the lake. This is a little bit complicated, but local police can help. The journey will take little more time than to Zipaquirá.

Andrés Carne de Res

  (Restaurant and dance) Amazing steak and a great place to party. Do not miss it if you wanna see how important food and dancing is for Colombians!!!! Calle 3 # 11A -56 Phone: 863-7880 (Chía) Live music is one the best "rumbiaderos" (nightclubs). It is located about 15 mins north of Bogotá.

Bogotá as a hub to visit other places in Colombia 

As the capital city is centrally located you can easily visit many distinct destinations as the Amazon Jungle (1.5 hrs by plane), Spanish colonial cities Cartagena orPopayán (1 hr flight), modern cities like Medellín located in an impressive Andean valley or Cali at the foothills of the Andes.

Visit nearby towns like Chia, La Calera, Cajica, Tabio, Zipaquira and La Vega. You can find cheap and fast transportation to any of this destinations from the Terminal de transportes and from most, you can return the same day. But it's a good idea to get out, Bogotá is a chaotic city surrounded by lots of relaxed and peaceful places.
Choachí is the best kept secret in town. This small village 50 min. East of Bogotá is reached after climbing up and down a tall mountain, so tall you can see Monserrate at your feet. Local cooking, hot springs and a great Swiss restaurant await for you at your destination.