Things To Do
in Choachí
Choachí is a small town located in the Eastern Andes of Colombia, known for its beautiful natural surroundings and charming atmosphere. The town is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,400 meters, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Choachí is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring nearby waterfalls.
Visitors can also enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the town, sampling local cuisine and experiencing the warm hospitality of the residents.
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "¿Cómo te va?" - How's it going?
- "Buenos días" - Good morning
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $30
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike to the beautiful waterfall La Chorrera. Enjoy the serene nature and capture stunning photos of the lush surroundings.
Visit the local market to experience the vibrant culture and savor traditional Colombian dishes. Engage with locals and learn about their crafts.
Relax at a cozy café while enjoying a cup of Colombian coffee. Reflect on your day and plan for tomorrow's adventures.
Embark on an adventure at Parque Natural Chicaque, known for its breathtaking views. Hike the trails and soak in the natural beauty.
After your hike, have a picnic lunch at a scenic viewpoint within the park. Relax and enjoy the views before heading back.
Head back to Choachí and enjoy a laid-back dinner at a local eatery. Interact with locals for a genuine dining experience.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural surroundings with stunning landscapes.
- Rich cultural heritage and local traditions.
- Friendly and welcoming community.
- Opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and ecotourism.
- Proximity to Bogotá, allowing for easier access to urban amenities.
- Limited access to healthcare and educational facilities.
- Potentially less economic opportunities compared to larger cities.
- Infrastructure may be underdeveloped in some areas.
- Vulnerability to natural disasters such as landslides due to mountainous terrain.
- Transportation options might be limited, making travel inconvenient.
Best Activities in Choachí
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience a scenic hike to Colombia's tallest waterfall, La Chorrera, surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning views of the mountains.
Explore the rich biodiversity of Chingaza National Park, known for its variety of birds, including endemic and migratory species.
Enjoy thrilling mountain biking trails that offer both challenging terrains and breathtaking views of the Andean landscape.
Visit local coffee farms to learn about the coffee-making process, from planting to brewing, and enjoy tastings of high-quality Colombian coffee.
Experience an exhilarating paragliding adventure with stunning aerial views of the lush green valleys and mountains of Choachí.
Take a guided walk around Choachí to explore the local culture, history, and architecture, while interacting with friendly locals.
Set up camp in the natural surroundings of Choachí for a night under the stars, enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors.
Tours
Uncover the best of Choachí with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Choachí
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning viewpoint located on the outskirts of Choachí, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Perfect for sunset photography.
The highest waterfall in Bogotá region, La Chorrera is not only a breathtaking natural wonder, but also provides excellent photo opportunities of the cascading water and lush greenery.
This natural park features cloud forests and diverse wildlife, with various trails leading to scenic viewpoints. Ideal for nature photography and landscape shots.
A short drive from Choachí, this viewpoint overlooks the famous Tequendama Falls and the river below, ideal for wide-angle shots and stunning landscapes.
A hidden gem located a short hike from the main road, this secluded waterfall is perfect for those looking to capture the tranquility of nature.
Food in Choachí
Choachí Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty chicken and potato soup, often served with corn on the cob, avocado, and capers. Try it at Restaurante La Casona for an authentic taste.
Must-Try!
A whole roasted pig stuffed with rice, peas, and spices, creating a crispy, flavorful delight. Look for it at Mercado Campesino Choachí.
A variation of the Colombian tamal, typically made with yellow corn, pork, chickpeas, carrots, and rice, wrapped in banana leaves. Don't miss it at La Esquina del Sabor.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Choachí better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers an array of fresh produce, local snacks, and traditional dishes. Don't miss the empanadas and arepas from various stalls.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Choachí, family is a central aspect of life and social structure. Showing respect for family members, including elders, is crucial. When visiting homes, it's customary to greet everyone and acknowledge their importance within the family.
Colombians value polite conversation and may use formal titles when addressing others, especially older individuals. Using 'usted' instead of 'tú' reflects respect. Additionally, it's important to maintain eye contact and listen attentively during discussions.
When invited to social gatherings, be sure to RSVP if possible and bring a small gift, such as pastries or drinks, as a token of appreciation. Arriving a bit later than the scheduled time is acceptable, but avoid being excessively late as it may be seen as disrespectful.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Choachí with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Choachí
Ensure a smooth experience
In Choachí, Colombia, tipping is generally appreciated but not mandatory. It is customary to leave a tip of around 10% in restaurants and for service providers such as taxi drivers. The amount may vary based on the level of service received.
Payments in Choachí can be made in cash, which is widely accepted, especially in local markets and small businesses. Credit and debit cards are becoming more commonly accepted in larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller vendors. Digital payment methods are gradually gaining traction, but may not be as prevalent.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Choachí.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is considered the best time to visit Choachí, as the weather is drier and the chance of rain is significantly lower. Expect pleasant temperatures and great opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring waterfalls.
This period experiences more frequent and intense rainfall. While the landscapes are lush and vibrant, outdoor activities may be affected by weather conditions. Visitors should be prepared for muddy trails and possible flooding.
The weather can be quite variable during these months, with both rainy and dry spells. It's a good time for visitors looking to avoid crowds, and although rain is more common, there can still be beautiful sunny days.
Choachí at Night
Hiking in Choachí
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful natural park located a short drive from Choachí, featuring diverse ecosystems and various hiking trails with stunning views of the Andean landscape.
A popular hike that leads to Colombia's tallest waterfall. The trail takes you through lush vegetation, offering a refreshing experience and scenic views.
This area offers multiple trails with varying levels of difficulty, taking hikers through captivating landscapes filled with flora and fauna unique to the region.
One of the largest paramos in the world, this high-altitude area features various hiking routes that showcase its unique ecosystem and breathtaking panoramas.
A stunning waterfall and a popular spot for visitors, the area has various hiking paths that lead to scenic viewpoints overlooking the falls.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Choachí through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Choachí by plane.
Located in Bogotá, approximately 30 km from Choachí, it is the main international airport of Colombia.
Located in Rionegro, approximately 140 km from Choachí, this airport serves the Medellín metropolitan area.
Also serving Medellín, it is located about 50 km from the city center and serves both domestic and international flights.
Located in Santa Marta, this airport is about 800 km away, serving as a key gateway to the Caribbean region.
Located in Bucaramanga, approximately 250 km from Choachí, it serves domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Choachí, consisting of people of mixed Indigenous and European descent.
A significant group that includes various Indigenous communities native to the region.
A smaller demographic group that may include individuals of African descent, contributing to the cultural diversity of Choachí.
Includes any other minority groups and settlers from different backgrounds residing in the area.
The Soul of Choachí
Discover the essence of Choachí through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Choachí, Colombia, played widely across the region in local leagues and community gatherings.
Cycling is a favored activity in Choachí due to its mountainous terrain, offering both recreational and competitive opportunities for cyclists.
Basketball enjoys popularity among the youth in Choachí, with many local courts and community programs promoting the sport.
Tejo is a traditional Colombian sport that involves throwing a metal disc at a target, often enjoyed socially in local gatherings.
Running as a recreational activity is common in Choachí, with many residents participating in local races and marathons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Choachí.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Colombian cuisine leans heavily towards meat-based dishes, many restaurants in Choachí offer vegetarian alternatives like plantain-based dishes, hearty soups, and fresh salads. La Esquina del Sabor is known for its vegetarian tamal and other options.
Local markets often feature fruit stands and fresh juice vendors, providing gluten-free options. Additionally, many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free requests, with dishes like grilled fish or rice-based plates.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Choachí with these cultural adventures.
