Things To Do
in Mosquera

Mosquera is a growing municipality in Cundinamarca located just west of Bogotá, functioning as a residential and industrial hub for commuters and travelers near El Dorado International Airport. Its landscape blends urban neighborhoods, small commercial centers and patches of wetlands and agricultural land that hint at the region's rural past. The town has practical services, local markets and a modest historic center with a central park and church that reflect typical Andean Colombian life.

Mosquera is often used as a convenient base for visiting Bogotá, nearby páramos and regional natural parks while offering lower accommodation prices than the capital.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Mosquera
morning
:

Arrive in Mosquera and get settled into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll around the local area to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. A light breakfast at a local café will set the perfect tone for your adventure ahead.

afternoon
:

Visit the main square, Plaza de Mosquera, to soak in the local culture and architecture. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant offering traditional Colombian dishes. Spend your afternoon exploring the local boutiques and artisan shops for unique souvenirs.

evening
:

Dine at a popular local restaurant and try the city’s signature dish. After dinner, take a walk around the vibrant streets, enjoying the atmosphere and perhaps chatting with friendly locals. Wind down your first day with a drink at a cozy bar.

day 2
Exploring Local History
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Church of San Juan Bautista, a historical landmark that showcases colonial architecture. Enjoy a rich Colombian coffee while absorbing the morning serenity of the church grounds. Afterward, explore the nearby museum that offers insights into the town’s colonial history.

afternoon
:

For lunch, try a local favorite, bandeja paisa, at a restaurant known for its home-style cooking. Continue your exploration with a guided tour through the historical district, learning about the significance of each site. Engage with local artisans who share their craft and stories.

evening
:

Attend a cultural event or performance if available, showcasing the rich heritage of the region. After the show, enjoy dinner at a bustling local spot, enjoying the flavors of Colombian cuisine. Relax over coffee and dessert as you reflect on the day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$4-8
Coffee in a cafe$1.50-3
🚕Short taxi ride$2-6
🚌Local bus fare$0.50-1.50
🏨Mid-range hotel (per night)$30-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Close proximity to Bogotá and El Dorado airport, convenient for travelers
  • Lower accommodation and food costs compared with the capital
  • Access to wetlands and rural landscapes for nature activities
  • Authentic everyday Colombian town atmosphere and markets
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and attractions within the town itself
  • Public transportation can be slow; many activities require a car or transfer to Bogotá
  • Nightlife and cultural venues are modest compared with Bogotá
  • Weather can be unpredictable with sudden rain showers
  • "Buenos días" - Good morning
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "Perdón / Disculpe" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Una mesa para dos, por favor" - A table for two, please
  • "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
  • "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please

Places to Visit in Mosquera

Visit one of these nice places.

Parque Principal de Mosquera

The central plaza and church provide classic town-center shots of everyday life, colonial-style facades and vendor activity—best at golden hour for warm light.

Local Wetlands / Green Spaces

Small wetlands and farmland on the municipality's outskirts offer birdlife, reflections and wide skies over the Bogotá savanna—excellent for nature and landscape photography.

Roads Overlooking the Savannah

Elevated points and roadside viewpoints toward the east provide panoramic views of Bogotá and the Andean mountains—clear mornings yield crisp photos.

Street Scenes and Markets

Markets, bakery fronts and colorful street vendors give candid human-interest images and a sense of local culture—visit during market hours for vibrant activity.

Culinary Guide

Food in Mosquera

Cuisine in Mosquera mirrors Andean Colombian food traditions: hearty soups, corn- and potato-based dishes, grilled meats and fresh fruit. Meals are simple, filling and made from locally available ingredients, with influences from Bogotá and the wider Cundinamarca region.

Mosquera Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Ajiaco

Hearty chicken and potato soup with corn and guascas, usually served with rice, avocado and capers; widely available in traditional restaurants and family-run eateries.

Must-Try!

Bandeja paisa (smaller portions often available)

A filling platter of beans, rice, ground meat or steak, chicharrón, plantain and egg — heavy but popular; ask for a reduced portion if sharing or trying multiple dishes.

Arepas and Almojábanas

Corn or cheese breads sold at bakeries and street stalls, perfect for breakfast or snacks; look for fresh ones near markets and cafés.

Changua (breakfast soup)

Milky egg-and-herb soup traditionally eaten for breakfast; comforting on cool Andean mornings and available at breakfast-focused spots.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Municipal Market (Mercado Local)

A place to find fresh fruit, vegetables, cheeses, juices and small food stalls serving local breakfasts, empanadas and snacks — ideal for trying seasonal produce.

Street Vendors near the Park

Vendors sell arepas, empanadas, obleas (thin wafers with fillings) and tinto; great for quick, inexpensive tasting of Colombian street bites.

Climate Guide

Weather

Mosquera sits on the Bogotá savanna at high altitude, so temperatures are mild year-round with cool mornings and evenings. Daytime highs generally range from the mid-teens to low 20s °C (mid-50s to low 70s °F), and nights can feel chilly. Rainfall is concentrated in two wet seasons (bimodal) with drier spells in between; pack layers and a waterproof jacket for comfort.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Colombians are polite and warm—greet people with a handshake or a single cheek kiss among acquaintances; use formal titles (Señor/Señora) in first encounters.

Punctuality

Social events can be relaxed about start times, but for business appointments punctuality is appreciated—confirm times for tours and services.

Dress and Behavior

Dress neatly—casual but tidy clothing is standard. Be respectful in religious sites and avoid loud, disruptive behavior in public spaces.

Photography Courtesy

Ask permission before photographing people, especially vendors and in private or family settings; many will agree but appreciate being asked first.

Safety Guide

Safety

Mosquera is generally safe for daytime activities, but exercise common-sense precautions: avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night, secure belongings in crowded markets and use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Keep copies of travel documents and emergency contacts, be cautious with valuables and ask locals or accommodation staff about areas to avoid. As in many places, petty theft can occur—stay aware when using ATMs and public transit.

Tipping in Mosquera

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory; in restaurants a 10% service charge is sometimes included—if not, a small tip (5–10% for good service) is common. Tip taxi drivers rounding up the fare or a small extra for help with bags.

Payment Methods

Cash (Colombian peso) is widely used for markets and small vendors; credit and debit cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels near urban centers. Carry small bills and coins for buses, vendors and tips; ATMs are available in town but use caution at night.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

In this region the 'dry' periods (often December–March and July–August) bring sunnier days and cooler nights—good for outdoor exploration and photography with less rain interruption.

Rainy Season

Bimodal rainfall patterns mean showers are common in April–May and October–November; expect sudden downpours and muddy trails in nearby natural areas, so pack waterproof gear and schedule flexible outdoor plans.

Shoulder Months

Transitional months can offer a mix of sun and showers with fewer tourists; temperatures stay mild but mornings can be chilly, so layers are useful year-round.

Nightlife Guide

Mosquera at Night

Mosquera's nightlife is low-key compared with Bogotá: expect neighborhood bars, small live-music venues, cafés and restaurants with extended hours rather than large clubs. For a livelier scene, many residents head into Bogotá (20–40 minutes depending on traffic) where a broad range of clubs, bars and cultural events are available. Evenings in Mosquera are pleasant for relaxed socializing, local beers and occasional live music at community spots.

Hiking in Mosquera

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Chicaque Natural Park

A cloud forest reserve southwest of Bogotá with well-maintained trails, suspension bridges and viewpoints—suitable for half-day or full-day hikes and wildlife spotting.

Sumapaz Páramo (access points vary)

One of the largest páramo ecosystems in the world offering high-altitude landscapes, unique flora and challenging day hikes; best with a guide and proper acclimatization.

Local Countryside Routes

Unmarked rural paths and farm tracks around Mosquera are suitable for easy walks, cycling and birdwatching—ask locals for recommended safe routes.

Airports

How to reach Mosquera by plane.

El Dorado International Airport (BOG)

The main international airport serving Bogotá, located a short drive east of Mosquera—convenient for international and domestic connections, taxis and airport shuttles connect Mosquera with BOG in around 15–30 minutes depending on traffic.

Guaymaral Airport (private/charter)

A smaller airfield north of Bogotá used for private flights and flight training; limited commercial use but relevant for some charter operations in the region.

Getting Around

Walkability

Mosquera's central area is reasonably walkable—streets around the main plaza, shops and markets can be explored on foot. Beyond the town center, distances grow and sidewalks may be inconsistent, so walking between neighborhoods can be less convenient; use short taxi rides for dispersed destinations.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Working Families

Many residents are commuters who work in Bogotá or local industry; family-oriented neighborhoods with mixed-age households are common.

Rural and Agricultural Communities

Outlying areas have smallholder farmers and agricultural workers maintaining a rural presence alongside urban expansion.

Small Business Owners and Traders

Market vendors, shopkeepers and service providers form an active entrepreneurial community supporting local commerce.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport—local amateur and youth leagues are common, and residents avidly follow professional teams from Bogotá and across Colombia.

Cycling

Road cycling and recreational biking are popular on the savanna and surrounding roads; many people cycle for fitness and recreation especially on weekends.

Esports and Recreational Sports

Basketball, volleyball and recreational activities are played in schools and community centers; informal sports gatherings are part of local social life.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic can be heavy during Bogotá commuter hours as Mosquera is on major routes into the capital—expect congestion in the mornings and late afternoons. Public transportation includes buses and colectivos connecting to Bogotá; taxis and ride-hailing apps operate locally. Plan extra time for transfers to the airport or for cross-town travel during peak hours.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Mosquera.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited compared to larger cities; ask for 'sin carne' (without meat) or request extra vegetables and eggs. Many restaurants can adapt soups and rice dishes; markets offer fresh fruit and cheese.

Vegan

Vegan choices require more planning—stick to fruit, arepas without cheese, rice, beans and vegetable soups when available. Carry snacks and confirm ingredients as lard and dairy are common.

Gluten-free

Corn-based foods like arepas and some traditional dishes are naturally gluten free, but cross-contamination and wheat in breads and sauces is common—ask ahead and favor simple preparations.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare clinics (EPS-affiliated) and pharmacies are available in Mosquera for minor illnesses and urgent care. For major medical services, specialized care and hospitals, residents typically go to Bogotá where larger public and private hospitals offer comprehensive emergency and specialist care. Carry travel insurance and know the route to the nearest hospital in Bogotá for serious emergencies.

Discover Colombia

Read more in our Colombia 2025 Travel Guide.

Colombia Travel Guide