Things To Do
in Sopó
Sopó is a small, picturesque town in the Andean highlands of Cundinamarca, a short drive north of Bogotá, known for its green valleys, traditional plazas and farm-to-table rural feel. The town sits at high elevation with cool, changeable weather and panoramic views of the Eastern Hills and Bogotá savanna. Sopó is a quiet base for outdoor activities—hiking, horseback riding and birdwatching—and is close to regional attractions like Parque Jaime Duque and Chingaza National Natural Park.
Visitors appreciate the relaxed pace, local food markets and easy access to Bogotá for day trips or nightlife.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Sopó and check into your accommodation, soaking in the serene atmosphere of this charming town. Enjoy breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh Colombian coffee and pastries. Take a leisurely stroll around the town square to admire its colonial architecture and vibrant flowers.
Visit the nearby Parque La Cabaña for a casual hike through the beautiful green landscapes. You can also explore local artisan shops and pick up unique handmade souvenirs. Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant, sampling regional dishes made with local ingredients.
As the sun sets, relax back at your accommodation or head to a scenic viewpoint to watch the twilight colors paint the sky. Dine at a cozy eatery that features traditional Colombian music for a truly immersive experience. End your evening by chatting with locals or fellow travelers to share stories and tips.
After breakfast, embark on a pilgrimage to the famous Monserrate, a mountain that offers stunning views of Bogotá. Take the funicular or hike up the trail, surrounded by lush vegetation and charming shrines. Once at the top, enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views and visit the sanctuary.
Return to Sopó for lunch, then take the opportunity to visit local markets to taste some of the region's specialties. Spend your afternoon in the town learning about its rich cultural heritage at the Museo de Sopó. Don't forget to pick up some local delicacies as gifts or for your own enjoyment.
In the evening, unwind at a café while savoring freshly made arepas or empanadas. Relish the ambiance as the town buzzes with locals enjoying their evening routines. Consider joining a local cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Colombian dishes.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍽️Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-7 |
| 🍷Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee (local café) | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $2-6 |
| 🚌Local bus to Bogotá | $1.50-3 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Scenic Andean landscapes and pleasant views
- Close proximity to Bogotá and regional attractions
- Relaxed, small-town atmosphere with fresh local food
- Good access to hiking, birdwatching and outdoor activities
- Limited nightlife and fewer high-end amenities in town
- Public transport can be infrequent; a car is useful
- Weather can be unpredictable due to high elevation
- Some specialized medical services require travel to Bogotá
- "Hola, ¿cómo está?" - Hello, how are you?
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The bill, please
- "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "¿Me puede ayudar?" - Can you help me?
- "Sin leche/queso, por favor" - Without milk/cheese, please
Places to Visit in Sopó
Visit one of these nice places.
Classic town-square shots with the church, local life, market stalls and colorful façades — great for morning light and candid street photography.
Lookouts around town provide sweeping views of the Sopó valley, Bogotá’s distant skyline on clear days, and sunrise/sunset opportunities.
Sculptures, landscaped gardens and panoramic terraces create varied photo opportunities — also a good spot for family and architectural shots.
High-mountain landscapes with peat bogs, glacial lakes and unique páramo vegetation — dramatic scenes for landscape and nature photography (prepare for fog and wind).
Country lanes, grazing cattle, traditional farms and seasonal crops provide atmospheric rural portraits and golden-hour landscapes.
Food in Sopó
Sopó Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy chicken and potato soup with corn and guascas herb, typically served with rice, avocado and capers; widely available in local restaurants and perfect on cool mornings.
Must-Try!
Fresh mountain trout, simply seasoned and grilled or fried; commonly found at countryside restaurants and local markets near streams and reservoirs.
A traditional Bogotá-area breakfast soup made with milk, eggs and scallion, commonly served with bread or arepas at morning stalls and cafés.
Thin wafer sandwiches filled with arequipe (dulce de leche), jam and cheese — a popular sweet snack sold at markets and street stands.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small local market in town where vendors sell fresh produce, cheese, fresh trout, regional snacks and breakfast stalls serving changua and arepas.
Afternoon/evening stalls around the plaza for empanadas, arepas, hot chocolate and obleas — great for cheap bites and people-watching.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite, warm greetings matter: handshake or a single cheek kiss in social settings is common. Use formal 'usted' with older people or on first meeting unless invited to use 'tú'.
Locals are hospitable; accept offers of food or coffee when appropriate and offer thanks. Punctuality is more relaxed socially than in business settings.
Dress modestly for church visits and traditional events; ask before photographing people in markets or private properties.
Safety
Tipping in Sopó
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory: leave around 10% in sit-down restaurants if service is good (some places add a service charge). Tip tour guides, drivers and hotel staff modestly for attentive service.
Colombian peso (COP) is the currency; cards are accepted at many restaurants and hotels but small shops, markets and rural businesses often require cash. ATMs are available nearby but carry small bills and coins for markets and buses.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Clearer skies and more stable weather make it the best time for hiking, photography and visiting lookouts; mornings may be crisp and afternoons pleasantly cool.
Expect frequent afternoon showers and cloud cover, muddy trails and limited long-distance visibility; pack a waterproof jacket and plan outdoor activities for mornings.
Transitional periods can offer a mix of sunny and wet days — fewer tourists and lower prices, but always be ready for quick weather changes at high elevation.
Sopó at Night
Hiking in Sopó
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
World-class high-elevation hikes to glacial lakes and páramo ecosystems; expect unique landscapes, endemic flora and cold, windy conditions — guided visits recommended for safety and access.
About 30–40 minutes away, Suesca is known for its rock-climbing routes and scenic trails along dramatic sandstone formations — great for day hikes and photography.
Family-friendly paths and landscaped areas within the park offering easy walks, monuments and panoramic viewpoints — suitable for all ages.
Walking and light hiking around nearby reservoirs and rural roads provide pleasant short treks with water views, birdlife and agricultural scenery.
Airports
How to reach Sopó by plane.
Main international airport serving Bogotá, roughly 40–60 minutes by car depending on traffic; primary gateway for international and domestic flights.
General aviation airfield north of Bogotá used primarily for private flights and flight schools; useful for charter or private arrivals if available.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longtime residents engaged in agriculture, dairy production and local commerce, preserving rural traditions and local cuisine.
People who live in Sopó and commute to jobs in Bogotá or nearby industrial areas, contributing to a mix of rural and suburban lifestyles.
Residents of Bogotá and nearby towns who own second homes or visit on weekends for relaxation, dining and outdoor activities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide; local pickup games and youth leagues are common in town and nearby municipalities.
Road and mountain cycling are very popular in the Andean hills — many riders train on the country roads around Sopó and the Eastern Hills.
Equestrian activities are common at local haciendas and rural tourism providers offering trail rides through farmland and valleys.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sopó.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but limited compared with larger cities; ask for vegetable-based soups, arepas, potato dishes and salads, and seek out cafés or tourist-oriented restaurants which are more likely to accommodate requests.
Vegan choices exist (fruit, rice, beans, grilled vegetables) but can be limited in traditional eateries; bring snacks and confirm ingredients at restaurants — phrases like “sin leche ni queso” help.
Many traditional starches are corn or potato-based (arepas, empanadas made from cornmeal), but cross-contamination is common; ask staff and prefer simple preparations such as grilled fish or plain rice and vegetables.