Bogotá: La Chorrera & El Chiflón Waterfall Hike with Breakfast & Lunch

Summary

Hiking Colombia’s tallest waterfalls from Bogotá with forest trails and local flavors

You’ll start early in Bogotá with fresh coffee and breakfast before heading into Andean forests with your guide. Hike past El Chiflón’s cascades up to La Chorrera—the tallest waterfall in Colombia—where you’ll feel spray on your skin and learn about Muisca heritage. After time to soak it all in, enjoy a countryside lunch before heading back, carrying that wild hush with you.

What’s the experience like?

We met outside The Cranky Croc in Bogotá just after sunrise—everyone still a bit groggy, but our guide, Andrés, already had this spark in his eyes. He led us to a tiny café where the coffee smelled like burnt sugar and the arepas were hot enough to sting your fingers. I remember someone from Cali at our table joking about the altitude making us eat slower. Maybe it was nerves or just excitement for La Chorrera—I’d read it was the tallest waterfall in Colombia, but that didn’t mean much until we actually got there.

The drive out of Bogotá was all winding roads and green hills that kept rolling on forever. At some point we passed a group of farmers herding cows along the shoulder—one of them waved and shouted something I didn’t catch. When we finally started hiking toward El Chiflón, the smaller waterfall, the air felt cooler and thicker. Andrés pointed out these waxy leaves used by the Muisca people (I tried to repeat the name—no luck). The forest here is dense and smells a little earthy, almost like wet clay after rain even though it hadn’t rained for days.

I’ll be honest: the climb up to La Chorrera isn’t easy if you’re not used to altitude. There were moments when my legs burned and I wondered if I should’ve trained more back home. But then you hear this distant roar—the sound gets louder as you move through patches of sunlight and shadow—and suddenly there it is: 590 meters of water pouring down a cliff so high it almost disappears into clouds. We stood around for a while just watching, nobody really talking except for one guy who tried to take a selfie but gave up because his glasses fogged up from the spray.

Lunch was at this countryside spot near El Chiflón—nothing fancy, just hearty food and laughter over who slipped most on the muddy bits (it wasn’t me… probably). On the way back to Bogotá I kept thinking about that first cold blast of mist on my face at La Chorrera. It’s strange how something so loud can make you feel quiet inside—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — La Chorrera Waterfalls Hike and Return

• Meet at The Cranky Croc Hostel
• Enjoy traditional breakfast in Bogotá
• Travel by van through Andean countryside
• Visit El Chiflón waterfall
• Hike through cloud forest and learn heritage
• Reach La Chorrera waterfall and enjoy views
• Relax and take photos at waterfall
• Have countryside lunch near El Chiflón
• Return transfer to Bogotá

Top questions

How long is the hike to La Chorrera waterfall?

The hike involves several hours of walking through cloud forest trails with steep terrain; total duration depends on group pace but expect an advanced-level trek.

Is transportation included from Bogotá?

Yes, private round-trip transportation from The Cranky Croc Hostel in Bogotá is included.

Are meals provided during the tour?

A traditional Colombian breakfast in Bogotá and a countryside lunch near El Chiflón are both included.

Do I need to be physically fit for this hike?

Yes, travelers should have good physical fitness due to steep terrain, uneven surfaces, high altitude, and extended walking.

Can solo travelers join this day trip?

Solo travelers are welcome but must contact in advance to check if other guests are booked for their date; minimum two participants required for operation.

Is hotel pickup available?

No hotel pickup; meeting point is The Cranky Croc Hostel reception desk in Bogotá.

What is included in the entry fees?

Entry fees for both El Chiflón and La Chorrera waterfalls are covered as part of your booking.

Will there be a bilingual guide on this tour?

Yes, a professional bilingual tour guide leads the experience and shares cultural context throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes entry fees for both El Chiflón and La Chorrera waterfalls, environmental interpretation with stories about Muisca heritage from your bilingual guide, a traditional Colombian breakfast in Bogotá’s historic center (location varies), hearty countryside lunch near El Chiflón after hiking, plus private round-trip van transportation between The Cranky Croc Hostel meeting point and all sites visited during your adventure.