Bogota to Neusa Reservoir: Hiking Tour with Breakfast & Lunch

Summary

Neusa Reservoir hiking day trip from Bogota with local food

You’ll get picked up in Bogota for an early drive to Neusa Reservoir, where breakfast is served lakeside before a guided hike through high-altitude trails. Expect muddy boots, local stories from your guide, and a hot lunch by the water—plus time to breathe mountain air far from city noise.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed our pickup in Bogota because I couldn’t find my rain jacket—classic me. The driver just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, Neusa has its own weather.” Two hours later, we rolled down the windows as we got closer to the reservoir. The air smelled like wet grass and woodsmoke, colder than I expected. Breakfast was waiting—arepas still warm, coffee strong enough to wake up my Spanish. Our guide, Camila, joked that if we finished everything on the table we’d have to roll up the hill instead of hike it.

The start of the hike felt easy enough but then the trail turned muddy in spots—my shoes squelched with every step. Camila pointed out some wildflowers I’d never seen before (she called them frailejones) and told us how they only grow here in these high Andean páramos. At one point, a breeze came off the water so sharp it made me laugh out loud just from feeling alive. We passed a fisherman whistling something tuneless; he waved without looking up.

I didn’t expect lunch to taste so good after just a few hours walking—rice with chicken and some kind of sweet plantain thing that stuck to my teeth. We sat on rocks by the shore while Camila told us about how her grandfather used to fish here before there were any tourists at all. I still think about that view across the lake—gray sky cut open by a slice of sunlight—and how quiet it got for a minute before someone’s phone buzzed. Anyway, if you’re looking for a half-day trip from Bogota that feels like you’ve really left the city behind (and don’t mind getting your shoes dirty), this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half-day tour to Neusa Reservoir

• Depart from Bogotá
• Enjoy breakfast at Neusa
• Begin guided hike around reservoir
• Admire lake and mountain views
• Learn about local history and ecosystem
• Have lunch near the reservoir
• Return to Bogotá

Top questions

How far is Neusa Reservoir from Bogota?

It’s about 2 hours by car from Bogota to Neusa Reservoir.

Is breakfast included on this tour?

Yes, breakfast is included when you arrive at Neusa Reservoir.

What should I bring for the Neusa hike?

Bring comfortable hiking shoes and a rain jacket; some trails can be muddy.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, lunch is included after the hike at Neusa Reservoir.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your tour includes an English-speaking guide throughout.

Are snacks or drinks offered during the tour?

You’ll get snacks and water along with breakfast and lunch.

Is this day trip suitable for beginners?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels except those with mobility impairments.

What’s included

Your half-day includes pickup in Bogota, transport out to Neusa Reservoir and back, breakfast when you arrive plus snacks and water for along the trail, a filling lunch after hiking, insurance coverage throughout, an English-speaking guide who knows the area well—and even a raincover if clouds roll in unexpectedly.