Tequendama Falls (Salto del Tequendama)

The basics

While at Tequendama Falls, it's worth stopping by the Tequendama Falls Museum of Biodiversity and Culture, which looks out over the water. Housed in a 1923 mansion that once served as a hotel, the museum focuses on natural history, particularly caves and subterranean geology. Tequendama Falls is an excellent destination for travelers looking to get away from the city for the day, and tours make it easy to get there. Some tours also include visiting Hacienda Coloma, a coffee farm that offers tours, tastings, and lunch service.

Things to know before you go

Tequendama Falls is a must-visit for photographers, especially on clear days. Swimming at Tequendama Falls is neither permitted nor safe. There are restrooms and a café at the Tequendama House Museum.

How to get there

Depending on traffic, Tequendama Falls takes about 90 minutes to reach from Bogotá. To get there by bus, you need to take line 1 to Corferias and then line G42 or G43 to San Mateo, where you have to switch again to line B55. Coming by taxi or on a guided tour is a much more convenient way to go, and tours typically pick you up right from your hotel.

When to get there

Tequendama Falls is accessible throughout the year. The museum is only open on weekends and select public holidays, but you can visit the waterfalls every day of the week. The best time of year to visit is during the dry periods, which typically run from June to September and December to March.

Coffee at Hacienda Coloma

Tours to the waterfall often also visit Hacienda Coloma, a beautiful coffee estate about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from the falls. Here you can learn about coffee production from bean to cup and taste locally produced coffee that's about as fresh as it comes. There’s also a gift shop and a small bed-and-breakfast; meals are available onsite.