Best Backpacking Destinations in Soacha, Cundinamarca, Colombia
1. Parque Arvi
A lush, protected mountain range ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and learning about local flora and fauna.
- Natural Beauty: Offers stunning views and diverse ecosystems.
- Educational Opportunities: Provides guided tours to educate visitors about the local environment.
- Accessibility: Located just a short bus ride from Soacha town center.
2. El Salitre Park
A picturesque park with a historic theme, showcasing the history of the Colombian oil industry.
- Historical Significance: Provides insights into Colombia's industrial past.
- Recreational Facilities: Offers picnic areas, sports fields, and playgrounds.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by public transportation from Soacha.
3. Cerro de los Siete Ojos
A unique natural formation with seven beautiful eye-shaped pools filled with crystal clear water.
- Natural Wonders: Provides a serene and breathtaking landscape.
- Hiking Opportunities: Offers challenging hikes to reach the pools.
- Swimming Spots: Allows visitors to swim in the refreshing waters of the seven pools.
4. La Laguna de Iguaque
A sacred lake nestled within a cloud forest, home to the legendary 'Pijao' frog.
- Cultural Significance: Holds spiritual importance for indigenous communities.
- Natural Wonders: Features a breathtaking cloud forest landscape.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot the elusive 'Pijao' frog.
5. Rio Fonceca
A scenic river with stunning waterfalls and crystal-clear pools perfect for swimming.
- Natural Beauty: Offers beautiful landscapes and pristine waters.
- Adventure Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, swimming, and waterfall rappelling.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by public transportation from Soacha.
6. Cerro Montezuma
A challenging hike that rewards adventurers with panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Challenging Hikes: Offers a physically demanding but rewarding trek.
- Natural Wonders: Provides breathtaking views of the countryside and nearby towns.
- Accessibility: Can be reached by taxi or hired car from Soacha.
7. Los Nevados National Park
A high-altitude park featuring towering volcanoes, glaciers, and diverse wildlife.
- Natural Wonders: Offers awe-inspiring landscapes and glacial formations.
- Adventure Activities: Provides opportunities for trekking, climbing, and mountain biking.
- Wildlife Viewing: Allows visitors to spot rare Andean species such as the condor.
8. Tatacoa Desert
A vast desert landscape with unique rock formations and clear night skies perfect for stargazing.
- Natural Wonders: Features stunning rock formations and unusual landscapes.
- Stargazing Opportunities: Offers some of the best stargazing in South America.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by bus or hired car from Neiva, a city near Soacha.
9. Cerro de la Bandera
A challenging hike leading to a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Soacha and the surrounding countryside.
- Challenging Hikes: Offers a physically demanding but rewarding trek.
- Natural Wonders: Provides breathtaking views of Soacha and the surrounding area.
- Accessibility: Can be reached by taxi or hired car from Soacha.
10. El Chorro de La Laja
A powerful waterfall in a lush green setting, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
- Natural Beauty: Offers a scenic and tranquil environment.
- Swimming Spots: Provides a refreshing place to swim in the clear waters.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by public transportation from Soacha.
11. Cerro de la Cruz
A small but steep hike leading to a cross at the top with panoramic views of Soacha and its surroundings.
- Challenging Hikes: Offers a short but steep trek.
- Natural Wonders: Provides breathtaking views of Soacha and the surrounding area.
- Accessibility: Can be reached by taxi or hired car from Soacha.
12. Salto del Tequendama
A massive waterfall on the Magdalena River, with a hydroelectric dam nearby.
- Natural Wonders: Offers an impressive and powerful sight.
- Historical Significance: Showcases the engineering feat of the hydroelectric dam.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by public transportation from Soacha.
13. Parque Territorial La Miel
A wildlife sanctuary protecting endangered species such as the Andean condor.
- Wildlife Viewing: Provides opportunities to spot rare and endangered species.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers guided tours and educational programs about the local wildlife.
- Accessibility: Located near Honda, a city close to Soacha.
14. Cerro de la Neblina
A challenging hike leading to the highest point in Cundinamarca, with stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Challenging Hikes: Offers a physically demanding but rewarding trek.
- Natural Wonders: Provides breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
- Accessibility: Can be reached by taxi or hired car from Soacha.
15. Rancho de las Palmas
A peaceful eco-lodge surrounded by lush forests and offering guided tours of the local area.
- Accommodation: Provides comfortable lodging for backpackers.
- Natural Wonders: Offers a serene and scenic environment.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers guided tours and educational programs about the local flora and fauna.