At over 3,300 meters above sea level and just half an hour from Bogotá, El Verjón is a natural treasure nestled in the city's rural outskirts. This stunning destination boasts numerous trails winding through streams and water wells, leading to breathtaking waterfalls like La Abuela and La Sierva. It is also home to Teusacá Lake, commonly known as El Verjón Lake, which is linked to the Muisca legend of El Dorado.
Regarding this place, the páramos are unique ecosystems found between 3,400 and 4,000 meters above sea level, and in some cases, they can reach elevations of up to 5,000 meters. These areas are characterized by scrub vegetation and frailejones, or páramo monks, which are specialized plants known for their ability to capture humidity from the environment. They store it as liquid, supplying water to small streams that eventually feed the aqueduct of the city.
El Verjón Páramo is more than just a destination; it provides an immersive experience that connects visitors with nature in its purest form. This versatile attraction serves as a peasant territory for producing organic food for self-consumption, while also offering opportunities for recreational activities, environmental interpretation, and cycling tours in the surrounding area.
Traveling from Bogotá to El Páramo by bus takes approximately 30 minutes. You can start your trip using the Transmilenio system. If you're departing from La Candelaria, take Route L307 at the intersection of Carrera 4a and Calle 12. This will take you to the intersection of Carrera 1 and Calle 4. From there, walk to Avenida Calle 6a and Carrera 2 at the Bicentenario Station, where you can board Route 14-6. Get off at kilometer 15 on Choachí Road, and walk about 8 minutes to reach Matarredonda Ecological Park.
This park is a natural sanctuary covering 2,375 hectares and features a variety of trails ranging from 7 to 19 kilometers. There, you can enjoy local dishes, including aguapanelita with cheese, corn arepas, envueltos, and corn almojábana—meals you won’t want to miss.
If you want to go by bicycle, some plans depart from Bogotá. Begin your ride heading east on Circunvalar Road, then continue on Choachí Road to La Bella Suiza, where your journey along a scenic cobblestone path starts. For those traveling by car, there is a parking lot available at Matarredonda.