Spending only a few days in Bogotá, Colombia, I had to be selective about how I prioritized my time. In such a large city, there were a seemingly unendless number of activities to occupy a traveler such as myself, but I decided, on the last day, to go beyond Bogotá’s bustling streets. About 16 miles outside of town, up into the Andes, lies a hidden gem: La Chorrera, Colombia’s tallest waterfall. It cascades an impressive 2000 feet (1935 to be exact) and was the culminating experience of my Colombia Thanksgiving trip.

My journey began at the Cranky Croc Hostel, the meet-up location for the group tour. Upon arrival, I met my guide Julianna who informed me that I was the only person who had signed up for that particular day. This would be an unintended private tour, and I was excited to have the opportunity for some one-on-one time with a Bogotá local. We started with a hearty Colombian breakfast at a local diner, and then took a shuttle bus toward Choachí.

As we took the winding mountain road upwards, the city’s urban landscape gradually gave way to verdant Andean mountains. We stopped after about 45 minutes for a quick break because Julianna wanted to share some information about the páramo ecosystem. Sitting at a very specific elevation, the páramo in Colombia is an essential water source because of the flora in the region that retain mist and precipitation like a sponge.

We hopped back into the shuttle bus for another 20 minutes, navigating a rugged path towards the end as we neared the park’s entrance.

Our hike started off on a dirt path on a steep incline and then leveled out as we meandered through open grasslands. I could hear the distant murmur of water as we continued onward, entering the Bosque de Niebla, or cloud forest. True to its name, mist wove through the dense foliage, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The trail, though occasionally steep and muddy, was well-marked, and Julianna was an expert at making sure we stayed on course. While we hiked, I asked her lots of questions about the local culture, everything from meal times to education to reality tv.

At one point, Julianna told me to slow down, and there, as we emerged from the forest, we arrived at a viewpoint that unveiled La Chorrera in its full splendor. The sheer height was awe-inspiring, with water descending rapidly (yet gracefully) into the abyss below. We took a short breather at this overlook, but then continued, eager to experience it up close.

Onward and upward.

At last, we stood at the base of La Chorrera. The waterfall’s magnitude was both humbling and exhilarating. The rich, diverse flora in the surrounding area added to the enchantment, so I spent time absorbing the natural beauty. We sat down on the rocks and ate a snack, listening to the sound of the cascading water as a soothing backdrop.

The return trip was quiet and reflective. Towards the end, we stopped at a smaller, yet still captivating waterfall, name El Chiflón. Here, a narrow offshoot trail allowed me to venture behind the cascading waters. I got a face full of refreshing mist and a unique perspective of the Andes in the distance.

Julianna and I enjoyed a hot lunch at the base of El Chiflón and chatted like two old friends. All too soon, the day was over, and we were back at the shuttle bus returning to Bogotá.

The day trip to La Chorrera offered a perfect blend of nature, adventure, and beauty.

Goodbye, sweet waterfall, goodbye.