Major city · Colombia
La Calera
A half-day trip from Bogotá for paragliding and sunset views over the city; not worth an overnight unless you want a quiet mountain weekend.
La Calera is a wealthy mountain town 45 minutes from Bogotá, known for paragliding, horse ranches and restaurants with panoramic views of the capital. The town itself is quiet and small; most visitors come for the sunset from the roadside restaurants on the climb up, or to fly over the Chingaza páramo. A half-day covers the main draw; an overnight suits those who want to ride horses or paraglide without rushing back.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- COP
- Best months
- Dec–Mar, Jul–Aug (dry season, clearer views)
- avoid Apr–May, Oct–Nov (rainy season, low clouds may block the view)
- Airport
- BOG
- Nights
- 0
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the fir…
- South America ↗Above 2,500 m (Bogotá, Quito, Cusco, La Paz) keep the first day light; sleep lower where you can (Sacred Valley before Cusco) and descend if headache comes with vomiting or confusion.
- South America ↗A yellow fever certificate is required on arrival in French Guiana, and asked for on some routes into Bolivia, Paraguay, Suriname and Guyana, or when arriving from Amazon areas — vaccinate at least 10 days before travel and carry the card.
- South America ↗Overnight buses are the norm in Argentina, Chile and Peru, but pick top-tier companies and keep valuables on your body; on-board thefts from overhead racks are the common loss.
- Colombia ↗Check entry rules for your passport with Migración Colombia or a Colombian consulate; some travellers must complete an online migration form before arrival.
- Colombia ↗Security advice lists specific departments and border areas: check your own government's advice for every place on your route, including coastal roads.
- Colombia ↗Never accept drinks, food or cigarettes from strangers, and be careful with people met on dating apps: drugging (including with scopolamine) followed by robbery is a known risk.
- Colombia ↗Fill in Check-MIG only on the official Migración Colombia site; it is free, and lookalike sites charge a fee.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for La Calera123 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about La Calera, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the Colombian peso (COP, $).Colombia-wide
- SIM or eSIMcheckClaro (best coverage), Movistar and Tigo SIMs in malls and at airports; passport required and IMEI registration may apply for longer stays — check.Colombia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe in Bogotá and Medellín; drink bottled on the coast and in rural areas.Colombia-wide
- TippingRestaurants: 10% propina voluntaria offered on the bill.Colombia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Colombia-wide
- SafetyLa Calera is safe for day visitors; the main risks are aggressive driving on the mountain road and military checkpoints near the reservoir.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsPut paper in the bin in most places; bring tissues for bus stations.Colombia-wide
- Emergency numbers123 police · 123 fire and ambulance (not 911, 999 or 000)
- Sundays & holidaysMany museums close Mondays; Monday holidays (puentes) move almost half of public holidays.Colombia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBOG El Dorado International Airport (About 1 h by taxi or bus to La Calera).
- Getting aroundWalking covers the compact centre.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a town caféCOP 3,000–5,000
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per personCOP 30,000
- Mid-range bedDouble room in a guesthouse, a night, per roomCOP 100,000
- High-end bedDouble room in a guesthouse, a night, per roomCOP 180,000
A day, not counting the bed: Budget COP 40,000 · Mid COP 80,000 · High COP 150,000
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BOG El Dorado International Airport (About 1 h by taxi or bus to La Calera)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Feb
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Mar
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Apr
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
May
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
not flagged
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Jul
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Aug
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Sep
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Nov
Avoid
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Best: Jul–Aug, Dec–Mar. Avoid: Apr–May, Oct–Nov. Month by month →
Warmest Jan (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) low), wettest May (18 rain days), driest Jan (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
La Calera: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Feb
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
9 rd
Mar
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Apr
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
17 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
18 rd
Jun
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
15 rd
Jul
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
14 rd
Aug
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
13 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
14 rd
Oct
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
18 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
17 rd
Dec
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
11 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Walking covers the compact centre. For paragliding take-off points and horse ranches you need a taxi or your own vehicle. Buses from Bogotá drop you at the main square.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h
Bus from La Calera town centre, about 45 min
Return to Bogotá after sunset.
Door to door: About 2.5 h
Bus via Bogotá, about 2 h total
Doable as a long day if you start early.
Choachí
goDoor to door: About 1.5 h
Taxi or private car, about 1 h
Smaller mountain town with thermal springs.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Town centre
Small hotels and hostels near the main square; quiet at night.
Roadside restaurants area (on the climb from Bogotá)
A few lodges with views; you need a car to get into town.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- COP 40,000–70,000 excl. bed
- Mid
- COP 70,000–120,000 excl. bed
- High
- COP 120,000+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Double room in a guesthouse1 × 1 night × COP 100,000 | COP 100,000 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × COP 80,000 | COP 160,000 |
| Bus Bogotá ↔ La Calera, round trip2 × COP 10,000 · check | COP 20,000 |
| Paragliding tandem flight2 × COP 180,000 · check | COP 360,000 |
| Horseback ride, 1 hour2 × COP 50,000 · check | COP 100,000 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | COP 74,000 |
| Trip total≈ COP 407,000 per person per day, bed included | COP 814,000 |
2026 estimate in COP; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Bus Bogotá → La Caleracheck | COP 5,000–7,000 |
| Paragliding tandem flightcheck | COP 150,000–200,000 |
| Horseback ride, 1 hourcheck | COP 40,000–60,000 |
| Meal at a roadside restaurant | COP 15,000–30,000 |
| Coffee at a town café | COP 3,000–5,000 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- The road from Bogotá has blind bends and locals overtake aggressively; drive defensively.
- Military checkpoints are common near the reservoir; carry your passport or ID.
- Paragliding depends on weather; call ahead in the rainy season.
- Restaurants on the road fill up at sunset; arrive by 16:00 for a table with a view.Restaurants on the road fill up at sunset; arrive by 4:00 PM for a table with a view.
Emergency numbers
- Police
- 123
- Fire and ambulance
- 123
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
La CaleraLa Calera
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
A esta dirección, por favorTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance123
Embassy
Most embassies are in Bogotá. The US Embassy is at Calle 24 Bis No. 48-50, Bogotá.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus Bogotá → La Calera: COP 5,000–7,000, about 45 min (check)
- Taxi La Calera town → paragliding take-off: COP 15,000–25,000
Say or show
- ¿Cuánto cuesta? — How much does it cost? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
- ¿Dónde está el despegue de parapente? — Where is the paragliding take-off? (DON-de es-TA el des-PE-ge de pa-ra-PEN-te)
- Quiero alquilar un caballo — I'd like to rent a horse (KYE-ro al-kee-LAR oon ka-BA-yo)
- La cuenta, por favor — The bill, please (la KWEN-ta por fa-VOR)
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for La Calera. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Dec–Mar, Jul–Aug (dry season, clearer views) · avoid Apr–May, Oct–Nov (rainy season, low clouds may block the view) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 3 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Paragliding operator pages with weather-dependent cutoffs.
- Sunset restaurant list with verified opening hours and reservation links.
- Horse ranch pages with ride durations and prices.
Sources
Ask about La Calera
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