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Colombia🇨🇴 | hikesQuebrada La Vieja TrailCreek ravine, stone stairs, Bogotá overlooks | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Quebrada La Vieja Trail
👌 Worth visitinghike ranked #7
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Quebrada La Vieja is a short, steep forest climb, and plenty of travelers assume it is an open-ended mountain trek when it is really a half-day walk that ends at the water pipe and the Monserrate road. It runs up the eastern hills of Colombia’s capital, Bogotá, above the Chapinero district. You get shaded eucalyptus and native forest, a creek beside you, and views over the city from the upper section, but the climb is relentless, the mud is slick after rain, and the lower stretch is not worth lingering in. Reach the start on foot or by short taxi from Chapinero, so transport is simple. Register in advance, since entry is free but booked. At the entrance I always photograph the posted route map before climbing, since the signal fades. A first day could mean a morning ascent, a rest at the upper viewpoint, and a slow walk down.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Colombia Travel Guide.
Best time to go: December - March
Duration: 2 hours
Distance: 5 kilometers
Total ascent: 350 meters


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #7 hike in ColombiaWhy Quebrada La Vieja Trail should be on your travel list

Quebrada La Vieja Trail gives backpackers a real forest walk without leaving Bogotá, which matters when you are acclimatizing at 2,600 meters and do not want a full-day commitment. The path follows a creek running down the eastern hills, with stone steps, small bridges and eucalyptus giving way to native shrubs. Access is the other draw. You can reach the gate on foot from Chapinero, so there is no tour, no taxi and almost no cost. It is also flexible. Go up and back in a couple of hours, or link the top with the ridge road and drop down to the city on another route. Bring a light rain jacket, because afternoons turn wet fast. Hostel dwellers in La Candelaria or Chapinero can fit it in before lunch, which leaves the rest of the day free for museums.

💡 HighlightsWhat this place is best known for

  1. The Quebrada La Vieja creek: the stream itself is the trail’s spine, with pools, small cascades and the sound of water drowning out city traffic within ten minutes.
  2. Stone stairways and footbridges: the old steps climb steeply through the ravine, giving a real leg workout and easy footing in dry weather.
  3. Eucalyptus and native forest belt: tall eucalyptus dominate the lower slopes, while ferns, alders and shrubs appear higher up, and the shade is a relief on sunny mornings.
  4. Birdlife along the path: hummingbirds and tanagers show up around flowering shrubs, best in the quiet early hours before groups arrive.
  5. City viewpoints near the top: gaps in the trees open onto Bogotá’s grid and the eastern neighborhoods, a good reason to pause and catch your breath.
Start with the creek, because the lower section … read more 👉
  1. The Quebrada La Vieja creek: the stream itself is the trail’s spine, with pools, small cascades and the sound of water drowning out city traffic within ten minutes.
  2. Stone stairways and footbridges: the old steps climb steeply through the ravine, giving a real leg workout and easy footing in dry weather.
  3. Eucalyptus and native forest belt: tall eucalyptus dominate the lower slopes, while ferns, alders and shrubs appear higher up, and the shade is a relief on sunny mornings.
  4. Birdlife along the path: hummingbirds and tanagers show up around flowering shrubs, best in the quiet early hours before groups arrive.
  5. City viewpoints near the top: gaps in the trees open onto Bogotá’s grid and the eastern neighborhoods, a good reason to pause and catch your breath.
Start with the creek, because the lower section is quietest in the morning and sets the pace for the rest of the climb.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Quebrada La Vieja Trail

La Candelaria, Monserrate and Museums Bogotá Private City Tour

La Candelaria, Monserrate and Museums Bogotá Private City Tour

4.9(1793)
From €54
per personViator
Private City Tour Bogota + Monserrate, Gold, Botero and Candelaria.

Private City Tour Bogota + Monserrate, Gold, Botero and Candelaria.

5.0(1184) 6h 15m
From €50
per personViator
Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings

Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings

5.0(697) 4h
From €50
per personViator
Rent a Local Friend: Bogota Private Custom Tour (4, 6 or 8 hrs)

Rent a Local Friend: Bogota Private Custom Tour (4, 6 or 8 hrs)

5.0(142)
From €82
per personViator
La Candelaria Bogotá Private Tour. (4 Hrs.)

La Candelaria Bogotá Private Tour. (4 Hrs.)

5.0(105) 4h
From €144
per personViator
Graffiti Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá with Transportation

Graffiti Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá with Transportation

4.9(73) 3h
From €39
per personViator
Bogotá Private Bike Tour with Transportation

Bogotá Private Bike Tour with Transportation

5.0(67) 4h
From €43
per personViator
Food Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá

Food Tour in La Candelaria Bogotá

4.9(71) 3h
From €57
per personViator
Bogotá Full Day City Tour. (8 Hrs.)

Bogotá Full Day City Tour. (8 Hrs.)

4.9(53) 8h
From €308
per personViator
La Candelaria Private Tour Bogotá + Local Lunch + 2 Museums (6 Hrs.)

La Candelaria Private Tour Bogotá + Local Lunch + 2 Museums (6 Hrs.)

5.0(46) 6h
From €199
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Dry Season (December to March): Mornings start clear and the trail is firmest underfoot, with daytime highs of 18 to 20°C (64 to 68°F) in town and 8 to 12°C (46 to 54°F) higher up. Weekend crowds from Bogotá peak here.
  • Rainy Seasons (April to May, October to November): Afternoon downpours turn the clay sections slick and the stream swells. Temperatures hold near 13 to 18°C (55 to 64°F), and the trail is quieter.
  • Drier Mid-Year (June to September): Cool, breezy and mostly stable, with lows near 7 to 9°C (45 to 48°F) at dawn. Good hiking weather with moderate crowds.
  • Daylight and Crowds: Daylight stays close to 12 hours all year, so start by 8 a.m. Weekends and holidays are busiest, and weekdays are calm. The trail is free, so prices barely shift.
Start early on a weekday morning and you will have the shaded forest sections almost to yourself.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: excellent for travelingFEBFebruary: excellent for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: fair for travelingJULJuly: fair for travelingAUGAugust: fair for travelingSEPSeptember: fair for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: excellent for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?How to pick the right area

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

Best hostels in Colombia


Best quality hotels in Colombia

🥾 Hike detailsRoute, distance, and difficulty explained

Total Distance: Quebrada La Vieja Trail covers about 2.5 to 3 kilometers one way, from the lower entrance to the upper road.
Estimated Duration: Plan 1.5 to 2.5 hours up and 1 to 1.5 hours down, with pauses for photos and breath.
Difficulty: Moderate. The gradient is steady and steep, and the elevation gain is roughly 500 meters. Sections turn muddy after rain.
Starting Point: The trail begins at the lower entrance in Chapinero, on the Calle 71 side of Bogotá’s eastern hills.
  • Public Transport: Buses and TransMilenio run along Carrera 7 and Avenida Caracas, and a short taxi or walk covers the last
… read more 👉
Total Distance: Quebrada La Vieja Trail covers about 2.5 to 3 kilometers one way, from the lower entrance to the upper road.
Estimated Duration: Plan 1.5 to 2.5 hours up and 1 to 1.5 hours down, with pauses for photos and breath.
Difficulty: Moderate. The gradient is steady and steep, and the elevation gain is roughly 500 meters. Sections turn muddy after rain.
Starting Point: The trail begins at the lower entrance in Chapinero, on the Calle 71 side of Bogotá’s eastern hills.
  • Public Transport: Buses and TransMilenio run along Carrera 7 and Avenida Caracas, and a short taxi or walk covers the last stretch.
  • Entry: Free registration in advance through the Acueducto (EAAB) app or website is required, by 2 p.m. the day before. The trail opens only in the morning and is closed on Mondays.
Major Landmarks:
  • Lower Gate: Registration point beside the creek.
  • Creek Crossings: Small wooden bridges and stone steps over the water.
  • Upper Viewpoint: Open stretch with views across Bogotá’s rooftops.
Terrain and Scenery: Packed dirt, roots, rock steps and a few slippery stretches. The creek stays close, and the city appears in gaps higher up.
Vegetation: Eucalyptus and pine plantations mix with native Andean forest, ferns, mosses and bromeliads.
Wildlife: Expect hummingbirds, tanagers and other small Andean birds. Squirrels are common and larger mammals are rarely seen.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetyScams, Hazards, and Annoyances

Quebrada La Vieja Trail is a short, well-used urban trail, and most problems come from weather and preparation rather than danger. Rain can arrive within minutes, so carry a light shell and wear shoes with real grip, since the clay and roots get slick and the stream crossings rise after storms. Hike in the morning, because afternoons bring both rain and thinner foot traffic. At around 2,700 to 3,300 meters, the altitude can make newcomers breathe harder, so go slowly and carry water. Stay on the marked route and keep to group-friendly hours. Keep phones and cameras out of sight on quieter stretches and leave valuables at your lodging. Do not feed or approach any wildlife you meet.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Quebrada La Vieja Trail

Quebrada La Vieja Trail takes about 2 to 3 hours round trip at a relaxed pace. The route climbs from the Chapinero side of Bogotá toward the upper section, covering about 5.5 kilometers in total. Add an hour if you stop for photos or a picnic.
Quebrada La Vieja Trail is moderate, mostly because of the steady climb and the altitude of roughly 2,700 to 3,300 meters. Most of the path is a wide, graded track, though upper sections include steps, roots and muddy patches. Fit beginners can finish it, and sturdy shoes make a big difference after rain.
Quebrada La Vieja Trail does not require a guide for the main route. Entry is free, but you must register in advance through the Acueducto (EAAB) app or website by 2 p.m. the day before. Groups and guided walks around US$5 to 15 per person run from Bogotá, and they are optional for most hikers.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackWhat to keep in mind

Quebrada La Vieja Trail trips go wrong when people start late, wear city sneakers and push upward in afternoon rain. The sandy steps turn slick and the path gets crowded. Go in the morning, wear shoes with grip, and turn around at the first heavy drizzle. I would carry water and a light jacket, then treat the climb as a short, steady warm-up.

✈️ When did I visit Colombia?
Did a good 3-week trip around Colombia in August 2014.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Colombia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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