La Chorrera Waterfall

The fall drops around 590 metres in several stages down a forested wall, which makes it the tallest in Colombia - and the striking part is that it was effectively unknown outside the immediate area until 2006, when the landowner opened access and measurements were published; it is about an hour from a city of eight million and had simply never been developed or promoted. The trail in runs about four kilometres through cloud forest, gaining height steadily, past a smaller fall called El Chiflon before reaching the base of the main one, where spray soaks everything. The forest holds orchids, bromeliads and hummingbirds. It is on private land run as a reserve with an entry fee, and the path is maintained.

What you actually see

• A drop of about 590 metres - the tallest in Colombia.
• A fall unknown until 2006 - an hour from Bogota.
• A four-kilometre cloud forest trail - climbing to the base.
• El Chiflon on the way - a smaller fall below the main one.

When to go

April to June and October to November for flow. A full day.

Honest expectations

The trail is muddy, steep in places and takes two hours each way. Spray at the base soaks you. Cloud frequently hides the top of the fall. It rains often - this is cloud forest.

Nearby

Choachi is east; Bogota is west over the ridge.