Paipa

Paipa sits at around 2,500 metres and the springs here rise hot and heavily mineralised, which made it a spa town from the mid twentieth century - the Instituto de Termales and several private complexes take the water in outdoor pools, and the combination of hot water and cold high-altitude air is the appeal. Lake Sochagota beside the town is artificial, created in the 1950s, and carries rowing and pedal boats along a promenade. The town is also known for almojabanas, a slightly sweet cheese bread of the region, sold hot from roadside bakeries on the approach roads. Pantano de Vargas, the site of a decisive 1819 engagement in the independence campaign, is a few kilometres away with a large monument.

What you actually see

• Hot mineralised springs - in outdoor pools at 2,500 metres.
• Lake Sochagota - artificial, from the 1950s, with a promenade.
• Almojabanas - cheese bread sold hot on the roadside.
• The Pantano de Vargas monument - a few kilometres away.

When to go

Year round; the contrast of hot water and cold air works best in cool weather. A full day.

Honest expectations

Thermal complexes are busy at weekends and holidays and can be crowded. Quality varies between the public and private pools. The lake is artificial and modest. Nights at this altitude are cold.

Nearby

Duitama is east; Tunja is south.