In the heart of the Colombian Andes, just 52 kilometers northwest of Tunja and 23 kilometers from the popular tourist town of Villa de Leyva, lies Santa Sofia, a small yet surprising municipality in the department of Boyaca. Although still relatively unknown internationally, Santa Sofía is home to natural, cultural, and adventure treasures that make it a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered. From the longest hanging stairs in Colombia to ancient caves and lush landscapes, this destination offers a unique experience for nature lovers and fans of alternative tourism.
How to get to Santa Sofia, Boyaca?
Santa Sofia is nestled in the Eastern Cordillera of the Colombian Andes, which gives it a variety of landscapes, from fertile valleys to rocky formations, forests, and caves. Its temperate climate, diverse vegetation, and proximity to more well-known destinations such as Villa de Leyva make it an ideal getaway—peaceful, authentic, and full of charm.
To get there from Bogota, the capital city of Colombia, travelers can take the road to Tunja and then continue toward Villa de Leyva. From there, Santa Sofía is just a short 40-minute drive away.
Santa Sofia and the longest hanging bridge in Colombia
One of the main attractions of Santa Sofia is the Paso del Angel Adventure Park, a space designed for thrill-seekers in the heart of nature. Here, visitors can cross the longest hanging stairs in Colombia, a breathtaking experience that tests your fear of heights while offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
The park features more than 25 extreme challenges, including suspension bridges, a 230-meter-long zipline, high-altitude suspended bicycles, air hammocks, and the famous Paso del Ángel—a natural path just 35 centimeters wide, flanked by cliffs on both sides. Crossing it is a mix of adrenaline, scenic beauty, and connection with nature that no adventurer should miss while visiting Colombia.
@treeparkcolombia Visita la escalera colgante más larga del mundo, un proyecto construido por Treepark en @ECOPARQUE EL HAYAL 🌱 #treeparkcolombia #turismo #colombia #extreme #viajes #boyacaesparavivirla #escaleraalcielo #viralvideos #tendencia ♬ sonido original – Mayra Vidarte
Natural wonders: caves, waterfalls, and legends
Santa Sofia is also a haven for nature tourism and cave exploration. Among its main attractions are:
La Cueva and Cascada del Hayal, with a stunning 25-meter waterfall and a 60-meter-deep cave. The jungle-like surroundings and the sound of water make it a magical place to connect with nature.
La Cueva de La Fabrica and Cueva del Indio, ideal for fans of underground adventures.
La Juetera Waterfall, perfect for practicing rappelling down waterfalls (known as torrentismo).
El Hoyo de la Romera, a natural sinkhole over 50 meters deep that, according to local legend, hides pre-Columbian treasures and secrets.
Tradition, culture, and Boyacense hospitality
Despite its small size, Santa Sofia has a strong cultural identity. The Church of Santa Rosa de Lima, built in 1771, and the Church of El Carmen are lasting witnesses of the municipality’s colonial and religious heritage. Every year, the town comes alive with events such as:
The Festival of Culture and Tradition, which celebrates the region’s rural and artistic roots with music, theater, dance, and typical cuisine.
The Cultural and Artistic Festival in Honor of the Transporter and Farmer, a tribute to rural workers who have sustained the local economy for generations.
Mountain-Flavored Cuisine
The natural richness of Santa Sofia is also present in its cuisine. The local gastronomy reflects the rural environment, mountain climate, and ancestral traditions kept alive in wood-fired kitchens. Among the most iconic dishes is cuchuco de trigo con espinazo, a hearty soup made from cracked wheat, pork backbone, yellow and white potatoes, carrots, onions, and cilantro. This dish, typical of the Andean highlands, is perfect for cold days and is often served at family gatherings or local festivities.
Another traditional favorite is mute de mazorca, a thick soup that combines fresh corn, meat (beef, pork, or chicken), chickpeas, potatoes, cassava, and Andean root vegetables such as arracacha. Seasoned with local herbs like guasca and spices such as cumin, it’s a dish that blends native ingredients with ancestral cooking methods.
Gallina criolla cooked over a wood fire is a true culinary tradition in Santa Sofía. The free-range hen is slowly simmered over firewood, which gives the broth and meat a deep, smoky flavor. It is usually served with salted potatoes, cooked cassava, ripe plantain, and homemade hot sauce. The rich broth in which the hen is cooked is also served as a flavorful soup.
Finally, the cocido campesino (peasant stew) embodies the heart of traditional cuisine: simple ingredients prepared with time and love. This hearty pot stew combines beef, pork, and chicken with a variety of root vegetables (potatoes, arracacha, cassava), corn on the cob, cabbage, carrots, and natural seasonings. It is typically accompanied by white rice, hogao (a traditional tomato and onion sauce), natural juice, and hot sauce.
@julianpinilla Con esta salsa el cocido le encantara 🤤 Comente si lo han probado 🤤 Chef: @davideltodos #boyaca #recetas #tips ♬ sonido original – Julian Pinilla
Additionally, Santa Sofia is an important producer of curuba (banana passionfruit), a vitamin C-rich Andean fruit, as well as strawberries, raspberries, and other crops grown using traditional, sustainable farming practices.
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