In and around Paipa
Try the local cuisine
Paipa is known for its cheese, which you can sample at many local eateries, or jump into the full Paipa Cheese Experience. We recommend finding some cheese ice cream at a cafe or ice cream parlor.
Beyond cheese, Boyacá has plenty of other culinary treasures including arepas, almojábanas, and lots of amazing fresh fruit used in many ways.
Take a soak or get a massage
One of Paipa’s biggest attractions are its natural volcanic hot springs. The main large public pools are at Instituto Termal de Paipa (ITP), which offers a water-park style family-friendly pool as well as hydrotherapy pools and treatments. Many of the local hotels also have hot spring pools and spa access available to non-guests for a day fee and offer treatments with the springs’ therapeutic mud.
Get active
When it comes to sports, soccer rules in Colombia, but mountain biking comes in a close second and Paipa is a premier destination for both amateurs and professionals. There are several professional races that come through every year (including the 2024 Tour de Colombia), and local mountain biking tours are also an option.
Horseback riding is always a popular activity, with Valhalla Horse Riding Club offering rides and lessons in chalanería (or Paso Horse Riding), a form of horse dancing.
Have a lake day
Lake Sochagota offers plenty of opportunities for water sports including water skiing and paddle boats. Or take a lake cruise on the Barco Libertad.
There are also multiple festivals centered around the lake throughout the year that feature jet-ski races, kite-flying competitions, and traditional cultural showcases.
Play some games
Paipa is home to Parque Manoa, which includes a ropes course, a giant labyrinth, and other physical challenges within Paipa.
Take in the local entertainment in a tejo club. A popular Colombian drinking game, tejo is a little like bowling or a bean bag toss—but with explosions! Or check out a local watering hole to play some billiards or Bolirana (like a mix of skeeball and carnival toss games).
See Colombian history
Right outside of town, Pantano de Vargas is home to the impressive Lanceros Monument, which marks the site the most important battle in Colombia’s war for independence.
Hacienda el Salitre is a lovingly restored 17th-century colonial estate that is now a hotel and spa with volcanic pools. An important location in the War of Independence, this beautiful estate has lovely courtyards, a first -class restaurant and historic architecture.
Discover Paipa Today!
In and around Boyacá
Explore nature
Paipa is surrounded by many hikes and hidden waterfalls, the closest of which is Chorro Chontales in Sotaquirá. It is a moderate hike to get to, but is well worth it. There are plenty of others with various difficulty levels in the area.
Plan a trip to a Páramo, unique ecosystems that exists primarily in Colombia. The Páramos provide much of the country’s fresh water and are home to specialized plant and animal species. The Ocetá Páramo is considered the most beautiful in the world and located right here in Boyacá. They are protected areas that are easy to get lost in, so we recommend finding a local guide to see this one-of-a-kind place.
More Colombian history
The Templo del Sol (Temple of the Sun) in Sogamoso is an indigenous archaeological site and museum that explores the history of the ancient Muisca people. It includes intricate reproductions of the temples to the sun god Sué and a small but well-stocked museum of artifacts—including mummies!
Puente de Boyacá is a small bridge located just outside the neighboring city of Tunja. Considered a place of Cultural Heritage to the Nation, it is an 18th-century monument to the War of Independence that includes the bridges, statues, and patriotic symbols.
Take a day trip
Take a day trip to Villa de Leyva, which is a nearby tourist city known for its large, colonial square and architecture. Take a stroll through the historic church and other buildings in the main square where you’ll find plenty of artisan crafts for sale. The city is also a bit of a paleontology hub thanks to the discovery of a complete pliosaur skeleton found in the area. This dinosaur has been designated as its own genus, and can be visited in the Museo El Fósil (Fossil Museum). There is also a larger Paleontology Museum with other finds from the area. Finally, check out one of the wineries that dot the area as it is the only wine-making region in the country.