Hiking Monserrate in Bogotá: Everything You Need to Know

Last Updated: October 2026

One of the first things you’ll notice when exploring Bogotá is the impressive Cerro de Monserrate, a mountain rising high above the Colombian capital. With its beautiful white church perched at the summit, it’s one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and offers some of the best panoramic views of Bogotá.

At 3,152 metres above sea level, Monserrate is one of Bogotá’s most popular attractions. While many visitors choose to reach the summit by cable car or funicular, hiking Monserrate in Bogotá is a much more rewarding experience, especially if you enjoy a good challenge!

The hike follows a steep trail with more than 1,600 steps, and the high altitude certainly makes you work for those incredible views. We decided to tackle the climb ourselves, and although it was tough in places, reaching the summit was well worth the effort.

Monserrate is also an important religious and cultural landmark. Sacred to the indigenous Muisca people long before the Spanish arrived, the mountain later became a Catholic pilgrimage destination. Today, you’ll find a church, restaurants, souvenir stalls and spectacular viewpoints at the summit.

In this guide, we’ll share our experience hiking Monserrate, including how difficult the trail is, how long it takes, whether it’s safe, and everything you need to know before attempting the climb.

Why hike the Cerro de Monserrate?

Well, because if like us, you are travelling on a budget, hiking is free. Not only that but it’s great exercise. Many local people actually do it as a way to keep fit. I suppose it’s cheaper than going to the gym! Conquering the climb to Monserrate is also a great achievement, especially if you are not used to hiking at altitude.

How long you take to reach the peak is not important, just as long as you make it to the top! Apart from the effort, the hike itself is pretty straightforward and the path is well marked. You can’t get lost. If you do the hike early on a weekday, it will be very peaceful with barely anyone around. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Is Climbing Monserrate Safe?

In our experience, YES!

Bogotá doesn’t have the best reputation for safety, so we were initially a little concerned about hiking Monserrate. However, we spoke to several local tour guides and residents who assured us that the hike was generally safe during official opening hours. So, we decided to give it a try!

As a precaution, I only took my phone to use as a camera and a few Colombian pesos, leaving our valuables behind. As soon as we started the hike, our minds were put at ease. There were police officers at the entrance randomly checking people’s bags, and we also noticed a strong police presence along the trail. This made us feel much more comfortable.

Even early on a weekday, there were other hikers around, so we never felt completely isolated. However, weekends can be considerably busier, so it’s worth keeping an eye on your belongings, particularly in crowded areas.

Of course, our experience doesn’t guarantee that conditions will always be the same. For the safest experience, stick to the official trail, hike during opening hours, avoid carrying valuables and check current local advice before setting off. If you’re still concerned about hiking independently, joining a guided hike is another option.

How long does it take?

Well, that all depends on you. It’s not a race! We took one hour to reach the top, then we hung around for a while enjoying the views and checking out the handicrafts market and the church. Of course, you’ve got to take a few photos from up the top. I think we made it up to the top and back down within two and a half hours. 

Is Hiking Monserrate Hard?

It’s not easy unless you’re super fit! The hike follows a steep 2.35-kilometre trail, with approximately 500 metres of elevation gain and 1,605 steps along the way. Although, to be honest, I stopped counting pretty quickly!

Of course, the fact that you’re already at high altitude in Bogotá makes everything harder. Even relatively fit hikers might find themselves stopping to catch their breath more often than usual.

But although challenging, it’s certainly not impossible, and it’s a great achievement if you enjoy hiking.

One thing I appreciated was that the steps weren’t particularly high, unlike those you find on some other hikes. It made the climb easier for short-legged people like us and saved me from being in too much pain the next day!

Love hiking? If you’re looking for another memorable hike in Colombia, don’t miss our guide to hiking in Tayrona National Park. With beautiful jungle trails, tropical beaches and incredible coastal scenery, it’s a completely different experience from climbing Monserrate!

What Is There to See at the Top of Monserrate?

Reaching the summit is rewarding enough, but there’s more to Monserrate than just the hike!

The main attraction is the Santuario del Señor Caído de Monserrate, a beautiful white church that has been an important pilgrimage destination for centuries.

Of course, the real highlight for us was the incredible panoramic view over Bogotá. From more than 3,100 metres above sea level, you can appreciate just how enormous Colombia’s capital really is!

You’ll also find restaurants, cafés, souvenir stalls and viewpoints where you can relax and enjoy the scenery before heading back down.

If you’ve worked up an appetite during the climb, it’s a great place to stop for a well-deserved break!

What If You Can’t Hike Monserrate?

Don’t worry! You don’t have to hike to the top to enjoy the incredible views over Bogotá. Both the funicular and cable car offer a much easier and faster way to reach the summit.

The funicular travels up the mountainside on a steep railway, while the cable car offers spectacular aerial views of the city.

Funicular and Cable Car Prices

As of 2026, the standard ticket prices are:

• Monday to Saturday and public holidays: 35,000 COP return or 21,000 COP one way.
• Sundays: 21,000 COP return.

Funicular and Cable Car opening Hours

• Monday to Saturday: 6:30 am – 10 pm
• Sundays: 5:30 am – 5 pm
• Public holidays: 6:30 am – 5 pm

You can purchase tickets at the station or online in advance to avoid queuing at the ticket office.

Schedules and prices can change, particularly during maintenance periods, so check the official Monserrate website before visiting.

Tip: If you’d like to experience the hike without tackling the descent, you can hike up and purchase a one-way ticket back down!

What Are the Monserrate Hiking Trail Opening Hours?

The Monserrate hiking trail is open from 5 am to 1 pm, with hikers required to descend by 4 pm.

The trail is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance and may also close temporarily due to weather conditions or safety concerns.

It’s best to start early to avoid the heat and enjoy a quieter climb.

Tips for a stress-free hike up Monserrate

• Make sure you put on some sunblock. The UV will get you even on a cloudy day and at high altitude, it’s even worse. Take the bottle of sunblock with you; you may sweat a lot which means you will need to re-apply more often. 
• Wear a hat and sunglasses, you will need them.
• Bring lots of water. You will drink plenty of it. There are locals selling drinks along the way if you run out but expect steeper prices.
• Start early. The trail opens at 5 am but you should wait until at least sunrise to begin. I wouldn’t start in the dark for security reasons but earlier is better to avoid the heat and the crowds. Around 7 am is a good time to commence your climb.
• Don’t visit on a Sunday morning unless you want to share the journey with thousands of others. Sunday is very busy because people attend ceremonies in the church at the top.
• Take enough cash with you to buy extra drinks if required and enough for a one-way ticket on the cable car/funicular in case you decide you’ve had enough walking and don’t want to hike back down.
• Wear layers. You might be cold when you start but believe me it won’t take you very long to warm up.
• Take your time. You are at high altitude and your body may react strangely. There is no rush to get to the top unless you are trying to break some kind of record. Take your time, stop for photos, short breaks and enjoy!
• Although we saw people doing the hike barefooted, I would recommend wearing some good walking shoes. Leave the sandals at home.

Where to Stay in Bogotá

If you’re planning to hike Monserrate, staying in or near La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic centre, is a great option. You’ll be close to many of the city’s main attractions, including the Gold Museum, Plaza Bolívar and the Monserrate trail.

Alternatively, Chapinero and Parque 93 are popular areas with plenty of restaurants, cafés and comfortable hotels. Here are three accommodation options to suit different budgets.

Budget – Hotel Dann Av. 19

If you’re looking for affordable accommodation in central Bogotá, Hotel Dann Av. 19 is a good option. It offers comfortable rooms, breakfast and a convenient location for exploring the city’s historic attractions, including the Gold Museum and La Candelaria. It’s also a practical base for visiting Monserrate without spending a fortune on accommodation.

Check prices and availability on Agoda.

Mid-Range – Novotel Bogotá Parque 93

If you prefer staying in a more modern part of Bogotá, Novotel Bogotá Parque 93 is an excellent choice. Located near Parque de la 93, the hotel offers contemporary rooms, a restaurant and easy access to some of the city’s best cafés and dining options. It’s a little further from Monserrate, but a comfortable base for exploring the capital.

Check prices and availability on Agoda.

Luxury – Hotel de la Ópera

For something a little special, Hotel de la Ópera is a beautiful hotel in La Candelaria, housed in historic buildings full of character. With elegant rooms, a spa, an indoor swimming pool and an excellent location near Plaza Bolívar, it’s a lovely place to relax after a day exploring Bogotá or hiking Monserrate.

Check prices and availability on Agoda.

Explore More of Colombia

Planning to explore more of Colombia? From colourful colonial cities to tropical beaches and lush mountain landscapes, this incredible country has so much to offer. Here are a few more of our travel guides to help you plan your adventure.

• Things to Do in Bogotá – Discover more of Colombia’s fascinating capital beyond Monserrate.
• Visiting Tayrona National Park – Explore jungle trails, spectacular beaches and one of Colombia’s most beautiful national parks.
• Things to Do in Cartagena – Wander through colourful colonial streets and discover the charm of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
• Exploring Colombia’s Coffee Region – Discover Salento, the famous Cocora Valley and its towering wax palms.

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