The Sabana's nearest escape: Chia is known nationally for Andres Carne de Res, a vast, chaotic, art-crammed restaurant and dance hall, while neighbouring Cajica has a craft market on its plaza, wool and ceramic workshops and a slower colonial feel. Both suit an evening out or a Sunday lunch without leaving the Sabana.
| Distance | 30 km north of Bogota (Chia); 39 km (Cajica) |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 45-75 minutes depending on traffic on the Autopista Norte |
| Getting there | Mode: Bus; Detail: Frequent intermunicipal buses from Portal del Norte to Chia and Cajica, running late into the night for restaurant traffic |
| Cost | Bus fares COP 9,000-18,000 return (about USD 2.86-5.71); a full meal with drinks at Andres Carne de Res runs COP 130,000-250,000 per person (about USD 41.27-79.37) |
| Address | Parque Santander, Carrera 11 con Calle 11, Chia, Cundinamarca, Colombia |
How to get there
- Bus: Portal del Norte to Chia, COP 4,500-7,000 (about USD 1.43-2.22), 20-40 minutes
- Bus: Portal del Norte to Cajica, COP 6,000-9,000 (about USD 1.90-2.86)
- Taxi or ride-hailing from the northern districts, COP 45,000-80,000 (about USD 14.29-25.40)
- Car: Autopista Norte, with heavy congestion on Friday evenings and Sunday returns
Location
Parque Santander, Carrera 11 con Calle 11, Chia, Cundinamarca, Colombia
4.8614, -74.0594 View on map
Highlights
- Andres Carne de Res in Chia, a landmark of Colombian nightlife and grilled meat
- Cajica's artisan market and wool workshops around the main plaza
- Trout and ajiaco restaurants along the Chia-Cajica road
- Cycling and horse riding on the flat Sabana lanes
Tips for visiting
- Andres Carne de Res takes reservations and fills every Friday and Saturday night - the original Chia branch is far larger than the Bogota outposts
- Return transport late at night is easiest by pre-booked car or ride-hailing app
- Cajica's market is liveliest on Sundays
- Traffic on the Autopista Norte can double the journey between 17:00 and 20:00