Tequendama Falls: A Majestic Cascade with a Haunted Past

Located approximately 20 miles southwest of Bogotá in Soacha, Cundinamarca, Tequendama Falls (Salto del Tequendama) is a prominent natural landmark with a height of 132 meters (433 feet). The falls have been a significant point of reference in Colombian geography since pre-Columbian times. According to Muisca legend, the falls were created by Bochica, a god who broke the rocks with his staff to drain the waters flooding the Bogotá savanna. The name 'Tequendama' translates to 'he who precipitated downward' in the Chibcha language. Another legend tells of Muisca people leaping from the falls to escape Spanish conquistadors, transforming into eagles mid-air to fly to freedom. In the 20th century, the Tequendama Falls became a popular tourist destination. The Hotel del Salto, built in 1928, offered luxurious accommodations with stunning views of the falls. However, increasing pollution of the Bogotá River led to the hotel's abandonment in the early 1990s. Today, the former hotel has been transformed into the Salto de Tequendama House Museum, dedicated to raising awareness about the river's pollution and promoting environmental recovery. Visitors can explore exhibits about the history, culture, and natural environment of the Tequendama Falls. Despite the pollution, the falls remain a captivating sight, surrounded by lush vegetation typical of the Andean region.