Quick snapshot: Give Soacha a couple of days and you'll understand why it's called a satellite city. Base yourself in the center for local amenities, explore the commuter culture, and experience the unique satellite-meets-city atmosphere. The city has a pleasant climate year-round due to its elevation, and neighborhoods range from the central commercial area to more residential outer districts. Stay alert in crowded areas, use ride-hailing apps, and don't drink tap water.
Personality: If Soacha were a person it would be a commuter who also runs a small business and always knows the best route to Bogotá.
🔝 Top 7 Things to Do
1. Walk through the central commercial area
Commercial center with restaurants, shops and local infrastructure.
Why 80/20: Core commercial area and local life.
2. Take a day trip to Bogotá
The proximity to Bogotá provides easy access to the capital's amenities and attractions.
Why 80/20: Access to Bogotá while staying in a quieter setting.
3. Take a day trip to nearby natural attractions
Nearby parks and natural areas offer hiking and outdoor activities, accessible by bus or car.
Why 80/20: Natural escape and outdoor activities close to the city.
4. Try local food in a market
Traditional markets with local fruits, vegetables and typical Soacha food.
Why 80/20: Authentic local food culture away from tourist restaurants.
5. Visit local museums
Museums documenting Soacha's history, culture and commuter traditions.
Why 80/20: Local history and cultural context.
6. Experience local festivals when they occur
Soacha hosts various festivals throughout the year celebrating music, dance and local culture.
Why 80/20: Cultural immersion and local traditions.
7. Evening drinks in central area
Central area bars and restaurants offer local nightlife experience.
Why 80/20: Local nightlife and social scene.
🔎 Unusual facts
Soacha is located very close to Bogotá in the Cundinamarca department, making it a satellite city with many residents commuting to the capital.
The city sits at 2,565 meters above sea level, giving it a pleasant climate year-round.
Soacha is one of Colombia's largest satellite cities, with a significant population of commuters working in Bogotá.
The city has grown rapidly due to its proximity to the capital and affordable housing options.
Soacha hosts various cultural events throughout the year celebrating the region's traditions.
🕐 Local Time
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👥 Population
313,945
💶 Currency
COP
🗣️ Language
Spanish
English (limited, mainly in business and tourist areas)
💧 Tap Water
Tap water in Soacha is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filtered water.
Even if treated, the water quality varies and many locals avoid drinking it directly.
💸 Tipping
Tipping is expected in restaurants (10% is standard), and appreciated in other service contexts.
💳 Cards
Cards are widely accepted in restaurants, shops and supermarkets; cash is still common in markets, taxis and smaller establishments.
🔌 Plugs
Type A, B
110V
🧻 Toilet Paper
Do not flush toilet paper in most places. Use the bin provided in bathrooms.
🛡️ Safety
Requires extra caution due to location and higher crime rates.
📋 Basics
🛬 Arrival
First night tip: Arrive with some daylight if possible; it's easier to get your bearings between the bus station, main street, and your accommodation before everything becomes very quiet at night.
💰 Costs
Soacha is relatively affordable, especially compared to Bogotá, making it attractive for longer stays.
A visitor can get by on COP 60,000–110,000/day (€14–25) excluding accommodation. Digital nomads often live comfortably on COP 1,800,000–3,000,000/month (€410–680) including rent.
Coffee (tinto)
≈ COP 2,000–4,000 (€0.45–0.90)
Cheap local coffee in small cups; specialty coffee costs more.
Beer (local)
≈ COP 4,000–8,000 (€0.90–1.80)
In local bars and restaurants.
Lunch (almuerzo corriente)
≈ COP 10,000–18,000 (€2.30–4.10)
Set lunch with soup, main course, drink and sometimes dessert.
Mid-range dinner
≈ COP 30,000–60,000 per person (€7–14)
Without fancy wine. Expect later dining hours.
Taxi within city
≈ COP 10,000–20,000 (€2.30–4.50)
Depends on distance and traffic. Ride-hailing apps are similar.
Public transport
≈ COP 2,500–3,000 (€0.60–0.70)
Per ride with rechargeable card.
Room in shared flat (long-term)
≈ COP 500,000–1,000,000/month (€110–230)
Cheaper in outer neighborhoods, more expensive in center.
1-bed apartment (long-term)
≈ COP 1,000,000–2,000,000/month (€230–450)
Center at the higher end; other areas cheaper.
🏘️ Where to Stay
Soacha is organized around the center (commercial, mixed) and outer areas (more residential, affordable).
Best for first visit
Central area
— Commercial, local and walkable
Commercial center with restaurants, shops and local infrastructure.
Pros
- Walkable to most commercial areas.
- Many restaurants and shops.
- Good base for first-time visitors.
- Close to Bogotá access.
Cons
- Can be noisy and crowded.
- Less safe at night in some parts.
Residential areas
— Quieter, affordable and local
More residential neighborhoods with local shops and a more authentic Soacha feel.
Pros
- More local character and lower prices.
- Quieter at night.
- More residential feel.
Cons
- Further from commercial center.
- Fewer English speakers.
Good for digital nomads
Central and northern areas
Best mix of coworking spaces, cafés with Wi-Fi, and modern infrastructure.
Some coworking spaces offer day passes and monthly memberships. Good internet infrastructure. Growing digital nomad presence.
Residential areas
More local, cheaper alternative with some cafés, though fewer coworking options than center.
Good for longer stays if you want more local experience and don't mind fewer expat amenities.
Beach areas
Not applicable
Soacha is an inland city. No beaches nearby.
Quiet areas
Residential areas outside the center
More residential, quieter neighborhoods with local shops and parks.
Good for longer stays if you want peace and don't mind being further from commercial center.
🔎 Is this city for you?
Come if
- You want proximity to Bogotá and affordable living.
- You're looking for a satellite city base with access to capital amenities.
Avoid if
- You want a completely safe city with zero crime concerns (satellite cities require extra caution).
- You want extensive tourist infrastructure and digital nomad amenities (this is a commuter city).
🛡️ Safety
Soacha has safety challenges, and petty crime like pickpocketing and phone theft is common. Violent crime can be higher than other Colombian cities. Exercise extra caution, especially at night.
Common Issues
- Pickpocketing and phone theft, especially on public transport and in crowded areas.
- Scams targeting tourists (fake taxis, overpriced tours).
- Mugging in less safe neighborhoods, especially after dark.
Simple Rules
- Don't flash expensive phones or jewelry in public.
- Use ride-hailing apps instead of hailing taxis on the street.
- Keep bags in front of you and stay alert in crowded places.
- Avoid empty streets and parks after dark.
- Be extra cautious, especially at night.
🚨 Emergency Numbers
General: 123 (emergency services)
National Police: 112
💻 Digital Nomad
Developing hub with a small digital nomad community, known for proximity to Bogotá, though less established than Bogotá or Medellín.
🚇 Getting Around
Walking is best in the center. Taxis, ride-hailing apps, and buses for longer distances and Bogotá access.
- Walk the center easily.
- Ride-hailing apps (Uber, DiDi, Cabify) are popular and safer than street taxis.
- Buses for longer distances, outer neighborhoods, and Bogotá.
- Taxis for short trips within the city.
🎭 Culture
Busy and commuter-focused, especially compared to other Colombian cities, with emphasis on proximity to Bogotá.
Mealtimes
🍽️ Lunch
Usually 12:00–14:00. Almuerzo corriente is the main meal of the day for many locals.
🍽️ Dinner
19:00–22:00, though some restaurants serve later.
😴 Siesta
Not common in Soacha; businesses generally stay open all day.
What Tourists Get Wrong
- Expecting warm weather – Soacha has pleasant climate year-round due to elevation (often 12–22°C).
- Assuming everyone speaks English – Spanish is essential outside tourist areas.
- Walking around with expensive phones visible – keep them hidden.
- Drinking tap water – stick to bottled or filtered water.
- Only staying in the center – other neighborhoods offer more local experience.
- Underestimating safety concerns – satellite cities require extra caution.
Useful Phrases
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much does it cost?
¿Dónde está el baño?
Where is the bathroom?
¿Cómo se va a Bogotá?
How do you get to Bogotá?
📅 When to Visit
Special Events
- June – Local Festival with cultural events and celebrations.
- December – End-of-year celebrations and cultural events.
👥 Meet People
Regular language exchange meetups in central areas bars where locals and foreigners practice Spanish and English.
Nightlife Areas
- Central area – local bars and restaurants with mixed local and international crowd.
- Residential areas – local bars and restaurants, popular with younger locals.
- Zona Rosa – touristy area with many bars and clubs.
❓ FAQ
Can you drink tap water in Soacha?
No, tap water in Soacha is generally not safe to drink. Use bottled water or filtered water. This is standard practice throughout Colombia.
Is Soacha safe for solo travellers and digital nomads?
Soacha requires extra caution due to its location and higher crime rates. Petty crime like pickpocketing is common. Stick to well-lit areas at night, use ride-hailing apps, and don't flash valuables. Be extra cautious, especially at night.
What is the best area to stay in Soacha for a first visit?
For a short first stay, the central area and residential areas are the best 8020 options. The central area offers commercial access and local infrastructure, while residential areas provide better value and more local character.
What is the best area to stay in Soacha for digital nomads?
Central and northern areas have the best mix of coworking spaces, cafés with Wi-Fi, and modern infrastructure, though fewer options than major cities.
How do you get from Bogotá to Soacha?
Soacha is accessible by bus from Bogotá, taking about 30–60 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run regularly and are the main way to reach the city.
Why is Soacha called a satellite city?
Soacha is located very close to Bogotá in the Cundinamarca department, making it a satellite city with many residents commuting to the capital for work.
Do you need to tip in Soacha?
Yes, tipping is expected in restaurants (10% is standard and often added automatically). Rounding up for taxis and leaving small change in cafés is appreciated.