Bogota is located high in the Andes mountain range at 2,640 meters above sea level. The city is located low in a flat section of the mountain range which thousands of years ago used to be a large lake. The main city areas of Bogota are located close to the eastern mountain range running parallel with the mountains. From Bogota the mountains and countryside can be reached easily through the mountains or just up over the eastern mountains which can be reached in less than 30 minutes.  Bogota’s proximity to the countryside and mountains make it a great place to go hiking. There are a large number of hiking trails which lead from the city into the mountains and provide great views above the city and a feel of being in nature away from the cities hustle and bustle.