All About Colombia’s Longest Hanging Staircase In Santa Sofía, Boyacá

High in the mountains of Boyacá, Colombia has unveiled one of its most thrilling adventure attractions: the Escalera al Cielo (“Stairway to Heaven”). Located in the Paso del Ángel Adventure Park in Santa Sofía, this structure is more than a marvel of engineering — it’s an experience that fuses nature, adrenaline, and introspection.

The Escalera al Cielo holds the title of Colombia’s longest hanging staircase, measuring 254 metres long and requiring visitors to climb over 600 steps to cross. Suspended between lush Andean ridges, the staircase offers sweeping views of valleys, forests, and waterfalls. For many, the feeling is like walking “through the air,” a mix of exhilaration and awe.

Santa Sofía’s Secretary of Tourism highlights the attraction as a national record-breaker and a point of pride for Boyacá.

The Journey To The Top

Getting to the staircase itself is part of the adventure. Visitors must hike for about 90 minutes along ecological trails, surrounded by Boyacá’s cloud forests. The trail introduces you to the region’s biodiversity — towering trees, orchids, hummingbirds, and the soothing sound of water trickling through hidden streams. By the time you reach the start of the staircase, anticipation has built into adrenaline.

Crossing the steps requires focus and courage, but the rewards are immense: uninterrupted vistas of mountains stretching into the horizon, the distant crash of waterfalls, and the humbling sensation of being dwarfed by nature.

Beyond The Staircase: More Adventures

While the Escalera al Cielo is the star, the Paso del Ángel Adventure Park offers much more:

• El Hayal Waterfall and Cave, where a 25-metre cascade plunges into a natural pool, surrounded by caves ideal for exploration.

• Hanging bridges and rope courses, giving you different perspectives over the canyon.

• Zip-lines and aerial bicycles, for thrill-seekers who want to test their courage even further.

• Opportunities to connect with local history and culture, since Santa Sofía sits on former Muisca lands and still preserves rural Andean traditions.

The Information

How To Get There: Santa Sofía is about 25 minutes from Villa de Leyva and 77 km from Tunja. From Bogotá, the drive is roughly 3.5–4 hours. The park is accessible by car, though some trails may require short hikes.

Best Time To Visit: Go during Colombia’s dry seasons (December–March and July–September) for clear views and safer trails. Avoid the rainy months, when conditions become slippery.

Entry & Costs: Entrance fees vary by activity. The staircase crossing and adventure circuits usually cost between 40,000–80,000 COP (USD 10–20). Guided tours are recommended for safety.

What To Pack:

Comfortable hiking shoes with good grip

Lightweight rain jacket (weather shifts quickly in the Andes)

Reusable water bottle and snacks

Sunscreen and insect repellent

A secure camera or phone strap for those once-in-a-lifetime photos

Where To Stay: Many visitors base themselves in nearby localities that are known for its cobblestone streets and colonial plazas. Here, you’ll find boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and budget hostels, along with easy access to local restaurants and cultural attractions.

FAQs

Q1. Where is the Escalera al Cielo located in Colombia?
The Escalera al Cielo is located in Santa Sofía, Boyacá, within the Paso del Ángel Adventure Park, about 25 minutes from Villa de Leyva.

Q2. How long is the Escalera al Cielo staircase?
The Escalera al Cielo is 254 meters long and has over 600 hanging steps, making it the longest hanging staircase in Colombia.

Q3. What activities can tourists enjoy near Escalera al Cielo?
Visitors can hike ecological trails, explore El Hayal waterfall and caves, try zip-lining, aerial bicycles, and cross hanging bridges within the adventure park.

Q4. How do you reach Escalera al Cielo from Bogotá?
From Bogotá, the drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours to Santa Sofía, Boyacá. The site is also easily accessible from Villa de Leyva.

Q5. What is the best time to visit Escalera al Cielo?
The best time to visit is during Colombia’s dry seasons (December–March and July–September) for clear skies and safer hiking conditions.