Each year during Holy Week, the town of Choachí, located just outside Bogotá in Cundinamarca, transforms into a stage where centuries-old Easter processions take place. The journey through this small Andean town isn’t just a spiritual passage but a tangible interaction with Colombia’s cultural roots, set against rugged landscapes that challenge both body and spirit.

The processions themselves trace routes that rise and fall along steep cobblestone streets, with participants moving at a steady pace under the watchful gaze of jagged peaks and cold mountain winds. The main path is roughly 3 kilometers long with an elevation gain of about 150 meters — manageable for most visitors but enough to remind you that this is a walk of reverence and endurance. The procession winds through forest patches where eucalyptus and pine sway quietly, their branches brushing the air as if whispering encouragement to the faithful.

Planning to witness or join this event means preparing for a mix of physical exertion and reflective quiet. The path’s uneven terrain demands sturdy hiking shoes rather than sandals or dress shoes. Early morning departures help avoid the midday heat while ensuring you catch the sincere glow of dawn light reflecting off the cracked plaster walls and brightly colored banners adorning the town’s colonial buildings.

As the procession weaves through the winding streets, hear the rhythmic drumbeats and sacred hymns that ripple through the crowd. The townspeople’s deeply rooted devotion infuses every step with meaning. Watching the carefully crafted wooden floats, carried on tired shoulders, you feel the old stories press close, urging respect for this tradition fiercely maintained over generations.

Hydration is crucial — the high-altitude chill often masks your body’s mounting thirst, so carry a refillable bottle and drink regularly. Weather can change abruptly, so layer your clothing. Rain is not uncommon even in otherwise clear weeks, and the hills around Choachí can suddenly shift from sunlit charm to mist veiling the landscape.

Whether you come for the spiritual resonance or the cultural experience, Choachí’s Easter processions offer a grounded adventure. They ask for patience, respect, and openness to the environment — both the human and natural elements that sustain this remarkable event.