Legend has it that during the Spanish conquest, the indigenous Muisca people faced with the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, leaped off the nearby Tequendama Falls. Ever since, reports suggest that apparitions have lingered in the area.
The Hotel del Salto, translating to “hotel of the leap,” has held a reputation for being haunted for many decades. Now repurposed as a museum, this century-old structure in Colombia offers a scenic view of a waterfall on the Bogotá River. Originally designed as the private residence of architect Carlos Arturo Tapias, the building welcomed its first guests in 1928 — a move that, according to tales, brought about unsettling consequences.
Just outside the hotel’s boundaries, where the falls spill down the misty mountainside, numerous individuals have tragically taken their own lives, whether driven by despair or influenced by indigenous legends.
Almost a century later, travelers and tourists from across the globe continue to visit the now museum. The stories of myths, mishaps, and purported supernatural encounters that unfolded within its walls are bound to intrigue visitors for many years to come.
How Did It Become Haunted?
The name Tequendama, associated with the falls near the Hotel del Salto, derives from the indigenous Chibcha language of the Muisca people, meaning “he who precipitated downward.”
According to local lore, the Muisca people would leap from Tequendama Falls to evade capture by Spanish forces during the 16th-century conquest of South America. Instead of meeting their demise, however, it’s said that the Muisca would transform into eagles mid-fall and ascend into the skies.
Another Muisca myth recounts that Bogotá was engulfed in a flood, but the gods intervened, creating a patch of land and forming the waterfall to rescue people from the deluge. This dual significance makes the falls an important symbol of salvation. The area thrived with diverse flora and fauna until the 20th century, when the construction of dams and the development of electricity infrastructure began to impact the environment.
In 1923, amidst the presidency of Pedro Nel Ospina, the “Mansion of Tequendama Falls” was erected in San Antonio del Tequendama, marking the site of these significant myths. Architect Carlos Arturo Tapias designed the building with high windows and French-inspired architecture, reflecting the exuberant aesthetic of the roaring 1920s.
Throughout the decade, the mansion hosted numerous extravagant parties. In 1928, an extension was added, transforming the mansion into a hotel. However, the hotel’s fortunes took a downturn during the 1930s amidst the Great Depression, never quite regaining the heights of its earlier success.
In July 1950, plans to expand the hotel into an 18-story attraction were proposed but ultimately abandoned. Over time, the original foundation deteriorated significantly, largely due to contamination from the Bogotá River.
By the 1990s, interest dwindled, business declined, and the Hotel del Salto shuttered its doors for good. During its vacant years, the building attracted both curious ghost-hunters and desperate squatters.
Tragically, over the decades, numerous individuals took their own lives at the hotel. Coupled with the indigenous legends surrounding the falls, it’s no surprise that many believe the hotel and its surroundings are haunted to this day. Some even speculate that the Muisca people placed a curse on the land where the hotel was erected.
The tragic deaths weren’t the only unsettling occurrences keeping visitors awake at night. Guests at the hotel reported witnessing apparitions both inside the building and outside near the falls. Some even claimed to have heard faint voices engaged in mysterious conversations, possibly the lingering spirits of the Muisca people.
In another chilling account, it’s said that the eerie energy surrounding the falls drove one hotel guest to commit a brutal murder of a young socialite within the confines of one of the rooms, leaving the walls stained with her blood. Legend has it that her vengeful spirit can still be glimpsed peering from the windows of the very room where she met her demise.
During the hotel’s vacancy, rumors circulated of a loud cry echoing from within the empty building at night, further fueling the belief in its haunted nature. Adding to the eerie atmosphere, the road leading to the hotel witnessed numerous mudslides and accidents, leading some to interpret them as signs of ongoing paranormal activity in the area.
The Alleged Hauntings And Deaths.
Despite the alleged hauntings, during its operational days, Hotel Del Salto found itself entangled in police investigations related to deaths at the falls, tarnishing its reputation.
According to reports from Express, tourists are still cautioned to remain near the property during nighttime to avoid accidental falls from the edge. Some visitors have unfortunately fallen from the balcony, whether due to intentional actions or accidents, remains uncertain.
Adding to the unsettling atmosphere, the noxious odor emanating from the heavily polluted Bogotá River below reinforces the feeling that something is amiss with the hotel. The water in this river is so contaminated that it cannot sustain any life in certain areas. However, a turning point for the hotel came in 2011 when efforts to revitalize the seemingly doomed building were initiated.
Hotel Del Salto Today.
More recently, the stunning structure has undergone a transformation into the Tequendama Falls Museum, showcasing the marvels of the natural world. This new purpose beautifully complements the organic splendor of the falls that originally inspired the construction of the building.