Colombia Travel Guide
Bogotá
Colombia
Nestled in the middle of the eastern Andes and the third highest capital in South America (over 2600 m above sea level), Bogotá is a vast, vibrant metropolis teeming with incredible opportunities to discover Colombian culture and gastronomy. Its airport serves as a hub for conveniently traveling across the entire country.
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KEY INFORMATION ABOUT BOGOTA, COLOMBIA
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GENERAL OVERVIEW
While initially overlooked by tourists, Bogotá is a destination that can pleasantly surprise you.
Bogotá is the capital of Colombia, with more than 8,000,000 inhabitants. Nestled against the eastern Andes (with the Llanos on the other side), it is situated on a vast plateau at an impressive altitude of 2,600 m, known as the Sabana de Bogotá. Although it has its own administrative status, it is also part of the department of Cundinamarca.
Bogotá is an 8-hour drive from the coffee region, 10 hours from Medellin, 4 hours from Villa de Leyva, 4 hours from Villavicencio, and 5 hours from Ibagué.
Upon their arrival in Colombia, the conquistadors had a singular focus: finding the gold of El Dorado. As they journeyed down the Magdalena River towards Peru, they encountered the Muisca people, renowned for their salt mines, which they exchanged for gold.
Jackpot. The Spaniards killed everyone and, on August 6, 1538, founded Bogotá on the Plaza de Chorro de Quevedo.
Bogotá quickly rose to become the capital of the Spanish Empire in South America and, later, the capital of Colombia when Simon Bolivar triumphed in the battle for independence (Boyacá, 1819).
First, you might not have a choice, as it’s one of the best-connected airports in South America. Additionally, it’s easy to take a domestic flight to explore Colombia’s more remote areas, like Caño Cristales, Yopal, the Amazon, or Mavicure.
While Bogotá is disliked by many travelers (it has many flaws: climate, traffic, size), it’s the perfect city for those interested in the country’s history and culture. Significant events (Bogotazo, the storming of the Palace of Justice, the creation of the country) took place here, which you can learn about through fascinating guided tours.
And I love the number of interesting and interactive museums scattered throughout La Candelaria.
Bogotá is also a paradise for food lovers. Several neighborhoods are home to the best restaurants in the city, offering unbeatable value for money.
And to digest all that, there’s nothing like a long walk in one of the many nature reserves surrounding the city (including the famous páramos) or an excursion to the impressive salt mines of Zipaquirá and Nemocón.
With an average altitude of 2,600 m, it’s cool in Bogotá. Notice I said “cool,” not “cold.” To give you an idea, the daytime average is 17 degrees and drops to 10 degrees at night—so leave the flip-flops at home.
It’s often gray (a bit too much for my taste), but the good news is the weather changes quickly, with the sun making an appearance from time to time. The rainiest months are April, May, September, October, and November.
To visit the capital with (almost) guaranteed sunshine, come between December and March.
There’s no real reason to worry about the high season here; on the contrary, the locals head for the sun whenever they can.
There are also several events you shouldn’t miss:
- Music festivals: Rock al Parque (Nov.), Jazz al Parque (Sep.), Salsa al Parque (Oct.), Joropo (June)
- Cultural events: Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro (Apr.), Feria del Libro (Apr.), Festival de Cine (Nov.)
- Trade shows: Expoartesanías (Dec.), Anato (Feb.)
Bogotá isn’t the most welcoming city, so you might not feel like lingering here. However, I recommend staying for at least 36 hours (2 nights) to understand Colombia’s history, wander around its historic center, and discover some great restaurants.
Depending on the other destinations in your itinerary, you can extend your stay in Bogotá with a few excursions (coffee farm, hikes, Zipaquira) outside the city for a total of 4 to 5 nights.
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BETTER EXPLORE COLOMBIA
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Want it? Just head to this page.
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THINGS TO DO IN BOGOTA
Tourist sites to see and visit.
La Candelaria is the historic center of Bogotá, where the first 12 houses were built (on the Plaza Chorro de Quevedo). Besides its numerous and impressive administrative buildings (Casa de Nariño, the Congress, Palacio de Justicia), it also houses beautiful Catholic churches like the Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen and the Catedral Primada de Colombia—located on the Plaza de Bolivar.
However, don’t expect the historic center to be comparable to Cartagena’s. Its charm lies more in its daytime activity, with many students, restaurants, and shops. I also enjoy searching for the best graffiti in the neighborhood (and there are many!), which started appearing after Justin Bieber’s disastrous intervention—be sure to take a graffiti tour to learn more.
La Candelaria is not very large (10 calles by 10 carreras) and 2-3 hours are enough to enjoy it. However, the impressive number of good museums means you could easily spend two whole days there if that’s your thing.
The vast majority of museums are located in La Candelaria (except the Museo Nacional, which is in La Macarena):
- Museo de Oro: Excellent explanations and a superb collection of gold artifacts.
- Museo de Botero: The most famous artist in Colombia.
- Museo Nacional: Everything you need to know about the history of Colombia.
- MAMBO: Modern art.
- Casa Sámano: The transformation of Bogotá.
- Museo Quinta de Bolívar: About the life of Simon Bolivar.
- MAMU: Several art exhibitions.
- Claustro de San Agustín: The Colombian civil conflict.
- Fragmentos: A memorial to the victims of the civil conflict.
In addition to being very interesting, these museums are free (or inexpensive) and housed in beautiful buildings. However, most explanations are in Spanish (consider using Google Lens to translate the signs).
Note that most museums are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays.
Monserrate, at 3,152 meters high, offers an incredible view of Bogotá—I love visiting at sunset. Once a sacred Muisca site, it now features a neo-colonial basilica, a pilgrimage destination. You’ll also find food options (restaurants or street food).
There are 3 ways to access it (north of La Candelaria):
- Funicular: The view is less impressive but not too crowded.
- Cable car: I love the aerial view, but there’s a line.
- Stairs: Exhausting (1,500 steps), and there are frequent reports of theft.
To avoid the crowd, skip Sundays and holidays. If you’re visiting for the sunset, arrive at least an hour early. It’s cold at the top, so enjoy a Canelazo (a hot alcoholic drink) to warm up.
Other alternatives to admire the view of Bogotá:
- Colpatria Tower (only on weekends)
- Virgen de Guadalupe (only with a guide!)
- Mirador de La Calera (if you stay in the north of the city)
There’s so much to see in Colombia that I generally don’t recommend travelers “waste time” visiting public parks. But if you don’t know what to do and the weather is nice, you can take a stroll in Simón Bolívar Park, the largest park in Bogotá.
Another option (which I find more interesting) is to visit the José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden. It’s an ideal outing for families or plant lovers. My father enjoyed it as an introduction to his adventure in Colombia. This botanical garden does an excellent job of recreating the country’s various environments. Plan on spending at least 3 hours for the visit.
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THINGS TO DO IN BOGOTA
My favorite activities for enjoying the city.
Colombia’s history is complicated to understand: between the government, drug traffickers, guerrillas, paramilitaries, peace agreements, political ideals, various revolutions, and the country’s different names over the years, it’s enough to make your head spin.
Besides the various museums, you can join one of the many tours of La Candelaria with a local guide.
You have several options:
- A Free Walking Tour: You tip at the end of the tour.
- A Group Tour: You join other travelers.
- A Private Tour: Just you and your guide.
The tour lasts about 3 hours, not including museum visits.
I particularly enjoyed the War and Peace tour by Beyond Colombia.
I love doing this type of activity at the beginning of a trip to understand the country better.
Bogotá has many bike lanes. Cycling is an excellent way to optimize your stay in the city, allowing you to explore several neighborhoods in just a few hours—especially if you opt for an electric bike tour.
Since Bogotá is on a plateau, you don’t need to be in top shape. However, you should be prepared to face bad weather and traffic.
Fun fact: every Sunday morning, a part of Bogotá is closed to vehicles. Only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed. This is known as Ciclovía.
I found the best coffee tastings in Bogotá. Even if you don’t drink liters of coffee, it’s always an interesting and interactive activity.
The main themes covered in this type of experience are:
- The benefits of different coffee preparation methods.
- The differences between pasilla, café lavado, café honey, and café natural.
- Understanding why Colombian coffee is so renowned.
- How to identify acidity and bitterness notes.
- The aromas in your cup—like for wine, you’ll probably struggle with this. My go-to answer: “chocolaty.”
The queen of coffee in Colombia is Karen from Flavor of Bogotá.
But there are also specialty cafes that offer their own experiences—though often in Spanish.
You have Jaguar Coffee, Café Matuca, Divino Café Especial, and Catación Pública (in Usaquén).
It’s difficult to order a juice or a dish in a restaurant when you don’t know what it is. Your arrival in Bogotá is the perfect opportunity to fix that.
For fruits, you can go to a market and buy one of each. Don’t hesitate to eat them with a pinch of salt—try it before you grimace.
In Bogotá, Paloquemao is the largest market. You can walk there from La Candelaria (20-30 min). There’s also the smaller market La Perseverancia (in La Merced). In both cases, it’s best to go in the morning. And if you don’t speak Spanish, join one of the many guided tours available.
Another way to discover Bogotá’s gastronomy is to stroll through the streets with other local foodies. They’ll point you to the best places to eat Buñuelos, tamales, ajiacos, or hot chocolate with cheese (yes, it’s weird). 2 options here:
- The guys from Bogotivo offer an excellent tour.
- I also liked this tour.
Traveling is also about experiencing new things. And in Bogotá, I know three that will surprise you.
On rainy days, I recommend taking shelter and playing Tejo. It’s a Colombian game where you throw a metal disc at a clay-filled target, all in a festive atmosphere with explosions and beer.
Where can you play? Tejo Ancestral has the advantage of being right in La Candelaria. And if you want something a bit trendier, you can go to Tejo Turmequé, near Parque de los Hippies.
Another way to have fun is to go to the stadium for a football match. Going alone’s not too complicated, but it’s much more fun in a group. Depending on the package you choose, appetizers are included.
And finally, here’s an activity that doesn’t require drinking beer beforehand. Did you know that Colombia is the world’s largest exporter of emeralds? In Bogotá, there’s an experience where you can create your own ring to set your emerald (with the help of a jeweler, of course). A pretty cool souvenir, right?
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BOGOTA SURROUNDINGS
Best Bogota Day trips.
With so many beautiful paramos and nature reserves, it would be a shame not to plan a nature outing. The only drawback is that the car journeys are always long (expect 3 to 4 hours per day).
Here are my favorite spots:
- La Chorrera: An easy hike through lush mountain trails to reach one of the highest waterfalls in the Andes, at 590 meters.
- Chicaque: A stunning nature reserve at 2400 meters, surrounded by colorful tanagers and toucans.
- Sumapaz: The largest páramo in the world, at 3800 meters, teeming with exceptional flora and fauna.
- Laguna de Siecha: The Andean lagoons of Chingaza at 3800 meters.
- Maza Fonte Chingaza: A hike in a private reserve at 2800 meters.
Remember, these are humid ecosystems (tropical forest, cloud forest, páramos) at high altitudes. So, make sure to dress warmly and bring a good rain jacket.
The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an underground marvel inaugurated in 1995, attracts thousands of visitors monthly with its impressive structures and fascinating history. Located 180 meters underground, it includes three naves with salt sculptures, such as La Piedad and the Guardian Angel.
This is the most famous excursion from Bogotá, and you don’t need to go through an agency to visit it—just take a one-hour bus ride and rent a one-hour audio guide on-site.
The advantage of going through an agency is that you can combine this visit with a stop at the charming white village of Guatavita and a 45-minute hike to discover its lagoon, the origin of the El Dorado legend.
Don’t like touristy spots? Opt for the old Nemocón salt mine. It’s less impressive than Zipaquirá but much less crowded. However, you’ll probably need to take a private tour.
More than 1,000 bird species can be observed in the department of Cundinamarca (according to E-bird).
It’s best to visit from late November to March when the days are sunny.
There are three types of experiences:
- Bird-watching lodges: Many feeders and fruit trees are set up to facilitate bird-watching and photography. You can either spend the day or stay overnight. The two most well-known places are the Observatorio de Colibríes and Finca Suasie.
- Strolling through the parks (and botanical gardens) of Bogotá.
- Hiking in nature: The two most popular areas are Chicaque and Chingaza
In addition to coffee tasting, you can visit the producers themselves to discover the coffee-making process. I love this experience because we harvest, grind, and roast our own beans!
However, it’s best to do this in the right season. In the Bogotá region, this runs from March to June and another from October to November.
Many agencies go to Hacienda Coloma. It’s far too “organized” and touristy for my taste.
If you’re more of a foodie, you can opt for a cacao plantation. But I prefer the farms of San Rafael in Antioquia.
This type of experience is also easier to organize in Antioquia or the coffee region, as it involves long hours of transport from Bogotá.
Here are some outdoor activities for adrenaline lovers like us:
- Horseback riding in La Calera: Enjoy spectacular views of the Andean mountains and the lush vegetation of the sub-páramo forest.
- Rafting and canyoning in Tobia: I discovered an excellent canyoning route (with over 10 waterfalls to descend in one day), beautiful rapids for rafting, and a huge zipline where you’re strapped in headfirst—like Superman. However, most agencies are only open on weekends.
- Rock climbing in Suesca: There are over 400 routes on the famous Las Rocas cliff.
- Paragliding from the village of Sopo.
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WHERE TO STAY IN BOGOTA
Bogota’s best hotels and the atmosphere of its neighborhoods.
La Candelaria consists mainly of hostels and small hotels. The atmosphere is lively during the day, with many restaurants, but it quiets down in the evening. Shops close, and students head home after a final beer. Additionally, since it’s located in the southern part of the city and surrounded by rather rough neighborhoods, I advise against wandering the streets at night.
The advantage is that you’re close to museums and other interesting monuments.
Here are my favorite hotels in La Candelaria:
- Casa Samor: to save a few $$.
- The Cranky Croc: to meet other travelers.
- Magdalena Guest House: to chat with a friendly host.
- Candelaria house: the perfect boutique hotel
- The Orchids: to splurge.
These neighborhoods are located just north of La Candelaria. With the emergence of bars and restaurants in recent years, they have become increasingly trendy. However, I do not recommend walking around at night.
- La Macarena is only a few streets, but there are many good restaurants offering excellent value for money.
- La Merced has a surprising English neogothic style, but few hotels exist.
- Teusaquillo is a large neighborhood with a youthful and festive atmosphere around Parkway. Avenida El Dorado provides direct access to the airport.
You’ll find few nice hotels at the moment, but there are many pleasant apartments—like this one
If you’re looking for a hostel, check out Bendito.
Chapinero is a vast area with both good and bad spots. The good news is there are excellent small neighborhoods perfect for daytime strolls. And you’re only twenty minutes by taxi from La Candelaria. This is my usual place to stay.
In Chapinero, you’ll find numerous bars and alternative nightclubs with plenty of electro, rock, and metal music. All looks are welcome here. You’ll see hipsters, punks, and rockers. This neighborhood is also very popular with the gay community.
The neighborhoods I recommend are:
- Maria Christina / Nueva Granada / Bosque Calderón: Near Chapinero’s nightlife. Urban Heights offers unbeatable rates, and HAB and Casa Lelyte provide great value for money.
- Zona G: One of the best areas for good food. The “G” stands for “Gourmet.” Mika is the perfect classic hotel; business travelers will enjoy the Hilton Suites.
- Quinta Camacho: My favorite neighborhood, with beautiful red brick houses. I love the Macondo hostel, the boutique hotel Lucitania, and the luxurious Casa Legado here.
We now arrive at the very chic part of Bogotá, with its high-rise buildings, parks, gourmet restaurants, luxury boutiques, and trendy nightlife.
It’s a bit far from La Candelaria for my taste (about 40 minutes), but if you want to enjoy Bogotá’s nightlife and stay in a modern and safe area, this is the place to be. However, be ready to pay more.
Here are the neighborhoods I particularly like:
- Rosales and La Cabrera: Very green and vibrant. They remind me a bit of Laureles in Medellín. Hotel Porton offers the best value for money in the area, or you can opt for the luxury apartments of Urban Living.
- Zona T: The party district. Quite noisy. It’s better to sleep in Rosales and La Cabrera.
- Chico Norte & Chico: Near Parque 93, a very chic spot for dining and going out. There aren’t many choices for different types of hotels here. It’s mostly large modern hotels like Salvio, El Dorado, or Luxury Suite.
Usaquén is a town absorbed by the expansion of Bogotá. Like Envigado in Antioquia, it’s a pleasant neighborhood for long-term stays. There are many restaurants and charming cafes. Don’t miss the Sunday flea market. The only downside is that it’s far from everything.
I like the spacious rooms at Hotel Sonesta and the apartments at Plaza Suites.
GOING OUT IN BOGOTA
My favorite bars and clubs.
The city of Bogotá offers excellent nightlife for all tastes. The atmosphere varies depending on the neighborhood:
- Candelaria: Cool for a few drinks in the late afternoon. After that, I’m not a big fan.
- South Chapinero: A gay-friendly neighborhood with many bars and alternative clubs playing punk, electro, hard rock, etc., between Calle 53 and 63.
- Zona T: This is the most “classic” party area. There are many bars and clubs with different styles of music (electro/reggaeton), and everything is nearby. It’s located between Calle 79 and 85 and Carrera 11 and 15.
- Parque 93: It’s like Zona T, but more upscale and, therefore, more expensive.
I haven’t been able to try them all (far from it!). Here are the ones I liked or were recommended to me:
- Theatron: Gay-friendly, it’s the largest club in Colombia, with more than 19 different ambiances across 5 floors. In short, it’s wild! | South Chapinero
- La Negra: For dancing to Latin beats (reggaeton, champeta, Cuban, tropical) | South Chapinero
- Mad Radio: Excellent DJs | Zona T
- Excentrica: Rooftop with electro parties | Zona T
- Video Club: Two rooms (reggaeton & electro) | South Chapinero
- Latino Power: Great when there’s a concert planned | South Chapinero
- Presea Rooftop: For perrear | Zona T
- Radio Berlin: Hard electro | South Chapinero
Here is a short selection by theme:
- Craft beer is very trendy in Bogotá. You can head to Parkway to tour the breweries, or visit Mono Bandido—there are several locations across the city.
- Fancy a cocktail? The best options are in the northern part of Bogotá. Red Room, Huerta Coctelería Artesanal, Pedro Mandinga, and Llorente Restaurante Bar are my top picks.
- For salsa, there are fewer options. Near La Candelaria, there’s El Goce Pagano and Quiebracanto. In Chapinero, I like Salsa Camará and Pachanga y Pochola. Near Parque 93, I enjoy the vibe at Galeria Café Libro. Try to go when there’s a concert 😉
Here’s a special selection because I love rooftops—even if the weather isn’t always ideal in Bogotá. You’ll find the best ones around Zona T/Parque 93. Make sure to book in advance.
- ODEM: The only rooftop in the south of Chapinero.
- Vista Corona: A fancy rooftop near Parque 93.
- Apache Rooftop Bar: Parque 93.
- Federal Rooftop: Zona T.
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EATING IN BOGOTA
My favorite cafes and restaurants in Bogota.
There are chefs who perform small miracles in reinventing Colombian cuisine:
- Andres Carne de Res: The most famous (and festive) restaurant in Bogotá, but it’s far away (in Chia).
- El Tambor: If the weather is nice and you want to enjoy the outdoors while eating a picada (in La Calera).
- Abasto: For a great Colombian brunch.
- Debora: Delicious gourmet menu.
- Nueve: A fusion of Spanish and Colombian cuisine.
- Chichería Demente: For chicha (indigenous drink).
- Restaurante La Herencia: Traditional Colombian cuisine.
- Mesa Franca: Original dishes.
- Salvo Patria: Excellent value for money.
Bogotá has some excellent gourmet restaurants. They aren’t cheap, but compared to countries like France or the United States, these are opportunities not to be missed:
- Leo: A culinary journey across all of Colombia. Tasting menu of 8 to 12 courses.
- El Cielo: Unconventional cuisine. Tasting menu of 12 to 15 courses.
- El Chato: Among the 50 best restaurants in the world. The tasting menu is only available upstairs. 11 courses.
- Prudencia: Lunch only in La Candelaria. Set menu only. 7 courses. Excellent options for vegetarians and pescatarians. Casual atmosphere.
Traditional cafés aren’t the places to enjoy a good coffee in Colombia. For that, you need to visit a specialty coffee shop. There, you can choose the type of coffee and the preparation method. Don’t hesitate to ask the server for their recommendation. Here are the cafés I liked:
- Amor Perfecto: One of the most famous. There are many locations. Other alternatives include Azahar, Colo, and Varietale.
- Café Cultor: An excellent spot in Quinta Camacho.
- Café del Mercado: For a caffeinated and sweet break in La Candelaria. I also like Café Robusta Bakery.
- Catación Pública: If you decide to stay in Usaquén
Colombian markets always have a section where you can have breakfast or lunch. I love ordering a caldo de res (beef soup), lechona (slow-cooked stuffed pork), and large fruit juices. It’s the best way to discover authentic cuisine at local prices.
- Paloquemao: This is where you’ll find the most variety.
- La Perseverancia: A slightly trendier market north of La Candelaria.
Walking around La Candelaria is also about discovering its street food. Don’t hesitate to try:
- Arepas
- Pan de bono
- Picada
- Oblea
- Chorizo
- Empanadas
- Buñuelos
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HOW TO GET TO BOGOTA
Plane or bus.
It’s one of the busiest airports for international flights in South America, but it only has two terminals. This leads to long waits at immigration during peak hours. Keep this in mind if you’re planning to catch another flight.
Direct flights are available from several South American countries, the United States, France, Spain, and Germany.
International arrivals and the national airlines Latam, Avianca, and Wingo are managed from the main terminal.
The airport is in the city, 30 minutes from Chapinero and La Candelaria. Expect to pay between 13 to 18 USD. To save a few USD, you can take an Uber, but it’s a bit tricky as the driver will need to call you (in Spanish) to tell you where they are waiting.
Alternatively, you can take the official airport taxi: Taxi Imperial. Be aware, there will also be many unofficial taxis or transporters.
This is the second terminal of El Dorado (much smaller). It’s a 5-minute drive away, and there’s also a shuttle from the main terminal. The airline Satena operates from this terminal. You’ll probably take off from there if you head to remote destinations in Colombia.
Some domestic flights are only available from Bogotá. These include destinations such as the Amazon (Leticia, Mitú, Florencia, Inírida, San José del Guaviare) and the Llanos (Yopal, Macarena).
This is the main bus terminal of Bogotá. It’s right next to the airport. I usually use these bus companies: Expreso Brasilia, Expreso Bolivariano, Expreso Palmira, Rápido Ochoa, Flota Magdalena, and Flota La Macarena. There are many other companies, but some spend a lot of time stopping to pick up additional passengers, which can be very time-consuming.
Here are some travel time estimates to major cities. If the trip is longer than 9-10 hours, don’t hesitate to take an overnight bus, but be sure to protect yourself from the cold. It gets freezing on overnight buses.
- Armenia: 9h
- Cali: 11h
- Medellín: 10h
- Pereira: 10h
- Santa Marta: 20h
- Cartagena: 24h
- Villavicencio: 3h
- San José del Guaviare: 10h
In the terminal, taxis can be ordered at a counter.
This is a small terminal located far north of Bogotá. Buses departing from Salitre pass through this terminal. However, if you’re staying in the northern part of Chapinero or Usaquén and plan to travel further north (Tunja, Villa de Leyva, Paipa, Bucaramanga, Yopal, Suesca), it’s more strategic to go directly to the Terminal del Norte by taxi (it’s quicker).
Don’t forget to check the schedules before you arrive. It’s best to book your ticket in advance using an app like Redbus.
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GETTING AROUND BOGOTA
Better to avoid rush hours.
Taxis and Uber are the most convenient ways to get around, and they are inexpensive.
Unfortunately, Bogotá’s taxis have a bad reputation (more than one in two tries to scam us every time we use them), so I recommend not hailing one from the street.
Using an app like Uber, Didi, or Cabify is best. Plus, it’s safer.
Bogotá’s traffic during rush hours is among the worst in the world. If possible, avoid taking a taxi between 5:30 and 8:00 AM, and between 5:00 and 7:00 PM.
In Bogotá, there’s no metro (they’ve been supposed to build one for over 25 years). Instead, there’s a bus system to “quickly” cross the city—these buses only run on dedicated lanes.
It was an innovative concept then, but it’s no longer suited to Bogotá’s growing population today. You also need a card, and understanding the routes isn’t easy. In short, I don’t recommend it if you’re only staying for a few days.
Cable cars now connect the south of Bogotá to the TransMilenio. You probably won’t use them unless you’re visiting the colorful neighborhood of El Paraíso. There’s also the cable car and funicular that go up to Monserrate.
You can take the only tourist train in Colombia to go to Zipaquirá. This line is available only on weekends, and travelers have a few hours to visit the Salt Cathedral and the village. The departure is from the Usaquén station. You have to take the round trip.
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IS BOGOTA SAFE?
You must be cautious in Bogota.
The Candelaria neighborhood and its surroundings are not very safe after dark.
For safety, I prefer to stay in the following areas: Bosque Calderón, Nueva Granada, Zona G, Quinta Camacho, Rosales, Zona T, and Chicó. The further north you go, towards the more modern neighborhoods, the safer you are. However, this is no reason to stop being vigilant.
Bogotá is a large city in Latin America, so there are a few basic rules to follow to avoid problems.
- Don’t walk around with your phone in your hand or your back pocket.
- Don’t wear valuable items.
- Stay away from drugs and prostitution.
- Take an Uber if you need to travel at night.
We regularly hear about Scopolamine in Bogotá. It’s a powder that people make you drink without you knowing to turn you into a “zombie” and squeeze all your money out of you.
That’s why you should never leave your glass unattended, avoid going out alone, never accept drinks from strangers, and be wary of super-sexy, flirtatious girls. This also applies to dating sites.
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MY LAST TIPS
Other little tricks to improve your stay.
You can drink it! Yeah!
In Bogotá, it’s possible to experience all four seasons in a single day. It’s best to go out with an umbrella, a sweater, and sunscreen—because if the sun comes out, you can quickly get badly sunburned.
If Bogotá is your last stop in Colombia, it’s time to buy some souvenirs.
- Many artists have their own art stores: La Comuna, La Escuela de Artes y oficios, La Cicuta, and Cano.
- Designers such as St Dom sell superb clothing.
- Handicraft stores from all over Colombia: Artesanias de Colombia, Pasaje Rivas.
- Weekend flea markets: San Alejo and Usaquen
- Buying beautiful emeralds: You can try your luck in the center, near the gold museum, or go to an official jewelry store to have less chance of being ripped off.
- Coffee!
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itineraries
How to include Bogota in your trip to Colombia.
Take private transport to Villa de Leyva (2 nights), stopping off at Zipaquira’s salt cathedral on the way. Continue on to Barichara and Bucaramanga.
Travel to Mesetas (3 nights) to organize a rafting trip to the Guejar Canyon, observe monkeys and swim in exceptional waterfalls. Then continue your adventure to Yarumales (2 nights) to explore the River of Five Colors, before flying out from La Macarena.
Go to Yopal (4-5 nights) to discover the true llanera culture and organize safaris.
Loue une voiture et découvre les villages de Guaduas, Honda, Norcasia, et Sonson avant d’arriver à Medellin. Prévoir au moins 10 jours pour cet itinéraire.
Here, you can choose between San José del Guaviare, Mavicure or Leticia.
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Our articles about Bogota
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