Bogotá is built on a huge mountain platform, surrounded by beautiful green mountains and is home to a charming historical center. With people coming from all corners of the country, this capital city is as diverse as the entire country.
Colombia´s capital is surrounded by cool Andean peaks and, to give you an impression of its size, it consists of approximately 1,000 neighborhoods, each adding a different angle to this lively metropolis. The city is located in the center of the country at 8,660ft (2,640m) above sea level. With people coming from all corners of the country, this capital city is as diverse as the entire country.
COLOMBIA’S VIBRANT CAPITAL IN THE ANDES
Bogotá´s placed among the major gastronomic capitals of Latin America and several of these excellent restaurants are located in the Zona Rosa which is made up of two main parts: la Zona T and Parque 93. Both of these areas are filled with boutique hotels and the best restaurants and bars in the city, a great place to spend your afternoon sipping a cocktail, having a nice meal or hopping in and out the shopping malls that are nearby. This Zona Rosa is also one of the most secure and safe zones in Bogota.
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WHAT NOT TO MISS IN BOGOTA
La Candelaria
La Candelaria is the historic center of Bogotá, the city’s principal destination for tourists, and home to some of the country’s top museums, Government Palaces, and beautiful old colonial buildings. Weaving through narrow cobblestone streets, you’ll find impressive street art taking over the buildings and edifices in this quatrain little neighborhood.
The Gold Museum
The collection is spread out over three levels in thematic rooms, with over 32,000 gold pieces and 20,000 more made from alloys and other materials – all from the primary pre-Hispanic cultures of Colombia. Banco de la Republica maintains six other Museo’s de Pro located in Armenia, Cali, Cartagena, Leticia, Pasto and Santa Marta.
Monserrate Mountain
You can reach the top of Monserrate Mountain by hiking, cable car, or rail. Since before the arrival of the Spanish, Monserrate was considered a significant and sacred place: the local Muisca indigenous people considered it significant to their religious practices because the sun rises directly behind the mountain during the June solstice.
Explore Bogota by bicycle
With 215 miles (346km) of bike paths in Bogota, avoid all the hustle and bustle traffic, and take the largest bike path network in all of Latin America. There is only so much ground you can cover on a walking tour, and who wants to get stuck in traffic, this is a great way to get out and explore areas of Bogota, and introduce you to more of the highlights of this amazing city.
Botero Museum
Museo Botero contains sketches, paintings and sculptures by Colombian artist Fernando Botero, the artist donated more than 200 art works to the Banco de la República in 2000. The museum also exhibits art by Picasso, Renoir, Matisse, and Dalí. There’s an environment exclusively for children as well as a cafe for coffee and pastries in the museum’s café.
Plaza Bolivar
Located in the middle of the city center, the plaza is the perfect place to start exploring La Candelaria. There are various buildings of interest such as the Presidential Palace, Cathedral, Palace of Justice, Parliament, and Museum of Independence. The plaza is an influential space in where Colombians mobilize protests, political rallies, and celebrations.
La Zona Rosa & Parque 93
Usaquén
Once a small village, this little town that is now part of the city lends its name to the indigenous communities that lived in the region until 1539. Usaquén still has all the aspects of a small and quiet village with its beautiful main square surrounded by colonial buildings. The streets are filled with all kinds of romantic and good quality restaurants, a favorite escape for Bogatanos.
Zipaquira Salt Cathedral
Located some 31 miles (50km) north of Bogota, the salt cathedral was carved out of a working salt mine. The cathedral is reached by a series of tunnels and at its deepest point is 590ft (180m) below ground. There are 14 small chapels with images that represent the Catholic Via Crucis. A beautiful drive to the outskirts of Bogota, or if en route heading further north to Villa de Leyva.
destination map
| Title | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|
Bogota | Bogotá, Colombia | Colombia’s capital is surrounded by cool Andean peaks and, to give you an impression of its size, it consists of approximately 1,000 neighborhoods, each adding a different angle to this lively metropolis. The city is located in the center of the country at 8,660ft (2,640m) above sea level. With people coming from all corners of the country, this capital city is as diverse as the entire country. Read more… |
Medellin | Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia | Once the home of Pablo Escobar, Medellin also known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ has become the Silicon Valley of South America and is a jewel in the crown of Colombia. Nowadays this thriving city is one of the safest cities in Latin America offering mountain and valley views, Medellin has a friendlier and provincial town feel to it rather than a bustling metropolis. Read more… |
Cartagena de Indias | Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia | The magic of Cartagena lies at the foundation of its fortifications, warmth of its people, wealth of its architecture and endless cultural expressions of a fierce and courageous people. Gorgeous cobblestone alleys with elegant balconies, colorful flowers, massive churches and eye-catching terraces. The city is perfect to stroll around and soak up the relaxing and sensual atmosphere. Read more… |
The Coffee Triangle | Eje Cafetero, Colombia | Exploring family-run coffee plantations, staying at gorgeous colonial-style fincas and relaxing surrounded by the region’s lush rolling hills makes Colombia’s Coffee Triangle a highlight destination in South America. The region will easily seduce you with its visually stunning and expansive views of plantations and rolling hillsides. Read more… |
Villa de Leyva | Villa de Leyva, Boyacá, Colombia | Cobblestone streets, Spanish-style villas, and small-town pace give Villa de Leyva a charming, frozen-in-time feel. Villa de Leyva and surrounding countryside are among the safest places in Colombia to wander off the beaten track to explore the multiple waterfalls, a nearby desert, adventure-sport opportunities, and even a couple of vineyards. Read more… |
Santa Marta & Tayrona | playa de Cañaveral, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia | Unrivaled architectural heritage, Santa Marta is the perfect starting point to visit Tayrona National Park or visiting the “Lost City”. There is a small beach and boulevard, Santander Park and Bolivar Square are pleasant places to stroll around. Santa Marta’s climate is hot, but the sea breeze makes it pleasant to sip from a fresh fruit juice or cocktail in one of the open-air cafes. Read more… |
San Agustin & Neiva | Neiva-San Agustín, Neiva, Huila, Colombia | Neiva serves as a hub for travelers headed to San Agustin, declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1995, San Agustín preserves the relics of a pre-Colombian culture that thrived in the area for more than 7 centuries. Visitors to the Archaeological Park can stroll back through the centuries marveling at the huge life-sized statues symbolizing fertility, maternity, and the alter ego as well as realistic and sacred animals.Read more… |
Depending on your client’s preferences, we can help you determine the best experiences tailored for your clients. From where to visit, when to go, what to do and how to get there safely, our travel experts will help you create an experience your clients will love.
Best times to
visit Bogota
In general all year long is good to visit Bogota. The best time to visit Bogota is probably during the driest weather which encompasses the months from December to March. It’s also a great time to take the funicular up to the top of Monserrate for the view. The peak tourist season in Bogota is July and August due to the city’s famous Bogota Carnival. The average high temperature during this time is 66°F (19°C). Bogota. The wet season in Bogota is from April to July although it can rain any time of the year. Due to its proximity to the equator the weather is always fluctuating and therefore, carrying a raincoat and an umbrella is must.
practical information
HOW TO GET THERE
Bogota is accessible by plane through the El Dorado Airport, which is about 8 miles (13km) away from the city center and it’s where international flights arrive.
Buses arriving in Bogotá drop you off in the main bus terminal, Terminal de Buses, or at El Portal del Norte, depending on the bus company and where you are arriving from. Almost every city in Colombia has a bus service to Bogotá.
Upon arrival the lodges will meet you at the airport and a short drive to the harbour where you will board a motorized panga (or peke-peke, what they call them in Peru). The lodges are between a 2 hour and 3 hour boat ride away.
GETTING AROUND
Getting around Bogota is possible by Transmilenio which is Bogotá’s decade-old bus system that runs on its own road lane and is one of the fastest and cheapest ways to get around. The Transmilenio map takes some time to understand how the system works. You can also get around the city on the hundreds if not thousands of buses. You should keep an eye on your possessions while taking such transport as pickpockets and muggings do occur.
Taxis are cheap, safer, and a preferable mode of transport – private taxis should be called by telephone as they are more trustworthy. Many travelers choose to get around Bogota this way in order to avoid the confusing bus and Transmilenio system.
WHERE TO STAY
As with every big capital city, Bogota has a wide range of options in accommodation, so you should have no problem in finding a place to feel comfortable. The world’s most well known five-star hotel chains and small boutique hotels can be found in the Zona Rosa. Most budget establishments are located in La Candelaria and in the center.
more highlights of Colombia
With eight local offices in Latin America, we have the perfect base to help you build the perfect trip for your clients. Unrivaled experience with a wide selection of bed & breakfasts, small posadas, unique boutique hotels and world class luxurious lodging.