However, its always a good idea to exercise some judgment. Knowledgeable guides know the best places and also often know about the newest street art in the city. Visit Bogot, Colombia. This basically means: don't give someone the opportunity to take advantage of you. Bogot is the melting pot of Colombia. Sure, thats a generalization, but Ive found truth in it based onmy interactions with Colombians here and abroad. However, it is generally cheap and safe (many people ride Ubers in Colombia), so if you plan to do so, just be careful. If you visit the country independently like we did, there are some things to keep in mind. between 1807-1823, the Catedral Primada de Bogot (Primatial Cathedral Turns out its the Andes Mountains; something I heard so much about in my geography classes growing up. cant actually dig for gold herebut you can surely look at the gold and dig This is an incredibly beautiful area, and the Quindio palm trees in the Cocora Valley (Valle de Cocora) are the tallest in the world, growing up to 60 meters (196 feet) high. We learned the hard way, but thankfully we didnt get burned too badly. The best time to visit Bogota is between December and February, it is the dry season in Colombia. popular dish throughout Latin America, but Colombian empanadas have their own special Thanks for sharing with us your experience and the laid back vibe of small towns in the country (as you said), could be a good setting for couples to enjoy! holds a massive collection of modern art and ancient artifacts from Colombia. neighborhood is home to some of the citys most remarkable architecture. 2022 Wanderlust Marriage. Bogot can get chilly. Plus, parking can be a major issue downtown. (Read my article: Best Travel Gifts for Travelers!). In fact, the average temperature only reaches 14.5 C, or 58 F degrees. unique and diverse. Latest visit: February 2018. Botanical gardens are always so peaceful that we could spend there an entire day, and because of the size, you can do exactly that. As we arrived in Bogota late from the United States, we booked our first night at the Hotel Habitel near El Dorado Airport. Museo del Oro. No matter whether Bogota is your first or last stop on your Colombia itinerary, make sure you do not miss it, as we are not afraid to say your visit would not be complete without spending at least a day or two in Colombia's capital. Though its centrally located and safe during the day, this area I hope your trip to Bogot, Colombia, like mine, will be an eye-opening experience! For more articles and videos, be sure to check out myhomepage! If you visit Bogota, DO NOT be flashy with money or jewelry. The pros certainly make it attractive. All of our Uber Black experiences in Bogota were positive ones. But 2.5 days is enough to see the highlights of Salento as its small town hike the Cocora Valley among the Quindio Palm trees, coffee plantation tour, maybe horseback riding and a little time to experience Salento. Here are the pros and cons to visiting Bogota, Colombia. For a capital city, I was surprised by how few people spoke a word of English. If museum admission bracelets are your most prized souvenirs when traveling, Bogota is worth visiting. If youre from the United States, its always a good idea to check the State Department website. Wow, 60 museums in Bogota alone is a lot! My itinerary includes the following 3.5 days in Bogota then fly to Periera (to get to Salento) for about 2.5 days and then wrap up the trip in Cartagena for about 4 days. Occasionally, the city of Bogota offers no-cost COVID-19 testing . Much Appreciated. It is not allowed to take photos in the private museum. More than 55,000 pieces of gold artefacts - most of which were discovered and excavated in Colombia - rest inside the museum, with . In the Museo de Oro (Gold Museum), youll find some interesting artifacts dating back to pre-Colombian times. Only take taxis from the official taxi stand at El Dorado Airport and dont randomly hail cabs off the street. Welcome to Bogot, Colombia. The museum is not only visually captivating, but you will also learn a lot about gold and the importance of the country's culture and society. Here are some things that you should do when in Bogota. While riding a cable car down the majestic Monserrate mountain in Bogot, Colombia, I slowly turned to my friend and told him I wasnt feeling well. We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. The number of tourists visiting Colombia from across the world has increased dramatically in the previous five years, making the country a must-see travel destination. Well keep the neighborhood of Quinta Camacho in mind if we ever return to Bogota. We begin It's an . We also visited the Emerald Museum (Museo De La Esmerelda) on the 23rd floor of the Avianca Building, the oldest skyscraper in South America. Free walking Our good friend, Brianne Miers, of A Traveling Lifepreviously visited Colombia twice and has published great content on the country. Here, they are deep-fried and stuffed with rice, meat, hard-boiled If you are backpacking Colombia and looking for free things to do in Bogota, this is a place you shouldn't skip. Thanks for an honest review of Bogota. There are a lot of misconceptions online about the tap water in Bogota. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas. of unique flowers, fruits, and local produce sold here. The square is lined with buildings of high historical and architectural significance. Backpack or Suitcase? tour covered much of La Candelaria, the historic heart of the city. This place has the best electronic party in Bogota. Thank you for all the Information on Bogota. Location: Bogota, Bogota, Colombia. Neither the Colombian government nor the U.S. Embassy will pay for COVID-19 tests. Be careful. Bogota offers an incredible number of tours that will help you see the best Colombia's capital has to offer, and you won't have to worry about navigation, transport, or your safety. But then theres year round warmth and beaches to go along with a colorful historic center in CartagenaLots to experience in Colombia! Because of the cooler weather, we can see why this warm, rich soup gained its popularity. 14. The Zona Rosa area is safer to walk around at night compared to the historic center of Candelaria. 3. After taking the cable car up to Monserrate, which lies at an elevation of 3,100 meters (around 10,000 feet), I immediately had to sit down while my body adjusted to the altitude. Colombia and South America have several gold museums but the one located in Bogota takes up several floors and is the largest in the world. Ajiaco is a delicious soup packed with chicken and potatoes. NIT: 900.553.236-9 RNT: 27816. Looks like youve done lots of walking tour, By any chance, have you done this tour in Bogota? Here are what I believe are the 8 top things to do in Bogot, Colombia. In the Cundiboyacense plateau and on the savanna that bears its name at an altitude or elevation of 2,600 meters above the sea level. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Aside from being historically significant, Bogota is also known for its arts, gastronomy and culture. hang out. One of the reasons why Bogota is one of the best places to visit in Colombia is due to its fantastic weather. Consider booking accommodation with free cancellation in advance. The most recommended areas are the historic district, La Candelaria, and a bit further is a little bit upscale Chapinero area, or Zona Rosa and Zona G, both also known for excellent food scene and safety. Speaking of being prepared, make sure to dress warmly. Thank you so much for your article. Plan on spending a couple hours learning about the pre-Columbian cultures in the region. Currency. Museo Boterowas our favorite museum in Bogota. Disclosure: This article contains some affiliate links. A colossal Comfortable stay, nice area and the restaurant right across the street Club Colombia is very good. If escaping the frigid arctic blast and finding comfortable temperatures is your goal, December through April is your best bet. La Puerta Falsa has been a top restaurant in Bogot for over two centuries. The pre-hispanic gold was created by different South American tribes and there is an incredible 55,000 pieces of gold in the museum with over 6,000 of those on display. Its cultural and recreational activities provide diverse entertainment with an exciting South American flair. The skyline appears to be endless, even from so high in the air. This area can become sketchy at night, so be sure to always stay on your guard It feels great to wander La Candelaria streets with a camera in hand and admire the colonial architecture, houses with cute balconies, and small cafes where you can taste traditional drinks such as chicha or chucula. Many Colombians are eager to talk with foreigners and appreciate any attempt at communicating in Spanish. Admission is only 4,000 Colombian pesos (around $1.50 US). But the longer we stayed, the more we started appreciating this sprawling city and its amazing location on the plateau in the Andes at 2640 meters above sea level. Bolivar Square, which houses the Colombian parliament, is as picturesque as major European squares. and nightclubs. If time The restaurant serves delicious traditional Colombian foods and cocktails. I never realized Bogota was so high up! But it constantly rains in Bogot and youre never quite sure when the rain will come or go. Although we usually prefer spending our time outdoors, we enjoyed this museum (Bogota has actually a great choice of museums in case this interests you). The Jos Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden is Colombia's most extensive botanical garden. Breaking Down Bogota. So we stayed in the upscale Zona Rosa neighborhood, but even there its best not to walk around too late at night solo or as a couple. This quote really moved me, shedding light on the strife that consumed this country for so long. For all the cool experiences that Bogot has to offer, I was pleasantly surprised by the low price tags associated with them. When you arrive in Bogot ask for te de coca tea from coca leaves (is safe and legal) and it will help with altitude sickness. Some drivers spoke English, but the majority did not. So glad you found our article on Bogota helpful! Receive travel guides, stories, tips and photos to inspire your wanderlust and save money while on the road! Known as El Also, you should ask the driver to switch on the meters if they havent already done so. The historic center of Bogota is pretty small, and can be explored in less than an hour. Colombias secession from the Spanish Empire in the early 1800s. A bottle of beer (a pola in Bogot slang) should cost around 3,000 pesos ($1), and many tiendas also have snacks, like deep-fried empanadas. ATMs are in English and Spanish and the surcharge is about equal to US$ 3.00.". Average highs hold steady around 64 f (18c) and lows stay . Monet, and Renoir. Glad you enjoyed this article and great question! Our Bogota travel guide includes practical tips on how to get there, safety, when to go, the best things to do in Bogota, top attractions, and must-visit places. This was my first visit to South Shrine of Our Lady of Carmen is an eccentric church. The small kiosks often lack proper refrigeration. Bogot is a cultural, commercial, and historic hub, and a great place to begin your adventure in Colombia. When shes not writing or traveling, shes playing soccer, wandering around stores with no intention of buying anything and binge-watching Netflix. The Plaza de Bolvar is also the site of the Capitolio Nacional, a neoclassical building that houses Colombias Congress. This popular dish is sort of like the Colombian version of a tortilla, Fernando Botero is the world's renowned painter and sculpturer from Colombia. If youre planning a Bogota trip in 2022 (and beyond), keep reading and prepare to be amazed! Although there's been progress in past years for sure, visitors still should follow simple rules to avoid inconveniences and use common sense. The food and drinks (coffee as well as a delicious variety of fresh juices) in one of the most ecologically diverse countries were one of the highlights. If the driver did not have a good rating, we canceled the ride before he arrived. Yes. In 2000, Botero donated an art collection of 208 pieces to Banco de la Repblica. As you can imagine, it can be pretty crowded on the weekends. The currency used in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). the U.S., there are several airlines with non-stop service flights to Bogot, Bogota offers so many great things to do, but one of the top attractions is located outside the city's limits, about an hour's drive away. flora from other parts of the country. A free airport shuttle is provided. Monserrate: the best view of Bogot. 617-223-4985. The views of Bogota and the lush Andes Mountains from Monserrate are dramatically beautiful. seemingly endless skyline. See average monthly temperatures below. We never leave our home without travel insurance which is designed to help cover your expenses if something goes wrong on your trip. 21. from $137 per adult. Thats a great itinerary for Colombia as youll be in both the Andes Mountains and tropical Cartagena. Crumbling faades Plaza de Bolivar is the natural meeting point and one of those places where people hang out and enjoy being surrounded by some of the most important and most beautiful buildings in Colombia. Our Bogota guide includes tips on the best things to do in the city, but we also answer the most burning question you might have: whether is Bogota safe. Traveling independently in Colombia can be challenging if your Spanish is not very good. 1. including American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Spirit, include Avianca, Copa, and LATAM. It is always better to travel at least as a couple or group of friends. no further than Lake Guatavita. Best Time to Visit Bogota. Food, shopping and accommodation are significantly cheaper than what youll pay in the United States. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. The exhibition has many interesting objects, but the cherry on the top is the golden Muisca raft that plays a major role in the El Dorado legend. Avoid catching one of the many long red buses from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Whether youre into street food or fine dining, youll find plenty of local delicacies in Bogot. church is a must-see in the heart of La Candelaria. Its nearly the size If youre staying downtown, or somewhere in the historic center of the city, then youll find that theres a lot of traffic and its probably not worth renting bikes. It is not possible to visit Colombia and not to have at least one cup of coffee, even if you are not a coffee lover. One downside of Cartagena is that because its more touristy, the average local there relies on tourism more than the average resident of Bogota (where there are more industries) so tourists can expect harder sells more frequently there. I read online forums where people got interrogated by police for taking them, so in my opinion, its not worth the risk to save just a couple of dollars. First of all, the guide will take you to places you cannot miss, second of all, you will feel more safe walking in a group, and last but not least, you will learn a lot about Bogota's history in a very comprehensible manner. But Hotel Habitel has a nice courtyard to enjoy breakfast outside in the garden. Its a great The Bogota Graffiti tour is a must when visiting Bogota 3 Weeks in Colombia. If you do happen to board during those times on a weekday, you will be impressed with how many people can jam themselves into a tiny space. A must-visit is the Gold Museum which houses over 34,000 pre-Columbian gold artefacts. She taught us a lot about the history of Colombia and gave insight into the best places to eat and drink in the city. For travelers looking for warmth and beaches, choose Cartagena over Bogota. Call a couple of them and get a couple different quotes for your trip to compare. more into the different transportation options in the Getting around Bogot Updates archives October - Hundreds of Environmental Defenders Were Killed in Colombia in the Last Decade, according to a recent report. Bogota is among the best ten cities globally, where you can find excellent street art. Youll also learn a lot about the history of the region, pre and post Spanish Conquistadors. Bogota has a variety of good museums. After what felt like an hour, but was in reality only five minutes, the cable car made it back to ground level and I promptly got sick all over the place. Located in The highlights for me are a beautiful leather messenger bag for the equivalent of around $32 US. made from wheat flour, corn, cheese, and butter. it does not (though its projected to be built by 2024). We've also created the article how to stay safe in South America where you can find more useful tips from our personal experience. Refer to the museums official website for the most up-to-date hours. Keep that in mind if you have an early flight out of EL Dorado Airport. We used Uber Black in Bogota, which is comparable to Uber X in the United States. As long as you plan ahead for a day of exploring, you wont need to waste precious time going back and forth. It harkens back to the days of civil war and hardship endured by millions of Colombians. Museo del Oro, the Gold Museum, is perhaps the most famous museum in Bogot and Colombia. 2. Covering all seven continents, The world your way shows you how you can see the world with us. Figure: Visitor index for Bogota month by month Colombia's capital, Bogot, is a giant metropolis sitting atop a mountain range. Botanico de Bogot is Colombias largest botanical garden. so be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to and from. 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