Tag: Bogota

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My first time in Bogota was back in 2011 – to be honest not a lot has changed! I like a city that you can return to and feel comfortable that you still know your way around – I love wandering through neighbourhoods that feel vaguely familiar and trying to find places you once visited and don’t remember the name of. Just me? Ok..well anyway…

If you are flying to Colombia from anywhere in the world you are most likely going to arrive in Bogota. The majority of tourists will transfer directly to one of the warmer, beach areas (well…Cartagena mainly) but I highly recommend giving Bogota a chance (hey – you are already giving Colombia a chance so you are a step ahead already!). Bogota has a cool vibe and you won’t regret it!

GENERAL INFO

Getting there and away:

From Bogota Airport (El Dorado). Take a yellow taxi from the airport into Candelaria (approx. 30,000 COP, maximum 40,000 COP). They should use their meter – check this. It will take 30-40 mins to get into Candelaria. 

You can also take a bus to/from the airport. To take the bus you need to purchase a transmilenio card but you may be able to just pay the attendant and they will use their card to get you on. We took a bus back to the airport as we were travelling during the day. Las Aguas/Universidades is the station closest to Candelaria. From here you can take From the K6 platform here you can transfer to a bus going to ‘Portal El Dorado’ (the last stop). The next bus leaves from the same platform you are dropped off at and you don’t need to pay again. It’s red, white and green, number K86 and says Aeropuerto on the front.

Bogota is connected everywhere in Colombia by bus. Just head to the station and find a bus that is going to where you want to go.

Accommodation:

Definitely stay in the Candelaria neighbourhood. I suggest Fatima Hostel Suites but there are so many good options on Booking.com in the Candelaria area.

Food:

See the below top tip for the best local delicacy to try in Bogota – there’s something you will have never heard of before in each region of Colombia.

The other crucial food to try is Lulo. This is the tastiest most refreshing fruit you have ever tried. As far as I know you don’t actually eat them…(please correct me if I’m wrong) but lulo juice should be a daily fixture of your Colombia diet.

La Puerta Falsa is a good restaurant for traditional warming food – its tiny so be prepared to snuggle up with the next table.

Getting around:

You can walk around most of the interesting places here if you are in the Candelaria neighbourhood. There is also a day of the week when the streets close to cars and everyone bikes around – a great time to get on a bike and explore.

Top Tip:

Bogota is a great place to try a Colombian delicacy – Hot chocolate with cheese. Yes that’s right – with cheese. As Bogota gets pretty cold at night (even in summer) – It makes sense to spend your evenings in a little restaurant packed with people sipping hot chocolate and melting your cheese in it. I like the idea – and its definitely worth giving it a try. I have to admit I’m not a big fan but it did warm me up enough to brave my walk back to my accomodation.

SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES

1. The Gold Museum: The Bogota Gold Museum is fascinating. Head there and see some beautiful Gold treasures (34,000 to be exact). Its free on Sunday but get there early. Its popular! I would allow 3 hours. Theres a lot to see.
2. Take a Graffiti tour: Bogota has some of the most interesting graffiti in South America and it’s EVERYWHERE. Graffiti is illegal but many people who own buildings give the street artists permission to create art on their walls. A walking tour is a great way to see the city and get an explanation of the art and the social and political statements being made from a local artist. The walking tour meets at Parque de los Periodistas (near the Statue of Simon Bolivar under the dome) and you can book in advance. Suggested tip 20,000 COP or whatever you think its worth.
3. Walk up Monserrate: do like the locals do and walk up Monserrate. Its a tricky walk if you aren’t used to the altitude. Start the climb early in the morning and you will see locals running up doing their daily workout. The view at the top is spectacular! You can also take a cable car or funicular train up to the top. This is advisable if you are heading up for sunset or at night. There is a church, a small market and some food stalls up the top.
4. Have a party in the Zona Rosa – a great place to hang with locals, drink and dance the night away.
5. Explore Bogota’s historical centre – incl. Plazoleto Chorro de Quevado (thought to be where Bogota was founded) and Plaza de Bolivar.
6. Visit the Bolero Museum – if you like art even a little bit you will love Bolero.
   

I hope you love Bogota as much as I do!

Erika xx