Bogotá, the mountain capital of Colombia is a busy city with spectacular colonial churches, museums and a vibrant cultural life. This modern and multicultural city has excellent opportunities for entertainment and shopping in Bogotá. There is a very vibrant nightlife in Bogotá and many festivals are held in the green parks of the city. The magnificent Andean Mountains offer excellent climbing and trekking around Bogota.
Entertainment & recreation. There are many green parks in the city where many plays, festivals and concerts in Bogotá are held. Parque Simón Bolivar is a popular park among local people ideal for walks and picnic. The Bogotá Iberoamerican Theater Festival organized in April is the biggest festival in the world. Bullfights are held at the Palaza de Toros de Santamaria in January and February. You can also play golf in Bogotá in the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Nearby attractions. Sightseeing trains to the nearby towns of Nemocón and Zipaquirás which has a famous salt cathedral, are popular attractions on weekends. Laguna de Guatavita is a sacred lake of the Muisca Indians located within a two-hour bus drive from the city. Trekking around Bogotá and mountain climbing are also available in the Andes.
Colonial buildings, museums and green parks in Bogotá
Founded in 1538, Bogotá is the largest city in Colombia and a fascinating mixture of Colombian tradition and Spanish colonial influences. Rich in history, Bogotá has many fine museums and colonial buildings displaying the colorful Colombian history and culture. La Canderalia is the historical part of the city with excellent opportunities for sightseeing. The well preserved historical buildings such as the Capitol Municipal Palace and the cathedral of Capilla de Sangrario are located on the main square of Bogotá, the Plaza Bolivar. Of the many museums in Bogota, the Museo del Oro with its pre-Columbian jewelry and artifacts, and the National Museum of Colombia are the two most famous ones.Entertainment & recreation. There are many green parks in the city where many plays, festivals and concerts in Bogotá are held. Parque Simón Bolivar is a popular park among local people ideal for walks and picnic. The Bogotá Iberoamerican Theater Festival organized in April is the biggest festival in the world. Bullfights are held at the Palaza de Toros de Santamaria in January and February. You can also play golf in Bogotá in the breathtaking mountain scenery.
Nearby attractions. Sightseeing trains to the nearby towns of Nemocón and Zipaquirás which has a famous salt cathedral, are popular attractions on weekends. Laguna de Guatavita is a sacred lake of the Muisca Indians located within a two-hour bus drive from the city. Trekking around Bogotá and mountain climbing are also available in the Andes.
Bogotá - mountain city with good connections and facilities
Bogota is located in the center of Colombia, about 2,600 meters above sea level in the Andean highlands. The city has beautiful views over the magnificent Andean Mountains. Bogotá has a cool mountain climate with dry season from December to March which is also the most pleasant time to visit Bogotá. Most rainfall is expected in April and August.
Photo: EduardoZ, used under Creative Commons License (By ND 2.0)
The average temperature in Bogota is 14°C and the nights are often quite chilly.
Flights to Bogotá arrive at the El Dorado International Airport which serves daily flights from North and South America and Europe. The city can also be accessed by cheap and comfortable buses from elsewhere in Colombia.
Local transport. Bogota has an extensive network of buses and minibuses called colectivos. Taxis are cheap and widely available. Central areas in Bogotá can be easily toured on foot. The city can also be toured by bicycle as there is an extensive network of cycling paths. Driving in Bogota´s busy city center is not recommended, but there are several agencies offering car rental in Bogotá for trips outside the city. Some Spanish skills are needed for travelling in Bogotá, as most locals do not speak English.
Hotels & restaurants. Bogotá offers excellent services for visitors. There are plenty of hotels in Bogotá offering accommodation for every budget and taste. Restaurants in Bogotá serve a wide selection of both local and foreign delicacies.
Safety. Although not nearly as bad as the international reputation of Colombia might suggest, Bogotá is definitely not the safest city in the world. Armed robberies, kidnappings and pick-pocketing are not rare in Bogotá. Exercise normal caution and avoid walking alone or travelling after dark. Use taxis after dark, but do not take them from the street. Natural hazards such as earthquakes can happen in Bogotá, too, but are not a big cause of concern for visitors.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Cali
