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Published: 29-08-2022
Once regarded as unsafe for travelers, Bogotá has established itself as one of the most exciting and culturally diverse cities in South America. The friendly residents of the Colombian capital, and an excellent culinary scene, only add to the intoxicating atmosphere that this city emits. Here’s our pick of what is unmissable on a visit to Bogota, Colombia´s vibrant capital. If you are thinking of booking a trip to Bogota, allow Va Expeditions to show you around this culturally vibrant city, as well as some fascinating places further afield, as part of our Classic Colombia Tour.
Balloon Seller, Bogota
Museo del Oro
The Gold Museum, is possibly the most famous museum in Bogotá and all of Colombia. It has one of the most spectacular exhibits of pre-Hispanic art, culture and tradition ever displayed. More than 55,000 pieces of gold artefacts, most of which were discovered and excavated in Colombia, can be found inside the museum, with descriptions and historical facts about each one in both Spanish and English. An hour isn’t nearly enough to tour this magnificent museum. Guided tours and recordings are also available for an extra cost. The fascinating Spanish-colonial neighborhood of La Candelaria is just a few blocks away, also.
Gold Museum Exhibit
Museo Botero
Fernando Botero is probably Colombia’s most famous artist, known for his unique style that depicts people and animals with large, exaggerated and voluptuous features. Even if you aren’t that interested in art, you’ll find Botero’s work fun and unlike anything you’ve seen before. His work adorns some of the biggest galleries from Paris to New York and in this museum, you can also see pieces by Dalí, Degas and Picasso, as well as Botero. The museum is set in a beautiful Spanish-colonial home in the heart of La Candelaria. If these aren’t enough reasons to visit, admission to the museum is also free.
Botero Museum, Bogota
Cerro Monserrate
The Monserrate Mountain, rises 3,152m above sea level and overlooks the city, providing spectacular views, day or night. On top of the mountain, there is a historic church and shrine dedicated to El Señor Caído (the Fallen Lord), and since its consecration in the 17th century, many have hiked the mountain as a pilgrimage to offer prayers and sacrifices to the shrine. There are also a few restaurants and bars at the top, easily accessible by tram or cable car. Check the weather forecast and head up on a clear night for panoramic views of Bogotá after dark.
Monserrate Mountain
Jardín Botánico de Bogota
The Botanical Garden of Bogotá is the biggest and most diverse in Colombia, featuring flora from every climate and region of the country, and you can easily spend the entire day exploring it. The peace and tranquillity within its lush walls will make you forget about the buzzing metropolis outside. You will be able to see some of the 130,000 native plant species, along with the many endemic plant species that prosper in the region’s ecosystems. Known for its beautiful orchids, the botanical garden has a spectacular display dedicated to these fragile flowers.
Botanical gardens, Bogota
Bogotá Graffiti Tour
The Bogota Graffiti tour, will take you to the murals of some of Bogotá’s most celebrated street artists, depicting powerful representations of the city’s culture, its struggles over the years and the Colombian people. All tours take place in English, with private ones available in Spanish or German. This excursion is a wonderful way to get to know the urban environment and culture of Bogotá. Though there is no fee, it’s customary to offer a donation.
Bogota Graffiti
La Candelaria
Visiting Bogotá’s most historic and beautiful neighborhood will take you back in time to the colonial period. Almost every building has a wooden balcony that looks out onto busy streets, with elaborate doors and entrances painted in lively bright colors. There are many museums, libraries, universities and restaurants in the area, too, each with a unique history and architecture. Head to the Botero Museum close-by, or visit one of the many restaurants that in this colonial district.
La candelaria
Laguna de Guatavita
If you’ve been to the Museo del Oro, follow it up with a visit to Lake Guatavita. It’s the site of the legend of El Dorado and holds significant importance in Colombia’s history. Many artefacts on display at the Museo del Oro were discovered and excavated at the lake, including the museum’s most famous piece, the Muisca raft. Though the lake isn’t in the city, it’s easily accessible by car, but it’s best to find an experienced guide through your hotel or travel agency. Experiencing the fascinating legend and history of this sacred place will be one of the more memorable parts of your visit.
Lake Guatavita
Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen
The funky interior of the Santuario Nuestra Senora del Carmen, with red-and-white-striped columns and sky-blue walls, is among the most beautiful and historic Catholic churches in Bogota. Located in La Candelaria, it was consecrated in 1938 and is known for its Gothic, Florentine style. The red and white horizontal stripes that line the inside and outside are mesmerizing, and the elaborately painted interior is equally spectacular. Unlike most cathedrals, there isn’t as much gold as there is red, blue and white.
Santuario Nuestra Senora del Carmen
Take a Colombian coffee tour
This tour is a must for coffee addicts. Colombia is known for producing some of the best coffee in the world, as its high altitude, cool climate and fertile soil make the perfect environment for the growth of high-quality beans. The excursion will take you from Bogotá and into the mountainous regions surrounding the city where you’ll tour a beautiful family-run farm, surrounded by green vegetation and friendly people. Learn all about the process, from growing and harvesting to roasting and brewing. At the end of the tour, you’ll sample some of the best freshly ground coffee you’ve ever tasted.
