Bogota, the capital of Colombia, has many surprises waiting for you and at 2.600 meters above sea level will literally take your breath away. From its colonial architecture and cobblestone streets in the Candelaria neighbourhood and high modern buildings in the surrounding areas to the different cultural sites and nature surrounding the city, Bogota has a lot to offer.
When walking through the Candelaria neighbourhood you will not only be able to see all the colourful colonial buildings but will also be able to experience the bohemian atmosphere with many small cafes, restaurants and shops as well as artists performing on most days at the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo.
Bogota is great for anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of Colombia. There are many fantastic museums you can visit, such as the Gold Museum, The National Museum of Colombia or the Botero Museum to mention a few.
A big highlight in Bogota is also Monserrate. You can either take a cable car up or, if you have already acclimatised, you can walk up to enjoy an amazing view over the city.
There are several other interesting neighbourhoods such as Usaquen (especially on Sundays for they Flea market) and the Zona Rosa or Macarena for a great variety of restaurants.
The Simon Bolivar Park houses many festivals throughout the year and is a spectacular moment for festival enthusiasts to experience Colombian sub-cultures.
On Sunday’s and national holidays the main roads of the city are closed for vehicles. This means locals will hop on their bikes and cycle, run or walk through the city, stopping for different activities, musicians or to visit of the many flea markets, to drink a freshly squeezed orange juice or to enjoy a Salpicon (Colombian Fruit salad) along the way.
There are several interesting places and towns to visit in the surrounding area of Bogota. You could explore Zipaquira and its salt cathedral or visit the village of Villa de Leyva – a charming village perfect if you want to take a break from the big city. The cobbled streets, fossil museum, the bizarre terracotta house and the yearly kite-festival in August are some of the highlights.
Here are some ideas for a stay in Bogota & surroundings:
On this 4 day tour you will get to know the highlights of Bogota and visit a local market. You will also visit the salt Cathedral in Zipaquira.
See below for more information about the activities of each day. Starting price: USD 499
Your driver and English speaking guide will pick you up from the airport and bring you to your hotel close to the gastronomic area. You will have the rest of the day to rest and acclimatise to being at 2.600 meters above sea level.
Accommodation: Hotel BOG
After breakfast your guide will pick you for an adventure through the city. You will visit the Paloquemao market where you will be able to try some of the tasty fruits and be amazed by the variety of colourful flowers. You will continue to the Monserrate mountain, from where you will have amazing views over the city and then explore La Candelaria and the city center where you will stroll through its cobblestone streets and discover bohemian cafes, art galleries and its people and their stories. You will then visit some of Bogota’s most important museums, the Botero Museum and the world-famous Museo del Oro (Museum of Gold) as well as La Quinta de Bolivar, the house used by Simon Bolivar after the independence war and the main plaza called Plaza de Bolivar.
Accommodation: Hotel BOG (Breakfast)
Today, your guide will take you to the famous Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira, built almost 180 meters underground in a salt mine that was first exploited during pre-Columbian times. It is an important religious monument for Catholics and houses an important number of salt and marble sculptures. It is also considered the first of the seven wonders of Colombia.
You will be back in Bogota around lunch time and will have the afternoon free to explore Bogota on your own.
Accommodation: Hotel BOG (Breakfast)
Your driver will pick you up from the hotel and bring you to the airport in time for your flight.
Accommodation: none (Breakfast)
This 4-day tour will take you through Bogota on bike. You will visit some of the most important sites and learn about different artists during a graffiti tour. You will visit the Nature Park Chingaza and learn about the flora and fauna of this spectacular place.
See below for more information about the activities of each day. Starting price: 450 USD
Your English speaking guide will welcome you at the airport and bring you to your hotel in the neighbourhood La Candelaria.
You will have time to rest and acclimatize to being at 2.600 meters above sea level.
Accommodation: Hotel BOG
Your guide will pick you up to show you the city on bike. Your first stop is in La Candelaria, Bogota’s historic center, a place where you cannot miss the colonial era buildings and the picturesque views of the mountains. You will visit a traditional fruit market, where you can taste tropical fruits, followed by a typical small-scale coffee roaster. The bike tour includes stops in various neighbourhoods.
You will have time for lunch and a short rest before you embark on a artistic journey through the city. You will learn more about the unique, prolific urban art scene and local artists behind the impressive displays of art throughout the city.
Accommodation: Hotel BOG (Breakfast)
Today your guide will take you to the Chingaza National Natural Park (PNNCH), one of the most precious natural treasures in the country. Its lakes and mountains keep the secrets of the ancient magic of the Muisca people who occupied and protected this area for hundreds of years, paying tribute to life and fertility. With 78,290 hectares of protected wild area, it is the richest ecosystem in the Colombian Andes. It is made up of high Andean, sub-Andean and paramo forests and is home to more than 2,000 different species of plants, some of which are only found in this part of the world, 90 species of mammals such as the spectacled bear, the jaguar and the white-tailed deer as well as 213 species of birds including our national insignia, the Condor of the Andes.
You will be back in Bogota in the late afternoon after a day in nature.
Accommodation: Hotel BOG (Breakfast)
Your driver will pick you up to bring you to the airport in time for your flight.
Accommodation: none (Breakfast)
During this tour you will learn more about the peace work in Bogota and visit the Zipaquira salt cathedral. You will also visit the colonial village Villa de Leyva and participate in a wool workshop at a local farm.
See below for more information about the activities of each day. Starting price: 894 USD
Your English speaking guide will be waiting for you at the airport and bring you to your hotel in the colonial part of Bogota, La Candelaria.
You will have time to rest and acclimatise. Remember you are now at 2.600 meters above sea level.
Accommodation: Hotel La Opera
In the morning you will meet peace leaders who will share their life story and tell you more about Colombia’s conflict and Peace Agreement.
Later, you will continue with your guide to the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira, built almost 180 meters underground in a salt mine that was first exploited during pre-Columbian times.
You then continue to Villa de Leyva, where you will be staying the night.
Accommodation: Hotel Getsemani (Breakfast)
Villa de Leyva boasts numerous archaeological and paleontological treasures, and today you will take a private tour exploring the desert landscapes around the town. You will visit an astronomical site in the middle of the desert called “Infiernito” and a museum showcasing various fossils. You will also visit the Santo Ecce Homo Monastery founded on the 17th century which was built initially as a nursing home for friars and that would become a dominican convent later.
Then, you will head to the home of a rural campesino (farming) family, where can enjoy a hearty home-cooked lunch before participating in a hands-on wool workshop alongside local craftsmen who will teach you the tricks of the wool trade.
Accommodation: Hotel Getsemani (Breakfast & Lunch)
Your driver will pick you up at your hotel in Villa de Leyva and bring you to the airport in Bogota in time for your flight.
Accommodation: none (Breakfast)
You can contact us for more information or to book one of the tours in Bogota & surrounding area. Remember we can always also customize your trip.
