Visiting Colombia

Bogota

Bogota City Guide

Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is a city great history and rich culture.

Visitors to Bogota can expect to be impressed by the city’s historic architecture, diversity of activities, and beautiful mountains.

Bogota was founded in 1538 by the Spanish conquistadors.

Its history is rich with tales of battles, gold, and cathedrals, and today visitors can take in much of Bogota’s history at its museums, churches, and many famous sites.

Bogota is a city surrounded by mountains, and no trip to Bogota is complete without a drive into the hills or a trip up Monserrate by foot or funicular.

If you hike, keep in mind that Bogota is at very high altitude, so make sure to bring plenty of water and pace yourself.

Bogota is also known for its restaurants and nightlife.

Whether you dine at Andres Carne de Res or stay closer to town at Club Colombia, Bogota has no shortage of restaurants, bars and clubs.

Whatever your pleasure, Bogota can keep you busy for weeks.

But if you don’t have unlimited time, try to spend at least four days in Bogota to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

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Bogota

1. Visit the Casa Museo Quinta de Bolivar

2. Go shopping for the high-quality emeralds that Colombia is famous for

3. Hike or take the cable car or funicular up to Cerro de Monserrate

4. Visit the Bogota Gold Museum (Museo de Oro)

5. Taste local specialties like ajiaco

6. Drink aguardiente (but not too much…remember Bogota is at high altitude!)

7. Drive up into the mountains above Bogota for great views of the city

8. Visit the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira

9. Explore Bogota’s old town

10. Have dinner and dance the night away at Andres Carne de Res

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Salt Cathedral

The Salt Cathedral in Bogota is located 25 miles outside of the city in Zipaquira. To get from Bogota to the Salt Cathedral, there are several options:

Trains from Bogota to the Salt Cathedral

Trains leave Bogota for the Salt Cathedral in the morning and return in the afternoon, so it’s easy to make a day of the excursion by train. From the train station by the Salt Cathedral, you can either walk up the hill or take a taxi to the cathedral.

Taxi from Bogota to the Salt Cathedral

It’s difficult to find a taxi driver that is willing to drive from Bogota to the Salt Cathedral, so you’re best off using a car and driver from your hotel. The journey takes about an hour and the driver will wait for you while you tour the cathedral, then take you back to Bogota.

Bus from Bogota to the Salt Cathedral

Buses leave the outskirts of Bogota for the Salt Cathedral, and are a less expensive way to get from the city to the cathedral. The bus is a good way to get from Bogota to the Salt Cathedral if you are on a budget.

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