Bogotá, Colombia

A City That Doesn’t Put on Airs

If Bogotá was a person, it would be described as fun-loving, dynamic, and completely unpretentious. It’s impossible not to be captivated by the the liveliness of the city.

Know Before You Go

A Quick Note on Altitude

At 2,640 metres (8,661 ft) above sea level, Bogotá sits firmly in high-altitude territory. Expect possible headaches or achy joints and counter them with plenty of rest as well as plenty of water.

The Weather

Year-round temperatures hover between 7°C and 19°C (45°F–66°F), making it a refreshing escape from the heat elsewhere in Colombia. February is a sweet spot without any sweat spots.

The Food

Don't leave without trying Ajiaco. The city’s signature dish is a soul-warming soup of chicken, potato and corn, topped with avocado. Another deeply comforting addition to a Colombian meal table is the hot chocolate with cheese. A semi-soft white cheese melts into the drink as you sip, and by the bottom of the cup, you'll understand the Colombian saying:

“Chocolate without cheese is like love without a kiss.”

Top Tips

Currency

The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). Carrying some pesos will allow you to take advantage of the many markets Bogotá has to offer. A highlight is the Sunday Flea Market in Usaquén 🛍️

Language

The official language of Bogotá is Spanish. It is always advantageous to keep a translation app readily accessible on your phone and to learn basic phrases to greet those you meet.

Getting Around

Uber works well. For taxis, use Cabify. The TransMilenio bus system (12 lines, nearly 2 million daily riders) is cheap and convenient. With a high concentration of people there is ample opportunity for your possessions to go missing. Remember to keep a close eye on your belongings.

Don’t Miss

🏛️ Museo del Oro — A tourist attraction that is truly worth it's weight in gold. It is home to over 30,000 pieces of archeological treasures. The museum is centrally located in the heart of Bogotá. Allow at least an hour or two to explore one of the most popular attractions in the city.  
⛰️ Cerro de Monserrate — This destination provides sweeping city views, rich cultural significance, and is reachable by cable car or pedestrian pathway. Buy your tickets in advance online or be prepared to wait in line. Cerro de Monserrate is available to the public 365 days of the year!

The Verdict

Bogotá, particularly the heart of the city La Candelaria, rewards each visitor with a variety of markets, world-class museums and incredible food!