Bogota is the capital of Colombia and a veritable treasure trove of history and culture. Nestled beneath the Andes Mountains, this vibrant city is a combination of colonial architecture and local charm. The city's beating heart is La Candelaria, which is the quaint, cobbled area of downtown that's home to a plethora of Spanish-style buildings. Museums, boutique stores, cafes, and bars line the streets here, making it a great place for a relaxing stroll.
The center of the action in Bogota is the area around the Plaza de Bolivar. Just a short walk away is the picturesque Cerro de Monserrate. Most tourists stick to the northern districts of the city - home to chic entertainment zones and retail developments. The south of the city has more than its fair share of social problems, however. Drugs and crime are rife in these gritty streets, and tourists are advised to stay well away.
Bogota is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in South America. A plethora of cultures come together here to create something truly exciting. The cuisine of the Coffee Triangle and a few tastes of the Caribbean make for an intoxicating selection of street food. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the quaint neighbourhood of La Candelaria. You'll find a wide range of eateries here, many of which are housed in beautiful buildings from the country's colonial era. The many specialties to choose from include ajiaco, cocido, and tamales.
Bogota is surrounded by swathes of unspoiled wilderness. Trekking in the foothills of the Andes Mountains is one of the most popular outdoor activities. But if you'd like to stay in the city, the National Park, the Simon Bolivar Park and 93rd Street Park are great places to relax and watch the world go by.
If you're willing to explore Bogota and its many different districts, there's a lot to explore. Here are three of the city's most exciting attractions.
The Museum del Oro is the most famous museum in Colombia. Famous for its pre-Hispanic art, it's a great place to learn about this part of the world before colonial conquests. There are more than 55,000 gold artifacts to explore, as well as a range of archaeological treasures from the area. To complete a fascinating day of Colombian history, pay a visit to the historic La Candelaria neighbourhood - which is just a short walk away.
If you're feeling adventurous, take a hike up Cerro Monserrate. This imposing mountain stands more than 10,000 feet over Bogota, and it's home to a holy shrine that's dedicated to "The Fallen Lord." Get to the summit, and you can reward yourself with some refreshments at one of the many bars and restaurants. Alternatively, you can make your way to the summit's charming eateries via an aerial tram.
No visit to Bogota is complete without a visit to the world-famous Andrés Carne de Res. This mammoth bar and restaurant can host up to 2,000 guests. Located in the town of Chia, just beyond the city limits, this lively restaurant puts on a great party. An eclectic menu and a never-ending selection of live music make this the place to be if you're in search of a vibrant nightspot.
Bogota is a cosmopolitan city of the arts and culture, and it's home to some spectacular events. Here are just three of the most popular annual events in Bogota.
The Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro is the world's largest celebration of theatre. Hundreds of theatre companies travel from around the world to be here. There are free and paid performances of theatrical classics and contemporary plays. Whether you're looking for a circus or a professional performance of a Shakespeare classic, you'll find it here every March and April.
The Festival de Cine de Bogota is a film festival that is frequented by some of the biggest names in Colombian and international cinema. As well as exclusive screenings and exhibits, movie-makers take questions from the audience. There are also workshops that give people a glimpse into the art of making movies. This celebration of the big screen takes place in cinemas around the city during September and October.
The Festivales al Parque is an extravaganza of open-air music concerts. There are six individual festivals included in the event, which take place at different locations around the city. You'll find everything from opera to hip-hop represented here. The concerts all take place in August, and entry is free for everyone.
Colombia enjoys a tropical climate, thanks to its location near the equator. But the weather in Colombia can be unpredictable at times. Humidity levels are high throughout the year, and average monthly temperatures never fall much below 70F. The rainy season in Bogota is spring. However, the tropical climate means heavy showers and storms are frequent throughout the year. The national currency in Bogota is the Peso. And unlike in other countries, you can't use U.S. Dollars in Colombia. The local time in Bogota is Colombia Standard Time, which is an hour behind New York and Toronto.
See all practical info about Bogota >>
This diverse and complex city hosts a dazzling array of accommodation catering to all tastes. If you're looking for luxury, there is a slew of high-end hotels rising from the fringes of many of the gorgeous patches of green space at the centre of the city. If you're looking for somewhere a little cheaper, the options for characterful boutique hotels are plentiful too and the thriving backpacker scene leaves the city well set-up with hostels and budget digs.
More on where to stay in Bogota>>
From Canada you have the options to fly from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver to Bogota.
Looking for great deals for flights to Bogota? BudgetAir Canada offers you the best fares and an unparalleled booking experience. Book from your laptop, tablet or smartphone and be assured of the best deals and an easy booking process. Did you know you can save some money by travelling on different days or fly from other airports? Use the filters on the search result page to find the best deals.
Complete your trip and book a hotel and / or rental car directly with us. Handy! And make sure you don't forget to buy a travel and / or -cancellation insurance. In some cases, it could help you save a lot of money.