10 Things to Do in Bogota

Welcome to Bogota, Colombia, a sprawling metropolis of towering skyscrapers and cobbled streets amidst green mountains. Home to more than 10 million people (similar in size to London, Bangkok, or Paris), and sitting at 8,600 feet above sea level, this is the capital of Colombia.

Over the last decade, Colombia has experienced a major transformation as a result of the government’s effort to make it a safer place to live, visit and in order to strengthen the economy. Tourism has boomed, foreign investment has risen substantially and Bogota currently hosts hundreds of multinational companies that lead Colombia on its economic growth path.

Here are just 10 of the many attractions you do not want to miss in this vibrant city.

1) Monserrate Summit

At 10,000 feet high, this mountain peak overlooking the city is one of Bogota's most popular attractions, and for good reason: it offers an incredible bird's eye view of the city. There are two ways to get up the hill – you can either hike or take the cable car. The cable car journey takes around 4 minutes and moves swiftly over the forest, providing stunning views below. Alternatively, it's a steep and challenging hike up to the summit (~2-4 hours), but a popular option nonetheless. At the top, there's a small church, a beautiful garden, and restaurants, souvenirs and snacks available. This is a great place to try Colombia's famous hot chocolate with cheese.

2) Graffiti Tour

The street art in Bogota is exceptional. The streets are filled with colorful murals depicting stories, myths, and political messages. This kind of art was highly illegal in the past, and the history between artists and the police was turbulent. Bogota decriminalized graffiti in recent years, and vibrant murals have flourished. You may walk the city and discover the murals on your own, but a Walking Graffiti Tour is budget-friendly and enhances the experience with insight into the culture and history behind the artwork.

3) Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)

The Gold Museum is located in the heart of the city's historic district, La Candelaria, and is home to one of the largest collections of pre-Columbian gold artifacts in the world. Established in 1939, it has since become a major cultural institution in Colombia. It houses over 55,000 pieces of gold and other precious metals, as well as ceramics, textiles, and other artifacts from the pre-Hispanic era. The collection includes objects from various indigenous cultures that inhabited the area that is now Colombia, such as the Muisca, Quimbaya, and Tairona people.

The exhibits are organized chronologically, beginning with the earliest pre-Columbian cultures and progressing through the different eras of Colombian history. The collection includes some of the most incredible gold artifacts you'll ever lay your eyes on - intricate figurines, masks, jewelry, and other ornamental objects that showcase the skill and artistry of the ancient Colombian cultures. This museum provides visitors with a unique insight into the history and culture of Colombia's indigenous peoples.

4) Explore La Candelaria

La Candelaria is the historic district of Bogota, Colombia, and it's considered one of the city's most vibrant and colorful neighborhoods. It's located in the heart of the city and is known for its colonial architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and colorful buildings.

La Candelaria is home to some of Bogota's most famous landmarks, including the Plaza Bolivar, the National Capitol, and the Cathedral of Bogota. The area is also home to numerous museums and cultural institutions, such as the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum, and the Casa de la Moneda, which houses a collection of ancient coins and banknotes.

The neighborhood is known for its lively atmosphere and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can explore the area's many shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as enjoy street performances and live music.

5) Visit the Salt Cathedral

Although technically it’s about 45 minutes outside of the city in the small town of Zipaquirá, the Salt Cathedral can be experienced on a day trip from Bogota, and is most likely unlike anything you've experienced before.

It is a working cathedral underground that has been carved inside an old salt mine. Despite its grandeur, the cathedral has humble beginnings. In the 1930s, miners carved out a small chapel in one of the mine's caverns where they could pray and hold religious services each day before work. Over the years, the chapel grew in size and eventually became a full-fledged cathedral, with multiple chapels and altars. Today, the Salt Cathedral attracts visitors from around the world who come to marvel at its impressive architecture and religious significance. The cathedral features a network of tunnels, caverns, and various chapels and altars, each of which has a unique design. One of the most impressive features of the Salt Cathedral is the lighting, which illuminates the salt walls and highlights the intricate details of the chapels and altars. The cathedral also features a large cross and a statue of the Virgin Mary, both of which are carved from salt.

6) Visit La Chorrera Waterfall

La Chorrera Waterfall is approximately 45 minutes from Bogota and is one of the tallest waterfalls in Colombia with a total height of approximately 1,936 feet. It is located in the middle of a dense forest, and the area around it is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including orchids, birds, and butterflies.

7) Try Rock Climbing

Suesca is a small town located about an hour's drive north of Bogota. It's known for its unique rock formations, which make it a popular destination for rock climbing enthusiasts from around the world. Suesca offers more than 400 climbing routes, ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert. The rock formations here are made of sandstone, which make for excellent climbing conditions, as the rock is not too slippery or too rough. Day tours are available from the city.

8) Visit the Chingaza National Park

Chingaza National Park is a protected area located an hour outside of Bogota. It spans over 187,800 acres and is known for its unique and diverse ecosystems, including high-altitude forests, moors, and paramos. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including spectacled bears, mountain tapirs, pumas, and a variety of bird species. One of the main attractions here is the Laguna de Chingaza, a beautiful lake surrounded by paramo vegetation. The lake is fed by several streams and is considered a sacred site by the indigenous people who live in the area. Visitors can take guided tours to the park to see the animals in their natural habitat and to learn about the different ecosystems.

9) Cycle With the Locals

You might be surprised to hear that Bogota is a cyclist’s city. In fact, it’s home to the largest cycling network in Latin America, covering over 372 miles in total. The locals love to cycle, and it’s also a convenient option due to Bogota’s traffic. On Sundays from 7 am until 2 pm, many of the city’s main streets are closed off to cars, making them safe and enjoyable for cyclists. This is known as Ciclovia, and it's a big deal in the city, with people of all ages taking advantage of the closed streets to walk or ride their bikes. Don't miss the opportunity to rent a bike or take a bike tour while in the city.

10) Botero Museum

One of the best free things to see in Bogota is the Botero Museum, which is dedicated to the work of Fernando Botero. This Colombian artist is world-renowned for his unique, bulbous style and you’ll see plenty of examples of his work on display here. In addition to Botero’s work, you can see pieces by other world-famous artists including Picasso and Monet. The art is displayed in a beautiful mansion with a gorgeous courtyard.

Exposure to new sights, sounds, smells and experiences as you travel can inspire your creativity. How will travel inspire you?

Learn more about our service and leadership based travel programs for students, corporations, and friends/family. See you on the road soon!

Venture Road - An affordable way to have a priceless experience.

TRAVEL WITH US

Venturers

Learn More

Others