Bogota Colombia 4 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring La Macarena

Morning

  • Arrive at El Dorado International Airport (BOG) and take a taxi or Uber to your accommodation in La Macarena, a trendy neighborhood with plenty of restaurants and cafes.
  • Check-in to Hotel Casa Deco or similar, a stylish boutique hotel with comfortable rooms.

Afternoon

  • Visit the nearby Jardín Botánico José María Córdova, a beautiful botanical garden with over 1,900 plant species (free admission).
  • Explore the lively streets of La Macarena, stopping at Parque de los Hippies to see local artists and vendors selling handmade crafts.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Andrés D.C., a popular restaurant serving modern Colombian cuisine in a lively atmosphere.
  • Visit Armando Records, a iconic music store with a vast collection of vinyl records and live music performances.

Things to Know

  • La Macarena is a safe neighborhood, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
  • Try some street food like patacones (fried green plantains) or empanadas at one of the many vendors.

Day 2: Historic Bogotá

Morning

  • Take a taxi or Uber to La Candelaria, the oldest neighborhood in Bogotá, and explore its cobblestone streets.
  • Visit Plaza Bolívar, the main square, surrounded by important landmarks like the Catedral Primada de Colombia and the Capitolio Nacional.

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Museo del Oro, a museum showcasing an impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts (free admission).
  • Explore the vibrant street art scene in La Candelaria, including the famous Graffiti Tour.

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Colombian cuisine at La Puerta Falsa, a cozy restaurant with a warm atmosphere.
  • Visit El Parche de Chorro, a lively nightlife spot with bars and clubs.

Transportation

  • Use taxi apps like Tapsi or EasyTaxi, or hail one on the street. Make sure to use licensed taxis with a yellow plate.
  • Consider purchasing a TransMilenio card for convenient travel on public transportation.

Day 3: Monserrate and Surroundings

Morning

  • Take the funicular or cable car to Cerro de Monserrate, a mountain offering stunning views of Bogotá (around COP 20,000 / USD 6).
  • Explore the surrounding neighborhood, La Cabrera, with its picturesque streets and colonial architecture.

Afternoon

  • Visit the Museo Nacional de Colombia, which tells the story of Colombia’s history and culture (free admission).
  • Stop by Parque 93, a popular park with restaurants, bars, and street performers.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at La Castilla, a restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Visit Barrio Zona Rosa, a lively nightlife area with bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Tips

  • Be prepared for altitude sickness by drinking plenty of water and taking breaks.
  • Try some local fruits like lulo or guayaba at one of the many street vendors.

Day 4: Paloquemao Market and Departure

Morning

  • Visit Paloquemao Market, a bustling marketplace with fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
  • Try some local snacks like arepas or churros at the market.

Afternoon

  • Return to your accommodation to pack up and check-out.
  • Depart for El Dorado International Airport (BOG) and head back home.

Things to Know

  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas like markets and bus stations.
  • Consider purchasing a SIM card or portable Wi-Fi hotspot for easy communication and navigation.

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, and entertainment, while also highlighting the safety and practicality concerns that tourists should be aware of. Enjoy your trip to Bogotá!