Bogota, Colombia-7-day-itinerary

Bogotá, Colombia 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of La Candelaria

  • Arrival: Arrive at El Dorado International Airport (BOG) and take a taxi or Uber to your accommodation in La Candelaria, the historic center of Bogotá.
  • Accommodation: Stay at La Macarena Casa Hotel or similar, a charming boutique hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location.
  • Lunch: Head to Café San Alberto for a delicious coffee and traditional Colombian dishes like ajiaco or tamales.
  • Afternoon: Explore La Candelaria, visit the Plaza de Bolívar, Catedral Primada de Colombia, and Capitolio Nacional. Wander through the narrow streets and take in the vibrant atmosphere of the historic center.
  • Dinner: Try La Castilla for traditional Colombian cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 2: Monserrate and Zona Rosa

  • Morning: Take a funicular or cable car to Monserrate, a mountain that offers stunning views of the city. You can also hike up if you’re feeling adventurous!
  • Lunch: Enjoy traditional Colombian street food at Paloquemao Market.
  • Afternoon: Visit the trendy Zona Rosa neighborhood, known for its upscale restaurants, bars, and shopping centers. Stop by Parque 93, a popular park with plenty of restaurants and cafes.
  • Dinner: Dine at Andrés D.C., a renowned restaurant serving innovative Colombian cuisine.

Day 3: Museums and Galleries

  • Morning: Visit the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro), which showcases an impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
  • Lunch: Grab a bite at Café de los Artesanos, a cozy spot with delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Museo Nacional de Colombia, which features exhibits on Colombian history, art, and culture. Stop by the Galería Mundo Arte, a contemporary art gallery with an impressive collection of local artists’ work.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a romantic dinner at El Cielo, known for its exquisite French-Colombian cuisine.

Day 4: Paloquemao Market and Teusaquillo

  • Morning: Visit the bustling Paloquemao Market, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and handicrafts. Try some local fruits like guayabas or pitahayas!
  • Lunch: Head to La Estación, a popular spot for traditional Colombian dishes.
  • Afternoon: Explore the charming neighborhood of Teusaquillo, known for its colonial architecture, quaint streets, and lively nightlife. Visit the Parque de los Hippies, a vibrant park with street performers and food vendors.
  • Dinner: Dine at La Puerta Falsa, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Colombian cuisine.

Day 5: Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the stunning Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, a majestic underground cathedral built within a salt mine. ( approx. 1-hour drive)
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch or try some local cuisine at one of the many restaurants in Zipaquirá.
  • Afternoon: Explore the town of Zipaquirá, visit the Plaza de los Comuneros, and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding hills.
  • Dinner: Return to Bogotá and dine at La Macarena, known for its creative Colombian cuisine.

Day 6: Jardín Botánico José María Córdova

  • Morning: Visit the beautiful Jardín Botánico José María Córdova, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely stroll and admire the stunning gardens.
  • Lunch: Head to Café de la Estación, a charming spot with delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Chapinero, known for its boutique shops, art galleries, and lively nightlife. Visit the Parque de Chapinero, a popular park with street performers and food vendors.
  • Dinner: Dine at El Olivo, a cozy restaurant serving Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or exploring a local market.
  • Departure: Take a taxi or Uber to El Dorado International Airport (BOG) for your departure flight.

Things to Know

  • Bogotá is at high altitude, so take it easy and drink plenty of water to avoid altitude sickness.
  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to help you navigate the city.
  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded areas like markets or bus stations.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hour (7-9 am, 4-7 pm) to minimize traffic congestion.

Transportation

  • Taxi: widely available and affordable
  • Uber: widely available and convenient
  • Bus: an efficient way to get around the city ( approx. COP 2,000 - USD 0.60)
  • Bike: a fun way to explore the city (bike rentals available)

Tips

  • Try to learn some basic Spanish phrases to help you navigate the city.
  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions, including rain and sunshine.
  • Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes for exploring the city.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.

Other Things of Interest

  • Ciclovía: a popular cycling event held every Sunday, where many streets are closed to traffic and open to cyclists and pedestrians.
  • Feria de las Flores: an annual flower festival held in August, featuring stunning flower arrangements and live music.
  • Rock al Parque: a free outdoor rock concert held in August, featuring local and international bands.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Bogotá!