Bogota, Columbia-3-day-itinerary

Day 1: Exploring La Candelaria and Monserrate

Morning

  • Start the day at Café San Alberto (Calle 10 #2-42) for a traditional Colombian breakfast.
  • Visit the nearby Plaza de Bolívar, the main square of Bogotá, surrounded by important buildings like the Catedral Primada de Colombia and the Capitolio Nacional.

Afternoon

  • La Candelaria neighborhood: Walk through the colorful streets of this historic neighborhood, exploring its vibrant atmosphere, street art, and quaint shops.
  • Monserrate Mountain: Take a funicular or cable car to the top of Monserrate for stunning views of the city. You can also hike up if you’re feeling adventurous.

Evening

  • Dinner at La Macarena (Calle 26 #69-76): Try their famous Ajiaco, a traditional Colombian chicken soup.
  • Explore the trendy bars and clubs in the Zona Rosa neighborhood, like Parque 93 or Krystal Club.

Accommodation

  • Stay in La Candelaria at Hotel de la Ópera (Calle 10 #5-72) or La Casa de las Palmas (Calle 17 #2-60).

Transportation

  • Use the TransMilenio bus system to move around the city.
  • Taxis are also widely available, but make sure to use official ones.

Tips and Insights

  • Be prepared for altitude sickness; Bogotá is at 2,640 meters above sea level.
  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases to interact with locals.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas like La Candelaria.

Day 2: Discovering Culture and History

Morning

  • Gold Museum (Calle 16 #5-41): Marvel at the impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
  • Visit the nearby Fernando Botero Museum (Calle 11 #4-21), featuring an extensive art collection, including works by Botero himself.

Afternoon

  • Quinta de Bolívar (Calle 20 #2-69): Explore the historic house-museum of Simón Bolívar, the liberator of Colombia.
  • Jardín Botánico José María Córdova: Stroll through this beautiful botanical garden, featuring a wide variety of Colombian plants and flowers.

Evening

  • Dinner at El Cielo (Calle 70 #7-47): Savor modern Colombian cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.
  • Enjoy a cultural performance or concert at the Teatro Colón (Calle 10 #5-32).

Accommodation

  • Same as Day 1, or consider staying in the Chapinero neighborhood for easy access to restaurants and bars.

Transportation

  • Use the TransMilenio bus system or taxis to move around the city.
  • Consider hiring a private guide or driver for the day.

Tips and Insights

  • Many museums are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hours (7-9 am and 4-7 pm) to minimize traffic congestion.

Day 3: Escaping the City

Morning

  • Take a day trip to Zipaquirá (about an hour north of Bogotá): Visit the stunning Catedral de Sal, a salt mine turned cathedral.
  • Explore the charming town of Zipaquirá, with its colonial architecture and picturesque streets.

Afternoon

  • Lunch at one of the local restaurants: Try traditional dishes like Ajiaco or Tamales.
  • Visit the nearby Hacienda Nemocón, a beautiful country estate with gardens and a private lake.

Evening

  • Return to Bogotá and enjoy dinner at Andrés DC (Calle 82 #12-35): This trendy restaurant serves creative, farm-to-table Colombian cuisine.
  • End your trip with a visit to the Mirador de los Nevados, offering panoramic views of the city.

Accommodation

  • Same as previous nights, or consider staying in the La Cabrera neighborhood for easy access to restaurants and bars.

Transportation

  • Use private transportation services like Conozco Colombia or hire a driver for the day.
  • Book your return trip to Bogotá in advance to ensure availability.

Tips and Insights

  • Pack comfortable shoes and clothes for the day trip.
  • Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions, especially in the mountains.