Bogota Columbia 7 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring La Candelaria

  • Morning: Arrive at El Dorado International Airport (BOG) and take a taxi or Uber to your hotel in La Candelaria, the historic center of Bogotá.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Plaza de Bolívar, the main square of the city, and explore the surrounding streets filled with colonial architecture, street performers, and vendors. Stop by the Catedral Primada de Colombia, a stunning Catholic cathedral.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Colombian cuisine at La Macarena, a cozy restaurant in the heart of La Candelaria. Try their famous ajiaco chicken soup or tamales.
  • Accommodation: Stay at Hotel de la Ópera, a charming boutique hotel with comfortable rooms and a great location.

Day 2: Gold Museum and Monserrate

  • Morning: Visit the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), which showcases an impressive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts.
  • Afternoon: Take a funicular or cable car to Monserrate, a mountain that offers breathtaking views of the city. You can also hike up if you’re feeling adventurous!
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Andrés DC, a trendy restaurant with a focus on local ingredients and creative dishes.

Day 3: Paloquemao Market and Zona T

  • Morning: Explore the vibrant Paloquemao Market, where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts.
  • Afternoon: Head to Zona T, a popular area filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. Visit the Parque 93, a lively park with street performers and food vendors.
  • Evening: Enjoy cocktails at Theatron, a rooftop bar with great views of the city.

Day 4: Coffee Region

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera), where you can visit coffee plantations and learn about the production process.
  • Afternoon: Stop by the charming town of Salento, known for its stunning natural surroundings and coffee farms.
  • Evening: Return to Bogotá and enjoy dinner at El Cielo, a restaurant with a focus on farm-to-table cuisine.

Day 5: La Macarena Neighborhood

  • Morning: Explore the trendy neighborhood of La Macarena, known for its boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museo Nacional de Colombia, which showcases the country’s history and culture.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Masa, a restaurant with a focus on Mediterranean cuisine.

Day 6: Zipaquirá and the Salt Cathedral

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Zipaquirá, a town located about an hour north of Bogotá. Visit the stunning Salt Cathedral, a church built inside a salt mine.
  • Afternoon: Explore the charming town center and try some local cuisine.
  • Evening: Return to Bogotá and enjoy dinner at La Castilla, a restaurant with a focus on traditional Colombian dishes.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs or visiting any last-minute attractions.
  • Afternoon: Head back to El Dorado International Airport (BOG) for your departure flight.

Things to Know:

  • Bogotá is a city with high altitude, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness.
  • The city has a vibrant cultural scene, with many free museums and cultural events on Sundays.
  • Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
  • Try to learn some basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals.

Transportation:

  • Taxis are widely available, but be sure to use licensed ones with meters.
  • Uber is also a popular option.
  • The city has a comprehensive public transportation system, including buses and the TransMilenio rapid transit system.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for cooler weather, as Bogotá is known for its chilly mornings and evenings.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak hour (7-9 am, 4-7 pm) to avoid traffic congestion.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.

Other Things of Interest:

  • Visit the Jardín Botánico José María Córdova, a beautiful botanical garden with over 1,000 plant species.
  • Take a bike tour or rent a bike to explore the city’s many bike paths.
  • Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in neighborhoods like La Macarena and Zona T.