{"id":10656,"date":"2025-09-10T22:32:45","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T19:32:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/2025\/09\/10\/bogota-colombia-travel-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-09-29T12:50:54","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T09:50:54","slug":"bogota-colombia-travel-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/en\/stories\/bogota-colombia-travel-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Bogot\u00e1 Unfiltered: The City That Drops You Straight into Colombia"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3>The moment you step off the plane in Bogot\u00e1, the city welcomes you with an air of vitality and contrasts. Bogot\u00e1 seems to live at a rhythm all its own. Full of colours, music, aromas and contrasts that hold you captive. On one side, the skyscrapers and the caf\u00e9s that smell of freshly roasted coffee. On the other, narrow alleys with colourful facades and buildings hiding centuries of stories.<\/h3>\n<h3>As you walk towards the centre, your eyes fill with colour and movement. Cars and buses move to the rhythm of a city that never sleeps. In the streets, locals rush to their jobs or sit in small caf\u00e9s, parks, squares and benches, drinking coffee and laughing out loud. The smells from open-air food stalls \u2014 arepas, empanadas, fresh-cut fruit \u2014 make you want to stop at every corner.<\/h3>\n<h3>Bogot\u00e1 is not just a city you visit. It is an experience that drops you straight into the real everyday life of Colombia.<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8851\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8851\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8851\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-skyline-with-monserrate-colombia.webp\" alt=\"Bogot\u00e1's skyscrapers with Monserrate behind, Colombia\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-skyline-with-monserrate-colombia.webp 1200w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-skyline-with-monserrate-colombia-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-skyline-with-monserrate-colombia-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-skyline-with-monserrate-colombia-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8851\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bogot\u00e1&#8217;s skyscrapers with the imposing Monserrate mountain in the background.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>The Bogot\u00e1 neighbourhoods you have to see<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Bogot\u00e1 is a city full of colour and contrasts. Each of its neighbourhoods has a character of its own. If you visit, it&#8217;s worth walking through as many as you can.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>La Candelaria:<\/strong> The historic centre of Bogot\u00e1, full of museums, little shops and alleys that smell of fruit and coffee. Old buildings with colourful facades, museums and narrow lanes transport you to another era. Here you&#8217;ll find the Museo del Oro, with incredible gold artefacts from the pre-Columbian civilisations. Every square, every alley has a little story to tell you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8852\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8852\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8852\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-street-art-monserrate.webp\" alt=\"Traditional house with street art in La Candelaria, Bogot\u00e1, with Monserrate behind\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-street-art-monserrate.webp 1200w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-street-art-monserrate-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-street-art-monserrate-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-street-art-monserrate-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8852\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Street art in La Candelaria \u2013 traditional architecture and a view towards Monserrate.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Chapinero:<\/strong> A youthful, creative neighbourhood with caf\u00e9s, bars and galleries. Perfect for living the rhythm of everyday life among the local young crowd, sipping coffee or strolling through its squares.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Usaquen: <\/strong>Quieter and more elegant, with local shops and handmade-goods markets. Ideal for walks and shopping from local artisans. The Usaquen Market is a must, where you can find handmade items, small gifts, souvenirs and local products.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Teusaquillo: <\/strong>A student area with green streets and small squares, perfect for walking. Leafy streets around the university with squares and a calm atmosphere. Here you feel the everyday life of the city at a more relaxed pace, without any rush.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Santa Fe &amp; La Macarena<\/strong>: Smaller neighbourhoods hiding surprises, with street art and little bars.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Other neighbourhoods to get to know: <\/strong>Put San Crist\u00f3bal and Chapinero Alto on your itinerary. Each has something different to show you: whether it&#8217;s street art, small shops, or beautiful parks to relax in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Every little exploration in these neighbourhoods hides moments of laughter and photos you&#8217;ll remember forever. The feeling of living the city the way the locals do makes every step even more special.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8857\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8857\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8857\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-colorful-buildings-street-art.webp\" alt=\"Colourful buildings and street art in La Candelaria, Bogot\u00e1's historic quarter\" width=\"1200\" height=\"990\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-colorful-buildings-street-art.webp 1200w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-colorful-buildings-street-art-300x248.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-colorful-buildings-street-art-1024x845.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-colorful-buildings-street-art-768x634.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8857\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A stroll through La Candelaria \u2013 colourful houses and an artistic atmosphere in Bogot\u00e1.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Street Art and Culture in the streets of Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Street art in Bogot\u00e1 is not just art, or decoration. It is politics, history and culture in every alley. The murals tell you stories of local heroes and social struggles, or simply bring colour and imagination to the city. They are stories, political messages and cultural expression with generous doses of colour. That way, every corner of the city feels like a living museum.<\/p>\n<p>As you walk through <strong>La Candelaria<\/strong>, you&#8217;ll see works that honour local heroes, musicians, historical events or even social issues. The power they have is incredible. You walk with the city and, seeing them, you admire them, photograph them \u2014 they make you think and stir up thoughts and emotions.<\/p>\n<p>Bogot\u00e1&#8217;s street art is something worth experiencing up close. You can walk for hours and constantly discover new details, colours and stories. It&#8217;s a way to understand the soul of the city without having to open a single history book.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8859\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8859\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8859\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-mural-street-art.webp\" alt=\"Striking mural of two faces in La Candelaria, Bogot\u00e1, Colombia\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-mural-street-art.webp 1200w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-mural-street-art-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-mural-street-art-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-mural-street-art-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8859\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Vivid colours and symbolism in Bogot\u00e1&#8217;s street art.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Street art isn&#8217;t only for art lovers; it&#8217;s for anyone who wants to understand the pulse of the city. With every step, every photo and every moment you laugh with your group in front of an impressive mural, you feel you&#8217;re living Bogot\u00e1 in the most authentic way.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tip<\/strong>: Don&#8217;t limit yourself to the central alleys. You&#8217;ll find picturesque lanes with murals large and small \u2014 but always beautiful \u2014 in the <strong>Chapinero<\/strong> and <strong>La Macarena<\/strong> neighbourhoods. Stunning graffiti worth discovering on foot among artsy caf\u00e9s and bars, in an atmosphere full of creativity and energy.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8860\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8860\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8860\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-chorro-de-quevedo-street-art.webp\" alt=\"Narrow lane with street art at Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo, Bogot\u00e1, Colombia\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-chorro-de-quevedo-street-art.webp 1200w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-chorro-de-quevedo-street-art-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-chorro-de-quevedo-street-art-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-chorro-de-quevedo-street-art-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8860\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bogot\u00e1 unfolds its artistic character at the Chorro de Quevedo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Monserrate: The view that takes your breath away<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>You can&#8217;t say you&#8217;ve truly lived Bogot\u00e1 if you haven&#8217;t gone up <strong>Monserrate<\/strong>. The mountain towers over the city, and the view from up there is simply magical.<\/p>\n<p>Getting up is easy with the <strong>cable car<\/strong>, and from the moment you set off, the anticipation grows. As you climb, the view keeps changing: the skyscrapers look smaller and smaller, the parks look like green dots and the streets are full of life.<\/p>\n<p>The moment you reach the top, the view leaves you speechless. And from now on, this will be the image that comes to mind whenever you hear the word Bogot\u00e1. Before you start with the photos and the wandering, simply enjoy the moment.<\/p>\n<p>Besides the view, at the top of Monserrate there is a small church. Behind it, a path continues with little shops for souvenirs, food, coffee or coca tea. A short walk that&#8217;s worth taking, so you can enjoy the view at the end of it with fewer people around. It&#8217;s an experience that combines the view, nature, history and the everyday life of the city in a unique way.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8856\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8856\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8856\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-monserrate-mountain-view-colombia.webp\" alt=\"View from Monserrate in Bogot\u00e1, with a small chapel and green mountains\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-monserrate-mountain-view-colombia.webp 1200w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-monserrate-mountain-view-colombia-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-monserrate-mountain-view-colombia-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-monserrate-mountain-view-colombia-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8856\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bogot\u00e1 from Monserrate: nature, views and history in one magical spot.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>&#xfe0f;<\/strong><strong> Prices &amp; Tickets for Monserrate<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Monday \u2013 Saturday <\/strong>(Round trip): <strong>32.000 COP <\/strong>(about 6,40 \u20ac)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sunday <\/strong>(Round trip): <strong>19.000 COP <\/strong>(about 3,80 \u20ac)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Fast Pass (priority)<\/strong>: <strong>87.500 COP <\/strong>(about 17,5\u20ac) any day<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It&#8217;s not mandatory to buy a ticket in advance. However, <strong>it is strongly recommended to book it <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/monserrate.co\/en\/schedules-and-prices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>online<\/strong><\/a> to avoid the long queues, especially at weekends.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Local Experience: Live Bogot\u00e1 like a local<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Bogot\u00e1 is not a touristy city. It&#8217;s a living, real city, where life flows in the streets and the squares. Start your day with a coffee in a nice little spot. Its aroma will instantly put you in the rhythm of the city, while around you the locals drink their coffee, chat and laugh out loud.<\/p>\n<p>In the streets of Bogot\u00e1 you&#8217;ll find street food stalls with arepas, empanadas and bu\u00f1uelos, and stands with fresh fruit that echo the simplicity of everyday life. Walk through <strong>Chapinero<\/strong> or relax in a square. Watch how people live their small moments, and you&#8217;ll instantly feel part of the city. In <strong>Usaquen<\/strong>, the little shops with handmade goods and unique souvenirs turn every stroll into a discovery. Don&#8217;t forget the cheap caf\u00e9s and the local restaurants: here you eat well, affordably, and try flavours you won&#8217;t find anywhere else.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking for a typical tourist experience, like in <strong>Medell\u00edn<\/strong>, you&#8217;ll be disappointed. Bogot\u00e1 doesn&#8217;t live for its visitors. It&#8217;s a real city, raw, authentic, where the everyday life of the locals dominates.<\/p>\n<p>At night, Bogot\u00e1 changes mood. The streets empty out, traffic thins, and a few homeless people wander around. Even so, the nightlife has its own charm, offering a different perspective on the city&#8217;s authentic everyday life.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8862\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8862\" style=\"width: 900px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8862\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-street-art-daily-life.webp\" alt=\"Colourful graffiti on a street corner in La Candelaria, Bogot\u00e1\" width=\"900\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-street-art-daily-life.webp 900w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-street-art-daily-life-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-street-art-daily-life-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 900px) 100vw, 900px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8862\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Daily life and graffiti in the streets of Bogot\u00e1.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>The essence:<\/strong> live like a local. Taste, walk, observe, laugh. Bogot\u00e1 isn&#8217;t only about sights \u2013 it&#8217;s the life flowing through the streets, the squares, the little caf\u00e9s. Live it, and you&#8217;ll discover the real Colombia, the way its everyday people live it.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What to eat, shopping tips and souvenirs in Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Bogot\u00e1<\/strong> is a city you have to taste as well! The <strong>street food<\/strong> is a must: try <strong>arepas<\/strong> (corn breads, plain-savoury or stuffed), <strong>empanadas<\/strong> (fried or baked little pies with meat or cheese) and <strong>bu\u00f1uelos<\/strong> (small fried cheese-dough balls), as well as the fresh fruit sold in the streets. A word of caution: only buy fruit you can peel yourself, and avoid fruit washed with local water. <strong>Bottled water only<\/strong>. Small precautions, big enjoyment!<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re looking for <strong>handmade goods and souvenirs<\/strong>, the <strong>Usaquen Market<\/strong> is ideal. Small artisans display jewellery, decorative pieces and other one-of-a-kind items you won&#8217;t find anywhere else. A perfect place to pick up something for friends, or to remember your epic trip by.<\/p>\n<p>For <strong>cheap shops and caf\u00e9s in Bogot\u00e1<\/strong>, <strong>Chapinero and Teusaquillo<\/strong> hide small, cosy hangouts where you can enjoy good coffee or a full meal without spending much. Locals love these places too, so you get to live the city&#8217;s everyday life.<\/p>\n<p>The best advice: don&#8217;t be afraid to try different foods, but do it safely \u2014 walk, laugh. The simplest flavours produce the strongest experiences \u2013 Bogot\u00e1 isn&#8217;t only about sights, it&#8217;s life in the streets, in the squares and in the flavours.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8855\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8855\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8855\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-downtown-colorful-street-view.webp\" alt=\"Main street in Bogot\u00e1 with a colourful pavement pattern and skyscrapers behind\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-downtown-colorful-street-view.webp 1200w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-downtown-colorful-street-view-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-downtown-colorful-street-view-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-downtown-colorful-street-view-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8855\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A lively scene from downtown Bogot\u00e1 with colours, movement and modern buildings.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Safety &amp; Tourist traps in Bogot\u00e1 \u2013 Quick Guide <\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Don&#8217;t wander around at night:<\/strong> Avoid isolated areas and alleys \u2013 especially outside La Candelaria and Chapinero.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Getting around:<\/strong> walk wherever you can, use ride apps\/the metro where distances are longer or you feel you want safety and speed. Safe and fast, ideal for Chapinero, Usaquen and the centre. Avoid hailing taxis in the street.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Watch your belongings:<\/strong> Keep bags and wallets closed, especially in crowded spots and markets.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Move around carefully, enjoy the city and keep smiling. Bogot\u00e1 is safe during the day and when you&#8217;re with company. But the night in Bogot\u00e1 has a different character. While the day is full of life and movement, once it gets dark the streets empty, more homeless people appear and the area can become more dangerous. That&#8217;s why it&#8217;s better to move around with company or use transport such as ride apps, and avoid isolated alleys.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8854\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8854\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8854\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-downtown-skyline-hotel-tequendama.webp\" alt=\"Panoramic view of central Bogot\u00e1 and its skyscrapers.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-downtown-skyline-hotel-tequendama.webp 1200w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-downtown-skyline-hotel-tequendama-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-downtown-skyline-hotel-tequendama-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-downtown-skyline-hotel-tequendama-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8854\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A look at Colombia&#8217;s capital from above.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Short Day Trips around Bogot\u00e1<\/strong><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Zipaquir\u00e1 (1 hour by car)<\/strong>: Famous salt mines with a cathedral carved inside the salt. An easy day trip from the city.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Suesca (1,5 hours by car)<\/strong>: Rock faces and routes for climbing and exploring nature.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Guatavita Lagoon (1,5\u20132 hours by car):<\/strong> A magical lake, the legend of El Dorado and photos worth taking.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Medell\u00edn (1-hour flight):<\/strong> Colourful neighbourhoods, favelas, Comuna 13, coffee, nightlife and picturesque villages around the city. An escape full of colour, laughter and authentic experiences, plus a little Escobar history. See more in our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/en\/stories\/medellin-colombia-travel-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Medell\u00edn \u2013 Discover the colourful, living heart of Colombia.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Leticia, the Amazon (2,5-hour flight)<\/strong>: The gateway to the heart of the Amazon. Jungle, rivers, local tribes and unique wildlife. Dive into the adventure and discover everything worth experiencing <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/en\/stories\/amazon-jungle-trip-colombia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">in Leticia and the Amazon.<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Quick FAQ &amp; Travel Tips<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>Best time to visit:<br \/>\n<\/strong>December\u2013March &amp; July\u2013August. Mild climate, little rain, ideal for city strolls and day trips around Bogot\u00e1.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Is it safe to wander around the cities?<br \/>\n<\/strong>During the night, no. During the day, yes \u2014 but it&#8217;s wise to carry only 20-30\u20ac and your phone on your walks. Leave the rest at the hotel.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8861\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8861\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8861\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-evening-market-square.webp\" alt=\"Afternoon in a central square in Bogot\u00e1, with stalls and people\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-evening-market-square.webp 1200w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-evening-market-square-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-evening-market-square-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-evening-market-square-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8861\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Life in Bogot\u00e1 keeps going after sunset. Stalls, music and squares full of movement.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Cost of everyday things:<br \/>\n<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Street food: 2\u20135\u20ac<\/li>\n<li>Coffee: 1\u20132\u20ac<\/li>\n<li>Museums: 3\u201310\u20ac<\/li>\n<li>Taxi-app ride: 3\u20137\u20ac<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Plug type &amp; electricity:<br \/>\n<\/strong>Bring a type A or B adapter. That means two or three flat pins, as in the USA (110V-60Hz).<\/p>\n<p><strong>Phone and internet:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>eSIM<\/strong> \u2013 if your phone supports it. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airalo.com\/help\/about-airalo\/NFHQSUXFCZOM\/what-devices-support-esim\/D2N6OZSVVM9W\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">See which phones are compatible here.<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Local SIM<\/strong> with data as soon as you arrive<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Vaccines &amp; precautions:<br \/>\n<\/strong>Up-to-date basic vaccinations are recommended (e.g. tetanus, hepatitis A\/B). If you&#8217;re heading to nature areas or lakes, use insect repellent and sunscreen. For official information, you can check the website of <a href=\"https:\/\/eody.gov.gr\/taxidiotiki-iatriki\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EODY (the Greek National Public Health Organization)<\/a> or call your region&#8217;s Travel Medicine Services.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Local products &amp; shopping:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Colombian coffee and cacao<\/li>\n<li>Handmade jewellery and traditional textiles with designs from ancient Colombia<\/li>\n<li>Ceramics &amp; wooden objects in the colours of the city<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Ideal places for shopping:<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Usaquen Market<\/strong>, <strong>La Candelaria<\/strong> \u2013 authentic atmosphere, unique souvenirs.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8863\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8863\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8863\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-mural-art-colombia.webp\" alt=\"Mural of a woman and birds in La Candelaria, Bogot\u00e1\" width=\"1200\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-mural-art-colombia.webp 1200w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-mural-art-colombia-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-mural-art-colombia-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-mural-art-colombia-768x576.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8863\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Streets full of colours, art and stories.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Live Bogot\u00e1 \u2013 and get ready for the next trip<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3>Every alley, every colour, every flavour in Bogot\u00e1 hides small adventures that make you laugh, marvel and live in the moment. From the murals of La Candelaria to the view from Monserrate, the city embraces you and invites you to discover, to taste and to feel the energy of the real Colombia.<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_8853\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8853\" style=\"width: 1200px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8853\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-group-altervan-street-art.webp\" alt=\"Altervan crew in front of street art in La Candelaria, Bogot\u00e1, Colombia\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-group-altervan-street-art.webp 1200w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-group-altervan-street-art-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-group-altervan-street-art-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/bogota-la-candelaria-group-altervan-street-art-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-8853\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A group moment in La Candelaria \u2013 our crew in front of impressive street art in Bogot\u00e1.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>The next trip to Colombia is waiting for you, full of colours, flavours, moments and a group of people you&#8217;ll never forget. Check out the next trip and start your own adventure now. <a href=\"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/roadtrips\/colombia-soultrip-2026\">Discover it here.<\/a><\/h3>\n<p>With love for travel, roadtrips and adventure.<\/p>\n<p>The Altervan team<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DGsTm8rMb6w\/?igsh=MW4zb3FyNWttZjgzcg==\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DGsTm8rMb6w\/?igsh=MW4zb3FyNWttZjgzcg==<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bogot\u00e1, Colombia unfiltered \u2014 La Candelaria, street art, Monserrate, local food, safety tips and day trips around the capital.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8850,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"page_builder":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[443],"tags":[302],"class_list":["post-10656","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-destination-guides","tag-altervan"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10656","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10656"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10656\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12088,"href":"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10656\/revisions\/12088"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8850"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10656"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.altervan.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}