Bogota
Bogota is the sprawling capital city of Colombia, gateway for most international visitors to Colombia and home to in excess of 20% of Colombia's total population (approximately 10 million residents). Bogota is situated at 2644m, making it one of the highest situated capital cities in the world.
Highlights
This fabulous capital city is chocked full of fascinating architecture, history and fun activities. It is exciting, culturally diverse, has an excellent culinary scene and what can be described as an intoxicating atmosphere.
La Candelaria - its cobblestoned focal point of the city, features colonial-era landmarks. Almost every building has a wooden balcony that looks out onto busy streets, with elaborate doors and entrances painted in a bold and bright colours. It's also home to popular museums including the Museo Botero, showcasing Fernando Botero's art and the Museo del Oro, which is considered one of the top sightseeing /must see/ places in Bogota. Over 55000 pieces of pre-Hispanic Colombian gold are on exhibition here with descriptions and historical facts about each one scripted in both Spanish and English.
Lake Guatavita - site of the legend of El Dorado, which holds significant importance in Colombia's history is highly recommended.
La Candelaria is considered a safe, central location to stay in Bogota. It's 15 minutes transfer from the International airport, close to lively restaurants, bars and the major drawcard museums.
Among the most beautiful historic Catholic churches in La Candelaria is the Santuario Nuestra Senora del Carmen.
The Botero Museum - features a collection of paintings and and works by Picasso, Dali and Degas as a Colombia artists. This is a fabulous museum to take time to wander through, the building itself is colonial and has a delightful small botanic garden courtyard.
Cerro Monserrate, which rises 3152m above sea level, overlooking Bogota, providing spectacular birds-eye perspectives, day and night. On top of the mountain is a historic church and shrine dedicated to El Senor Caido (the Fallen Lord) consecrated in the 17th century. 'Pilgrims' trek the mountain to offer prayers and sacrifices to the shrine. There are also a few lovely restaurants and eclectic bars at the top, which is easily accessed by way of an aerial tram or the funicular. Then the Botanical Gardens have the biggest and most diverse species of flora imaginable, from every climatic zone and region of the country.
As an integral part of Keyhole International's privately guided excursions of Bogota we always include the neighbourhood which has astonishing graffiti and murals, painted of some of Bogota' s most celebrated street artists, many being depictions and powerful representations of the city's culture, its struggles and its people. It is a wonderful way to get a true feel for the ambience of the city's urban environment and its culture.
Bogota' s is fast becoming a very popular spot on the tourist trail and for good reason. Its history culture, nightlife and general ambiance is a pull for many travelers.
