Bogota, Columbia-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of La Candelaria

  • Morning: Arrive at El Dorado International Airport and take a taxi or bus (around $10-$20) to your accommodation in La Candelaria.
  • Afternoon: Check-in to your hotel (see recommendations below).
  • Places to Visit:
    • Plaza Bolívar: The main square of Bogotá, surrounded by historic buildings, shops, and street performers.
    • Iglesia de San Francisco Javier: A beautiful church with stunning views of the city.
    • Museo del Oro: A museum showcasing Pre-Hispanic gold artifacts (entry fee: $20-$30).
  • Dinner: Try traditional Colombian cuisine at El Bandido (average price: $15-$25 per person) or La Casa de los Abuelos ($10-$20 per person).
  • Tips:
    • Be prepared for altitude sickness, as Bogotá is 2,640 meters above sea level.
    • Bring sunscreen and a hat, as the sun can be strong even on cloudy days.

Day 2: Monserrate, Gold Museum, and La Macarena

  • Morning: Take a taxi or bus to the base of Monserrate (around $10-$20).
  • Places to Visit:
    • Monserrate: A mountain with stunning views of the city. You can hike up (free) or take a cable car ($5-$10 return).
    • Museo del Oro (continued from Day 1): Explore more Pre-Hispanic gold artifacts and learn about Colombia’s rich history.
  • Afternoon: Visit La Macarena, a trendy neighborhood with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at La Casa de los Abuelos (average price: $10-$20 per person) or try some street food in La Candelaria.

Day 3: Exploring the North of Bogotá

  • Morning: Take a bus or taxi to the north of Bogotá (around $10-$20).
  • Places to Visit:
    • Parque Simón Bolívar: A large park with beautiful gardens, lakes, and walking trails.
    • Museo de Arte del Nuevo Milenio: A museum showcasing modern and contemporary art (entry fee: $5-$10).
  • Lunch: Try some Colombian street food at El Frio ($5-$10 per person) or grab a sandwich at Sándwich ($5-$10 per person).
  • Afternoon: Visit the trendy neighborhood of Chapinero, known for its restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Day 4: Day Trip to Villa de Leyva

  • Morning: Take a bus (around $20-$30) or hire a driver (around $100-$150 return) to Villa de Leyva.
  • Places to Visit:
    • Explore the cobblestone streets of this picturesque town and visit its historic church.
    • Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants, such as La Casa de la Abuela ($15-$25 per person).
  • Afternoon: Return to Bogotá and enjoy some downtime.

Day 5: Gold Museum, Museo de Arte del Nuevo Milenio, and La Candelaria

  • Morning: Visit the Museo del Oro (continued from Day 1) or explore the nearby neighborhood of La Soledad.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Museo de Arte del Nuevo Milenio (continued from Day 3) and then head back to La Candelaria for some shopping and street food.
  • Dinner: Try dinner at La Casa de los Abuelos ($10-$20 per person).

Day 6: Exploring the South of Bogotá

  • Morning: Take a bus or taxi to the south of Bogotá (around $10-$20).
  • Places to Visit:
    • Parque Jorge Eliécer Gaitán: A large park with beautiful gardens, lakes, and walking trails.
    • Museo de la Ciudad: A museum showcasing the history of Bogotá (entry fee: $5-$10).
  • Lunch: Try some Colombian street food at El Frio ($5-$10 per person) or grab a sandwich at Sándwich ($5-$10 per person).

Day 7: Shopping and Departure

  • Morning: Spend some time shopping for souvenirs in La Candelaria or head to the trendy neighborhood of Chapinero.
  • Afternoon: Return to El Dorado International Airport (around $20-$30) for your departure.

Where to Stay:

  • Budget: La Casona del Zambito ($15-$25 per person)
  • Mid-range: Hotel La Fontana ($50-$75 per person)
  • Luxury: Hotel Plaza Grande ($100-$150 per person)

Tips and Transportation:

  • Take taxis or buses to get around the city, as they are affordable and convenient.
  • Use the TransMilenio bus system (around $2-$3 per ride) or the cable car to Monserrate for scenic views of the city.
  • Be prepared for altitude sickness and take necessary precautions.

Other Things to Know:

  • Safety: Take normal precautions to stay safe, such as avoiding walking alone at night and keeping valuables secure.
  • Weather: The weather in Bogotá can be unpredictable; bring sunscreen, a hat, and layers of clothing.
  • Respect Local Culture: Be respectful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting historic sites or attending cultural events.