Bogotá city tour

This city tour is available from hotels within the city of Bogotá

About

With a population of 8 million inhabitants, Bogotá is by far the largest city in Colombia, actually the third largest city in South America. Like any self-respecting capital city, Bogotá is the country’s capital of art, academia, history, culture and government.

La Candelaria and Plaza Bolívar are Bogotá’s historic colonial centre and the hub of both national and citywide government.

Most visits to Colombia start and end by passing through Bogotá, so take the opportunity to get to know a little about our capital.

The Tour

If you are staying at a hotel in La Candelaria, our guide will pick you at your hotel before taking you on a brisk walk along Avenida Jiménez to the foot of Cerro Monserrate. The cerros are the green mountains that flank the Eastern edge of Bogotá, Monserrate stands next to El Cerro De Guadalupe and overlooks the city. The site is at the top of most visitors’ wish lists for Bogotá. We ascend Monserrate by cable car.

The weather is normally better during the mornings, hence we go to Monserrate first to enjoy the spectacular views across the city as far east as El Dorado Airport from where you should be able to see aircraft taking off. You will also have a chance to visit the Santuario de Monserrate church atop the mountain and the impressive gardens.

After Monserrate, we return to the colonial centre of La Candelaria and walk between the historic residences dating from the time of Spanish rule. We pass by La Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo the former lookout post of the Zipa Cacique and the site of the foundation of Bogotá in 1538.

We continue our walk towards the two blocks of the Banco de la República complex where we find The Botero Collection, arguably the most important art collection in South America. Not only does it house the works of one of Colombia’s most famous sons, Fernando Botero, but also his own collection of famous masterpieces including works by Dali, Renoir, Chagall, Max Ernst and Picasso. For the visitor more accustomed to the grand art galleries of Europe and North America, the Botero Museum will not only win you over with its charming colonial setting and pristine panelled rooms, but also with its laid back ambience and accessible artworks.

After the Botero Museum, we continue the tour onwards to Plaza Bolívar, the seat of Colombian power where we find El Capitol, the home of Colombian congress, The Palace of Justice, Edificio Liévano, the home of Bogotá’s alcaldía and Catedral la Primaria, Bogotá’s cathedral.

Situated behind El Capitol is Casa de Nariño to which we pay a brief visit before ending the tour in La Avenida Séptima with an option to visit The Gold Museum.