Tourism In Bogotá

Take advantage of your visit to SAC 2026 to explore the best of Bogotá! The Colombian capital offers world-class culture, history, nature, and gastronomy.

Must-see places

🏔️ Monserrate Hill

The icon of Bogotá

• What it is: A sanctuary at 3,152 meters with panoramic views of the entire city
• How to get up:
  • Cable car: $28,000 COP round trip (~$7 USD)
  • Funicular: $28,000 COP round trip
  • On foot: Free (requires good physical condition, 1–2 hours)
• Schedule: Monday–Saturday 6:30 AM–12:00 PM, Sunday 5:30 AM–5:00 PM
• Recommendation: Go in the morning to avoid fog
• Suggested time: 2–3 hours

Things to do:

• Visit the Lord of the Fallen Sanctuary
• Enjoy the panoramic view of Bogotá
• Eat at traditional restaurants
• Buy local handicrafts

🏛️ Gold Museum

One of the most important collections in the world

• Location: Downtown Bogotá (Carrera 6 #15-88)
• Admission: $4,000 COP (~$1 USD), free on Sundays
• Schedule: Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 AM–6:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM–4:00 PM
• Suggested time: 2–3 hours

What to see:

• Over 34,000 pieces of pre-Columbian gold
• The Muisca raft (legend of El Dorado)
• Indigenous culture collections

🎨 Botero Museum

Free art by Fernando Botero

• Location: La Candelaria (Calle 11 #4-41)
• Admission: FREE
• Schedule: Wednesday–Monday 9:00 AM–7:00 PM
• Suggested time: 1.5–2 hours

What to see:

• 123 works by Fernando Botero
• 85 works from his private collection (Picasso, Monet, Dalí, etc.)
• Sculptures in the plaza

🏘️ La Candelaria

The colonial historic center

• What it is: A historic neighborhood with colorful colonial houses
• Admission: Free (walking through the streets)
• Suggested time: 3–4 hours

Things to do:

• Walk along cobblestone streets
• Visit Plaza de Bolívar
• Enter colonial churches
• Explore street art (amazing murals)
• Have coffee in historic cafés

Places in La Candelaria:

• Casa de la Moneda
• Teatro Colón
• Chorro de Quevedo (birthplace of Bogotá)
• Eje Ambiental (pedestrian street)

🌿 José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden

The city’s green lung

• Location: Calle 63 #68-95
• Admission: $3,500 COP (~$1 USD)
• Schedule: Tuesday–Sunday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
• Suggested time: 2–3 hours

Things to do:

• Visit the orchid garden
• Explore the Andean forest
• Learn about native flora
• Relax by the lakes

🌳 Simón Bolívar Park

Bogotá’s Central Park

• Location: Central area
• Admission: Free
• Suggested time: 1–2 hours

Activities:

• Walking and jogging
• Cycling (bike rental available)
• Picnics
• Outdoor sports

🍴 Usaquén Gastronomic Zone

Flea market and restaurants

• Location: Carrera 6A with Calle 119 (near the venue!)
• When: Sundays are market days
• Admission: Free

Things to do:

• Have breakfast or lunch at traditional restaurants
• Explore the flea market (handicrafts, antiques)
• Visit art galleries
• Take photos at the colonial church

Recommended restaurants:

• Andrés Carne de Res (unique Colombian experience)
• La Puerta de la Catedral
• Usaquén Zona T (multiple options)

🍻 Zona Rosa & Parque de la 93

Nightlife and gastronomy

• Location: Zona T, Parque de la 93
• Things to do:
  • Dine at international restaurants
  • Bars and nightclubs
  • Craft breweries
  • Cafés

Recommendations:

• BBC Bogotá Beer Company (local brewery)
• Apache Pizza
• Ice cream area (multiple options)

Recommended trips

Day trip: Zipaquirá (Salt Cathedral)

An underground wonder

• What it is: A Catholic cathedral built inside a salt mine
• Distance: 49 km north of Bogotá
• Travel time: 1–1.5 hours
• Admission: $75,000 COP (~$19 USD)

How to get there:

• Organized tour: $100,000 COP (~$25 USD), includes transport and entrance
• Public transport: Portal Norte → Zipaquirá (cheaper)

Things to do:

• Tour the underground cathedral
• Watch the light show
• Visit the colonial town of Zipaquirá
• Buy artisanal salt

Suggested time: Full day

Day trip: Guatavita Lagoon

The origin of the El Dorado legend

• What it is: Sacred lagoon of the Muisca people
• Distance: 75 km northeast
• Admission: $18,000 COP (~$4.50 USD)

Recommendation:

• Advance reservation required
• Wear comfortable clothes
• Bring water and snacks

Nightlife

Zona Rosa (Calle 82–85)

• Bars and clubs
• Varied music
• International atmosphere

Parque de la 93

• More relaxed bars
• Terraces
• Craft breweries

La Candelaria

• Bohemian bars
• Live music
• More affordable

Safety recommendations:

• Use taxis or ride-sharing apps at night
• Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar areas
• Keep your belongings safe

Colombian coffee

Colombia produces the best coffee in the world. Don’t leave without trying it.

Recommended cafés

Amor Perfecto (specialty coffee)

• Multiple locations
• Artisan brewing methods

Azahar Coffee

• Colombian origin coffee
• In-house roasting

Juan Valdez (national chain)

• Multiple locations
• Traditional Colombian experience

Coffee tours

• Hacienda Coloma: Full coffee process tour
• Nearby coffee farms: Half-day tours available

Shopping and souvenirs

Colombian handicrafts

Usaquén (Sunday market):

• Wayuu bags
• Ráquira ceramics
• Filigree jewelry

Specialty shops:

• Artesanías de Colombia
• Galería Cano
• Shops in La Candelaria

Colombian emeralds

Colombia produces 70% of the world’s emeralds.

Where to buy:

• International Emerald Center
• Certified jewelry stores in Zona Rosa
• Tip: Always request an authenticity certificate

Chocolate and coffee

• Juan Valdez stores
• Santander chocolates
• Supermarkets (more affordable)

Tourist transportation

TransMilenio

• Articulated bus system
• TuLlave card: $7,000 COP + reloads
• Cost per ride: $2,950 COP

Public bike system

• Sunday Ciclovía: 120 km of streets closed to traffic
• Schedule: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Free

Tourist bus tours

• Bogotá City Tour: Hop-on hop-off bus
• Price: $35,000 COP (~$9 USD)
• Includes main attractions

Useful apps in Bogotá

📱 Transportation:

• Uber, InDrive, DiDi, Cabify, Beat
• Moovit (TransMilenio routes)

📱 Food:

• Rappi (delivery)
• Uber Eats
• iFood

📱 Tourism:

• Google Maps
• TripAdvisor
• Bogotá Pass

Weather and what to bring

Bogotá climate:

• Average temperature: 14°C (57°F)
• Rain can occur at any time
• Sunny days but cold nights

What to bring:

• 🧥 Light jacket or coat
• ☔ Umbrella or rain jacket
• 👟 Comfortable walking shoes
• 🧴 Sunscreen (high altitude, strong sun)
• 💧 Reusable water bottle

Important information

Safety

Bogotá is generally safe in tourist areas, but:

• Keep your belongings close
• Avoid displaying valuables
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Ask locals about areas to avoid

Language

• Spanish is the official language
• English is spoken in tourist areas
• Translation apps are very useful

Currency

• Colombian Peso (COP)
• $1 USD ≈ $4,000–4,500 COP
• Credit cards widely accepted

Tips

• Restaurants: 10% suggested (sometimes included)
• Taxis: Rounding up is common
• Free tours: COP 20,000–50,000 depending on service

Weather in June

June is rainy season in Bogotá:

• Temperatures: 8–19°C (46–66°F)
• Frequent afternoon rain
• Mornings are generally dry

Tip: Plan outdoor activities in the mornings.

Additional resources

🌐 Useful websites:

• www.bogota.gov.co/turismo
• www.colombia.travel
• District Tourism Institute

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Enjoy your visit to Bogotá and live an unforgettable experience at SAC 2026! ✨💛💙❤️