Day 1 in Bogota

Welcome to Bogota! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and head out to see the city! There is so much for you to see and do!

We recommend you get acquainted with the city and take a leisurely stroll through the charming historic streets of La Candelaria, found in the heart of the capital city. This is the oldest neighborhood in Bogota lined by ancient cobblestone streets decorated with colonial style buildings with colorful facades. Here you will find elegant churches, unique cafes, cozy restaurants and urban street art. Sit back at one of the many eateries and enjoy some lunch and refreshments. La Candelaria has plenty to offer the arriving traveler including museums, churches, cultural centers, markets and more. Make yourself at home on the stunning streets of Bogota as you explore your new surroundings.

Head up to the top of the city`s iconic Monserrate Mountain. Take the cable car or hike to the summit, which stands at 10,000 feet tall. Visitors will be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views encompass the entire city below along with the `El Señor Caido` or `The Fallen Lord` sacred statue and the famous church that sits at the top. Capture a stunning sunset from one of the authentic restaurants with a view, sip on cocktails as the sunsets and dine at the highest location in the city.

Head back to your hotel for a restful night`s sleep.

Day 2 in Bogota

Rise and Shine with a classic Colombian breakfast of Arepas! Arepas are a corn-based cake filled with meats, cheeses, and eggs. A great way to start your day! After, breakfast head out to the colorful Botoga markets such as Paloquemao food market or Mercado de San Pelayo, the local arts and crafts market. Both will provide you with endless stalls filled with goods and food that will keep you entertained for hours. Grab some unique souvenirs at the Mercado and pick up some of the most delicious exotic fruits from Paloquemao.

Next, visit the the city`s must-see Museo del Oro Museum(Gold Museum - free entry on Sundays), showcasing an extensive stunning collection of golden ware, jewelry, pottery and figurines along with pieces by Picasso, Monet, and Renoir.

Grab some lunch at one of the many quaint outdoor cafes found on the authentic streets of Bogota and enjoy some Colombian coffee while you watch the world go by.

After lunch, head to the Catedral de Sal (Salt Cathedral) located in the famous mining town of Zipaquira just outside of Bogota. The colonial town of Zipaquira is the country`s most important salt-producing towns and a highly visited tourist attraction with the huge functioning cathedral. The massive underground Salt Cathedral was carved by hand and features a 60 ft tall vaulted ceiling and enough space to accommodate 8,400 worshippers. The site has been nominated as one of the Seven Modern Wonders of the World, visitors can explore the dark tunnels of the Salt Cathedral and see a 3D movie on the salt extraction.

Visit Lake Guatavita, the small lake located in the Cordillera Oriental of the Colombian Andes, believed to be the origin of the legend of El Dorado, the `Golden Man`. Visitors can take a tour of the tiny lake and explore the charming colonial town decorated with shops and eateries. Enjoy some dinner at one of the quaint eateries with a glass of wine while you enjoy views of the serene lake waters.

On your way back to the city spend the evening enjoying a show at the Julio Mario Santodomingo Theater located just outside the city. The Theater offers a wide variety of events including opera, musicals, concerts, and ballet. The orchestra pit can fit 75 musicians and the theatre can accommodate 1,320 spectators.

Day 3 in Bogota

This morning enjoy breakfast and some fresh Colombian coffee before heading out on two wheels to see the city of Bogota. There are many bike rental places found in the city and the street are set up in a grid-like pattern making them safe and easy to explore by bike. Cycle along the colonial streets and take in the beauty of the vibrantly colored buildings, breathtaking architecture, street vendors, and shops.

Stop in at a cute cafe and enjoy a local favorite, Chocolate Con Queso! Yes, cheese and hot chocolate is staple offered at many of the city cafes! Dip fresh white cheese into a hot cup of frothy cocoa.

After enjoying some sweet treats, head off to the Botero Museum set in La Candelaria in a beautiful colonial house with works of art by artist Fernando Botero on display. The museum displays a collection of over 200 pieces by Botero and other international artists.

Next stop the San Alejo Flea Market, a cultural heritage site in the city with over 300 artists, craftsmen, collectors and art restorers gather and exhibit local antiques, crafts, and books.

As lunchtime approaches, head over to Chapinero, the hip center of Bogota filled with quaint cafes, restaurants, and bars in a vibrant chilled out zone offering plenty of delicious food options accompanied by live Colombian music. Try some `ajiaco` a Bogota favorite, a filling soup made of potatoes, chicken, and corn in a cream base, hearty and delicious.

Check out one of the cultural landmarks of the city, Nuestra Senora de Lourdes or Church of Our Lady of Lourdes, a stunning ancient church dating back to 1875 featuring Gothic architecture featuring polychrome stained glass windows of German origin.

Wander through one of the city`s beautiful parks; 93rd Street Park, is close to the financial district surrounded by popular restaurants, hotels, cafes, and bars where the locals like to gather and eat their lunch. Lovers` Park, is a busy space where visitors can ride around the lake on pedal boats or kayaks and explore the 57 acres of green space filled with plenty of wildlife. Or Independence Park decorated with verdant green lawns, eucalyptus forests and the Pavilion of Light, a neoclassical piece designed by Italian architect Pietro Cantini.

After an invigorating stroll through the green spaces in the city, stroll past The Casa de Narino or Palacio de Narino, the home and principal workplace of the President of Colombia. Located in the heart of the city stunning palace houses the main office of the executive branch of the country, constructed on the site of the house where Antonio Narino was born.

Time to check out Bogota`s vibrant nightlife scene. The city offers several options for a great night out on the town, travel to the top of Colpatria Tower and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Bogota from the 48th floor. The tower stands at 562 feet tall, making it the tallest building in the city, the tower is illuminated at night by thousands of LED lights.

The lively Bolivar Square, is a happening spot when the sun goes down, explore the many restaurants, bars and outdoor entertainment held in the square every evening. Chapinero, is a happening place with bars and clubs that stay open until the wee hours. Theatron is one of the largest gay clubs in the world and can accommodate up to 5,000 people. The evening opportunities are endless in Bogota!

Additional Days in Bogota

If you are able to spend additional days in Bogota check out the Bogota Graffiti Tour, the streets here are defined by some of the most amazing street art in the world. Guides on this tour can explain the city`s vibrant street art and technical details along with political and historical background on the graffiti.

La Candelaria Church, dates back to 1686 and was declared a National Monument in 1975. The historic church has a nave and two sides halls, it is also well known for housing important works of colonial religious art.

Your Last Day in Bogota

Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.