Bogotá

Colombia - Bogota - Torre ColpatriaBogotá is the capital city of Colombia situated 2640 meters above the sea level. Also known as the ‘Athens of the Americas’, this city offers many tourist attractions and is also the staging ground for the world’s biggest festival of theater, Ibero-American Theater Festival.

The most frequented place in Bogota is the ‘Plaza de Bolivar’, a beautiful square boasting of city’s first public monument- statue of Simon Bolivar, an independence hero. To its west lies Edifice Lievano, a splendid French-style building housing Mayor’s Office (Alcaldia). The southern side of plaza is occupied by magnificent Capitolio Nacional which is the seat of congress.

Beyond Capitolio lies palatial Casa De Narino which was destroyed in 1948 but restored in 1979. Casa Del Marques De San Jorge is a must-see which houses the Archaeological Museum featuring an extensive collection of pre-Columbian pottery.

Quinta de Bolivar is a national monument and museum displaying artifacts belonging to Simon Bolivar. Museo Del Oro is one of world’s most important gold museums and has over 34000 gold-pieces of Colombian pre-Hispanic cultures. Bogotá also boasts of the popular the ‘Observatorio Astronomico’ which is the continent’s first astronomical observatory.

There are many impressive religious sites here, like the Catedral Primada which hosted city’s first mass after its foundation, and the Church of San Francisco which is city’s oldest- surviving church with the largest altarpiece in Bogotá. Other places worth visiting include colonial Iglesia De Santa Clara which acts as a museum now, and the richly decorated Church of San Ignacio.

The Mirador Torre Colpatria provides 360-degree panoramic view of Bogotá. You can also enjoy a splendid view by taking a funicular or cable car to Monserrate Hill. You can even enjoy trekking & hiking on the Monserrate Hills, La Magdale or the Andes Mountains.

Bogotá experiences mild or cool days and very cold nights year-round. For more information join our community where you can also meet travel partners, read blogs and view pictures.

© Salsa-Trips, Rico Jochen Anderer