Bogotá Travel Guide

Home 9 Category: Travel Guide Bogotá

In this Bogotá travel guide, you’ll read everything you need to know about the vibrant capital of Colombia. Bogotá has a lot to offer travelers, from historic landmarks, festivals, museums, and lively markets to street art in La Candelaria, nature, and fantastic viewpoints such as Monserrate. With around 8 million residents, the city can feel overwhelming if it’s your first time visiting. We have been there many times by now—sometimes for a few days, other times for a week. Each visit takes a little getting used to the crowds and the chaotic traffic, but every time we also enjoy the incredible mountain views, the parks, and the vast selection of great restaurants, bars, and coffee spots.

Bogotá is more than the popular attractions in the city center; other neighborhoods are also worth exploring. Moreover, from Bogotá you can find yourself surrounded by nature in “no time,” making it an ideal destination for a side trip to a national park, Lake Guatavia, the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, Jaime Duque Park, and more. In this travel guide, we aim to help you navigate the immense city known as Bogotá.

Is your trip through Colombia also starting in Bogotá, or are you planning a city break? Then check out our Bogotá travel guide here, with information about the best and safest neighborhoods to stay in, the most fun things to do in and outside the city over a day, weekend, or week, festivals, the best restaurants, and handy tips & tricks for your trip to this world-class city!

All about Bogotá

Bogotá Travel Guide

Bogotá Travel Guide

In this Bogotá travel guide, you’ll read everything you need to know about the vibrant capital of Colombia. Bogotá has a lot to offer...

Grand Hyatt Bogotá: Grandeur near Corferias

Grand Hyatt Bogotá: Grandeur near Corferias

Near the Corferias Exhibition Center, the Grand Hyatt Bogotá impresses with 371 rooms, including 50 suites, and a massive spa—one of South America’s largest. Its location is ideal for business travelers, with the historic Bullring and downtown just a short drive away....

Four Seasons Casa Medina Bogotá: Luxury in the G Zone

Four Seasons Casa Medina Bogotá: Luxury in the G Zone

Tucked into Bogotá’s gastronomic G Zone, the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá merges colonial charm with modern luxury. Housed in a 1946 architectural monument, it boasts beamed ceilings, hand-crafted floors, and serene courtyards. The location is a dream for...

Villa de Leyva

Villa de Leyva

Colonial city high in the AndesVilla de Leyva is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Colombia. In 1954, the city was declared a national...

Discover Bogotá like a local

Discover Bogotá like a local

Tips from a localBogotá has something for everyone, with activities that are fun for locals and travelers alike. Read a local's tips for exploring...

Hotel tips for stopover in Bogotá

Hotel tips for stopover in Bogotá

Looking for an overnight hotel near El Dorado Airport? Then check here our tips for comfortable hotels with facilities, close to the airport. Tip #1City Express Junior & City Plus Aeropuerto Our favorite, due to convenient extras like airport shuttle and early...

Bogotá attractions-our sightseeing tour

Bogotá attractions-our sightseeing tour

Our trip to Bogotá in September 2024, was a very special one. The purpose of the trip was to fulfill the biggest dream of the father of my (Colombian) travel partner to attend a concert by André Rieu and his orchestra in the Movistar Arena.  Because we live in Curaçao...

Grand Hyatt Bogotá: Grandeur near Corferias

Near the Corferias Exhibition Center, the Grand Hyatt Bogotá impresses with 371 rooms, including 50 suites, and a massive spa—one of South America’s largest. Its location is ideal for business travelers, with the historic Bullring and downtown just a short drive away. Add a semi-Olympic pool and multiple restaurants, and you’ve got luxury redefined.

Why It’s a top pick

The fitness center and versatile event spaces cater to all needs, blending accessibility with lavish amenities.

Experiences you can combine
with your stay at Grand Hyatt Bogotá

Bogota Private City Tour: Tickets, Vehicle & Bilingual Tour Guide

Explore the highlights of Bogotá with a local guide by your side on this private tour of the Colombian capital. The main points of interest include a trip by cable car or funicular up the hill of Monserrate, a walk through the La Candelaria neighborhood and the opportunity to take a look at the art in the Botero Museum of the Bank of the Republic and the treasures of the Gold Museum, all in one day.

  • A local guide will lead the way
  • Entrance fees and snacks are included
  • Travel in the comfort of a private vehicle
  • Private tour for just you and your party

Be a farmer for one day (Coffee farm experience)

Discover the wonderful world of coffee and learn how the elixir is made during this coffee farm experience near Bogota. Join a small group and set out for the town of Choachi, just outside of Bogota, where the farm is located. Learn about the daily life of a coffee farmer as well as the coffee manufacturing process.

  • Learn how coffee gets made from bean to cup
  • Enjoy a delicious breakfast and lunch on the farm
  • A central meeting point makes for a seamless start
  • A small group means more attention from your guide

 

Four Seasons Casa Medina Bogotá: Luxury in the G Zone

Tucked into Bogotá’s gastronomic G Zone, the Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogotá merges colonial charm with modern luxury. Housed in a 1946 architectural monument, it boasts beamed ceilings, hand-crafted floors, and serene courtyards. The location is a dream for food lovers, surrounded by top-tier restaurants, while still being near the financial district.

Why It’s a top pick

Located in Chapinero, Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina Bogota offers luxurious accommodations in the famous gastronomic area G, just 2 km from the T Zone. This historic building features free parking and free WiFi.

Featuring beamed ceilings and handmade floors, all rooms combine tradition with contemporary design. Each room has a private bar, twice-daily maid service and marble bathrooms. There are thermo-acoustic windows, bathrobes and slippers. Room service is available 24 hours a day.

There is 24-hour front desk service and a multilingual concierge team. Business services and a fitness center are offered throughout the day. Guests can also enjoy locally inspired treatments at the hotel’s spa. Castanyoles restaurant serves Spanish cuisine under a glass atrium, while La Bodega offers a daily selection of tapas and take-out.

Experiences you can combine with your stay at Four Seasons Hotel Casa Medina

Private Guided Tour of Colombia’s Paso Fino Horse

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the Paso Fino horse lifestyle and learn about the history of Criadero Lusitania Farm, home to a breeding and competition dynasty of three generations.

Private Coffee Plantation Experience with Tasting and Lunch

Immerse yourself in the process and become an expert in the art of recognizing the different aromas and flavors of
coffee by participating in a professional tasting session with specialty
varietals, guided by a barista.

Private Tour Deer in the Chingaza Páramo and Suasie Trail

With spectacular panoramic views, crystalline waterfalls, and fascinating wildlife, this trail will take you through a magical world that amazes you at every turn. In addition, during the tour you will learn more about the flora and fauna of the region and the importance of its conservation. If you are looking for a challenge and a deep connection with nature, the Suasie trail is for you!

Bogota Cooking Class with Private Chef, Food Tasting and Lunch

Join a local chef in a masterclass to learn the culinary techniques of Colombian cuisine, exploring the multicultural heritage and biodiversity that influence our gastronomy. Enjoy traditional preparations, doughs, and a typical lunch.

Finding your way around El Dorado Airport

Home 9 Category: Travel Guide Bogotá

Bogotá International Airport, is located in Fontibón, 15 kilometers from the center of Bogotá. El Dorado is the largest airport in Colombia and has been named the best airport in South America several times for its extensive facilities and services.

In this guide you will find practical information about arrival and departure at the airport. Also click on these links for hotel tips close to the airport and check these 10 tips if you have time to spare at El Dorado airport.

TERMINALS
There are 2 terminals, which are 1km apart. A free shuttle goes between the two terminals every 20 minutes between 5am to 11pm.

Terminal 1 (Aeropuerto El Dorado)
National and international flights, including flights from KLM, Avianca, Wingo and Latam

Terminal 2 (TPA/ Puente Aéreo)
Domestic flights from Easyfly and Satena

Since most flights arrive at Terminal 1, most facilities are located there. Below you will find information about Terminal 1 only.

arrival international/national flights
First floor Terminal 1

  • Baggage claim
  • ATM pin devices
  • Money exchange office
  • Stores, food and drink
  • Luggage storage (COP15,000)
  • Airport shuttle bus
  • Cabs and car rental
  • Parking

IMMIGRATION

  • It can be quite confusing which line to wait in. In fact, there are lines for Colombians and lines for tourists. When in doubt, ask one of the wandering staff if you’re in the right line; this can save you a lot of time.
  • This travel documents you must be able to show at immigration

MONEY PINS

  • Cash withdrawals are more economical than exchanges. Once you get your luggage off the belt, you will almost immediately see two ATM machines, where you can safely withdraw your first pesos. The ATM machines are next to the money exchange office.
  • The maximum amount you can withdraw varies by bank. At Colpatria, you can withdraw COP 900,000 at a time (approx. €225).

    TRANSPORT FROM AIRPORT

    Grabbing a taxi is easy and safe. You’ll find taxis on the first floor at exits 2, 3, 5 and 6. Under the yellow cab signs is a line for the official cabs. The line is usually long but it goes quickly. There is a “controller” in an orange vest who assigns cabs and can explain to you how it works.

    Price Indication

    • Sometimes taxi drivers want to use the meter, but we recommend to agree on a fixed price in advance, especially if you don’t know your way around Bogotá
    • For a typical ride of approximately 13 kilometers to areas like La Candelaria or Chapinero, you can expect to pay between COP 32,000 and COP 43,000 ($8-$11) depending on traffic conditions and time of day.
    • A ride from the airport to the airport hotels in Fontibón which is 4-6 kilometers from the airport, will cost between COP20,000-COP25,000 ($5-$6), depending on traffic and your final destination.
    • The taxi can also be reserved and paid for in the arrivals hall, at one of the counters

    Pre-paid private cab
    Booking a pre-paid private cab online, is also a good and very convenient option. The driver is often waiting for you in the arrival hall. Especially if you arrive late, we think such a pre-paid cab is a very good option. The driver already knows where to go, you already paid and you don’t lose any time.

    Shuttle service hotels

    • A shuttle service can be included at some hotels when making a reservation. To be sure, reconfirm the pickup location and pickup time a day before arriving in Bogotá
    • Hotel shuttle buses can be found on the first floor at exit 5
    • If you arrive in the evening, it may be faster to take a taxi, as the shuttles often run irregularly (or not at all) in the evening

    Bus Transportation

    • Transmilenio, buses and minibuses can be found at exit 9. There is a free shuttle bus to Estacion de El Dorado, (outside the airport) where you can catch the Transmilenio. If you have a lot of luggage or are traveling late at night, the taxi is a safer and more convenient option.

    DEPARTURE FROM El Dorado Airport

    Airport tax
    International flights
    $49 or COP $199,400. (Rate up to july 2025) The airport tax is included in airfares most of the times, but would be good to check your ticket
    Domestic flights
     COP 22,600 (Rate up to January 2025)

    Departure hall national/international flights

    Second floor

    • Check-in counters
    • Security
    • International and national departure hall
    • Immigration
    • Gates
    • ATM machine
    • Stores
    • Large food court
    • Hospital (free yellow fever vaccination)
    • Police Station

    Third floor
    food court with a number of restaurants, mostly fast food options.

    Look here for the best hotels nearby El Dorado aiport in Bogotá.

    Look here for 10 tips to make your time fun and enjoyable at El Dorado airport

    Villa de Leyva

    Home 9 Category: Travel Guide Bogotá

    Colonial city high in the Andes

    Villa de Leyva is one of the most beautiful colonial cities in Colombia. In 1954, the city was declared a national monument. Villa de Leyva is located at an altitude of 2140 meters in the Boyacá region and has about 17,500 inhabitants. From Bogotá you can get there in 3-4 hours by bus.

    Mega Plaza
    The central plaza is the big eye-catcher. With a circumference of 120 by 120 meters, Plaza Mayor is one of the largest plazas in Latin America. During the week, the square can often be deserted, but on weekends it teems with activity, with day-trippers from Bogotá.

    Striking architecture
    The most striking building just outside the city is Casa Terracotta, a house made entirely of clay. It is the life’s work of Colombian architect Octavio Mendoza Morales. You can also see Casa Terracotta inside.

    Here you will find tips and the best things to do.

    #ColombiaMyWay tips

    Tip #1
    Grab a bike
    The area lends itself perfectly to a fun bike ride. If you want to bike -but differently-, check out Aventurapark Villa de Leyva. Here you can buy a ticket for aereal bikes for COP35,000 / $9 and zipline tickets (canopy) cost between COP30.000 and COP40.000. Aventura park is located 14 km from the city, opposite Parque la Periquera. Check Aventura park’s facebook and website for photos and more info.

    Tip #2
    Drink a glass of wine from Colombian soil
    A winery in Colombia? Yes you heard it right! In Villa de Leyva you can indulge in a glass of wine from the Viñedo Ain Karim vineyard, 10 km from Villa de Leyva. You can book a tour including various tastings.

    Tip #3
    Go to the market on Saturdays
    Stroll around Plaza Mercado and soak up the authentic ambiente

    Tip #4
    Visit the village of Ráquira, the “capital of ceramics.”
    The souvenir shops are open every day, but there is a market on Sundays, so that’s when the ambiance is at its liveliest.

    Tip #5
    Go hiking in Iguaque National Park.
    Santuario de Fauna y Flora Iguaque is located 13 km outside the city. Here you can hike in the paramó landscape with its unique flora and fauna. Entrance to the park is COP76,000/$19 (2025) but rates are adjusted every year.


    Enthusiastic about Villa de Leyva?
    Then check this link for the best places to stay in Villa de Leyva 

     

    Top 10 tips for El Dorado airport Bogotá

    Home 9 Category: Travel Guide Bogotá

    10 Helpful (and Tasty) Tips

    Time to spare before your departure from El Dorado airport?

    Great! With it’s good facilities, the airport is a convenient place to spend a few hours.

    Check out our 10 tips for things to do at El Dorado airport Bogotá here.

    1. Scoring a new backpack
      At Totto, you’ll find backpacks, suitcases, bags and other handy travel items. You’ll see the store as you walk toward the national departure hall.

    2. Get a free yellow fever shot
    You can get the shot at hospital de Fontibón, next to the international departure hall. Keep in mind though, that you must get a yellow fever shot at least 10 days before arriving in a high-risk area.

    3. Have lunch at Crepes & Waffles
    Not just for a crepe or waffle, but also for a soup, salad or ice cream sundae. You’ll find the restaurant next to the international departure hall. There is a smaller restaurant in the national departure hall.

    4. Feast on a juicy burger
    At El Corral, order a burger “Colombian style,” with all the delicious toppings.

    5. Buy a box of Arequipe donuts to take home
    These super-sweet (but oh-so-delicious) donuts with arequipe (caramel) can be bought at Dunkin Donuts or the Donut Factory.

    6. Order a cup of coffee made with care
    There are specialized, small coffee shops, which you can recognize by the fancy coffee machines. For a cheaper cup of coffee (+ free wifi), Cafe Oma is highly recommended. For the tastiest cappucino you have to be at Zyrope cafe bar!

    7. Eat and relax in the large food court
    There is a spacious, modern food court in the international departure hall. You can choose from all kinds of drinks and food, from healthy smoothies to snacks and full meals. Our favorite: Gaira Café; this restaurant is at the back of the food court, in a quieter location. The restaurant is not cheap, but the setting is nice and spacious: you have all the space for your hand luggage.The restaurant is owned by Colombian singer Carlos Vives and decorated with all kinds of musical instruments.

    8. Buy a unique handmade souvenir
    At El Market you can buy beautiful painted bowls, among other things. For a cheaper souvenir, visit the stores towards gate 10.

    9. Surf the internet with free wifi
    There is free wifi in most places at the airport, but the signal at the gates is often not as strong. In that case, order a drink at the food court and enter the “clave” listed on your receipt. That is the code for the wifi.

    10. Check here for locations and opening hours
    Website El Dorado – restaurants
    Website El Dorado – stores

    Look here for General information El Dorado airport

    Check here for the best hotels close to El Dorado airport.