Recommended Tours

La Candelaria

To understand the origins and history of the capital of Colombia, start in the area known as La Candelaria, Bogotá's historical center. If you think Bogotá is too chaotic, and has nowhere to relax and walk peacefully, La Candelaria proves you wrong. This colonial area, the original center around which Bogotá expanded, has witnessed many historical events and changes, as the variety of its buildings demonstrates. Start on the corner of Carrera 7 and Calle 10. Behind you, you will see the Plaza de Bolívar, where Colombia's most important institutions stand. To your left lies the Catedral Primada de Bogotá, which houses the remains of Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, founder of the city. Next door, you will see the Museo 20 de Julio, which has a wonderful collection of objects related to Colombia's fight for independence. A few blocks along is the Palacio de San Carlos, the government's headquarters before it was moved to the Palacio de Nariño. In this old palace, you can look out of the window Bolívar used to escape from a murder attempt, half naked and covered in soap. For a bit of refueling after all this historical stimulation, the nearby Cafe de l'Avenir serves all kinds of crepes, both sweet and savory, as well as other light fare, so as not to weigh you down while still filling you up.

Museo de Oro

This tour takes you toward the north of the city, going up Carrera 7. Stop first at the Museo del Oro (gold museum), a wonderful journey through centuries of indigenous culture. A must for anyone interested in art, the Museo de Arte Moderno features both permanent and temporary exhibitions of Colombian and international art. The museum also includes a restaurant and a cinema that shows Art Cinema programs. Cinema lovers should also visit Cinemateca Distrital, nearby on Carrera 7 (at Calle 22), where one can see the best contemporary and classic international films. Continuing along Carrera 7, you will find the Museo Nacional. Ironically, this building was used as a jail until the beginning of the 20th Century. Now, however, it is one of the most important cultural symbols in the country. Here visitors learn about Colombian history from pre-Columbian times to the present. A walk through the Parque Central Bavaria makes a perfect end to an afternoon. Stop for coffee or to enjoy one of the jazz concerts or theater works performed at dusk in the city. There are also many restaurants nearby, like the tea room Pastelería La Suiza or the Italian El Patio.

Palacio Echeverry

The center of Bogotá is full of surprises, shifting from 17th-century to 19th-century architecture within a couple of streets. You can see amazing architecture around the Palacio Echeverry, a Republican-style building from the beginning of the 20th century, now the Ministerio del Interior . Crossing the street, you will find the Museo del Siglo XIX at Carrera 8 No. 7-93. On your way out of the historical city center, don't miss the Quinta de Bolívar, Simón Bolívar's former residence, now a museum. This can be found on the way to Monserrate, toward the east of the city. Near Monserrate you can fill up on delicious meats and wines at Restaurante Casa San Isidro

Guided Tours

De Turismo por Colombia (+571 324 4990/ http://www.deturismoporcolombia.com/eng/packages/bogota.php)

Destino Bogotá (+571 753 4887/ http://www.destinobogota.com/)

Mantaraya Expeditions (+1 877 260 8632/ http://www.mantarayakayak.com/bogota_tours.html)

Nueva Lengua Tours (+57 1 753 2451/ http://www.nuevalenguatours.com/)

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