If you have already discovered the wonders that Quito hides and all that deserve to be seen in Lima, now it is the moment to jump into the near country and get marvel with the colombian capitol: Bogota.
Bogota is located in the center of Colombia, in the natural region called the Savannah of Bogota, it is formed by 20 localities and is the artistic, political, administrative, economic, cultural, industrial and tourist epicenter of the country.
Do you want to know what you can't miss at your visit in this beautiful city? Let's start!
WHAT TO DO IN BOGOTA
1. Eat at the Zona G
At the north of Bogota, encompassing the Emaus and Nueva Granada neighborhoods it's found this area that offers a high quality of great gastronomic variety.
Suitable for all tastes: brunch, coffee, meat, crepes, breakfasts, salads, burgers, ice creams, grills, sandwiches, pizza ....
2. Have fun at the Zona Rosa
In this neighborhood you will find lots of places of leisure, as pubs, restaurants, malls, shops and clubs. But be careful, this neighborhood is frequented by the upper class of Bogota, so its prices are not for everyone.
3. Shopping at the Rivas' passage
A little comercial passage builed as a representation of the prisian malls at the end of the s.XIX. Is famous for being considered the artesanal reception in the country and for having the lowest prices.
Also, if you stay on sunday, we recommend you to visit the Mercado de Pulgas San Alejo too, you will thank us!
4. Go to a festival
In Bogota we spotlight two festivals that we really like, one of rock and one of jazz, both of them are open.
Rock al Parque: An international festival, outdoor and free, still a little thing to you?, What if we tell you that is the largest in Hispanic America and Latin America and the third one in the world?
Jazz al Parque: It is celebrated in september and counts with great interpreters, both at the district, national and international levels. It usually has several workshops and courses and its entrance is also free.
5. Discover the nature
Even if Bogota has a lot of wetlands, the most important is La Conejera one, because counts with the largest biodiversity. Here you will find natural and demarcated trails where to walk and viewpoints toobserve the hundreds of animal and plant species that live there.
Also, is the only place in the world where you can find the Marsh daisy (Senecio Carbonelli).
6. Come back to childhood
If you travel with kids, write down these 3 names:
Mundo Aventura park: a theme park in Kennedy, located at the old Techo's racecourse. Here you will enjoy the most diverse activities: rides, dexterity games, natural scenes and comparsas full of animated characters.
Children Museum: A space for the little ones to learn and have fun at the same time. It counts with partecipative activities, activities monitored by guides, exhibitions in which to interact and a great thematic diversity.
Jaime Duque park: At the department of Cundinamarca we find this theme park for the whole family. Its attractions include a map of Colombia in relief, a scale map of the Caribbean Sea, a zoo and a Taj Mahal.
WHAT TO EAT IN BOGOTA
As in the rest of Colombia, the gastronomy of Bogota is wide and varied. At your visit to the colombian capital get ready to taste lots of typical dishes where there is no shortage the rice, the cheese and, of course, the coffee!
Even if it was really hard to us, we picked a few that you can't miss.
Soups and Broths
1. Ajiaco: a classic soup based of chicken, three different kind of potatoes - creole, pastusa and savanna - cob and a spice called guascas. Normally, is also added milk and capers and is accompanied by slices of avocado.
2. Pan de Cazuela soup: prepared with savanna potato, beef, eggs, bread (of course!), white cheese, milk, chicken borth, butter and coriander.
3. Changua: A typical borth with egg that is usually eaten for breakfast, because it has a high nuticional and caloric value. It can be served with white rice, another of their specialties!
MEAT
1. Fritanga bogotana: A popular dish that is served at rural parties, very varied and abundant. With practically each kind of meats and creole potato.
2. Albondigón bogotano: a simple but delicious dish. With mince, onion, garlic, eggs and species.
3. Puchero boyacense: is considered the main dish of the hugh reunions, with meat, vegetables and banana. It is served with tomato and coocked onion.
4. Cocido boyacense: it is prepared with a series of tubercles that are almost unknown in the rest of the country, like hibias, cubs and chugas; apart from savanan potato, vegetables, pork and spices.
5. Empanadas bogotanas: they are eaten all arround the country, prepared with maize flour and usually fried, depending on the region they can be fill with different ingredients, in this part the most popular are of meat, spices and potato. They are served with chili pepper or guacamole, better if they are homemade!
CHEESE
1. Chocolate santafereño: of clear spanish heritage but with a piece of cheese inside to be melted. However, if you're a chocolate lover, can't miss these 7 cities, you will love them!
2. Buñuelos bogotanos: round cornbread mash with cheese and fried in oil. They are especially typical at Christmas. They can be served with syrup on top.
3. Papa chorreada: a delicious combination not to be missed! For their preparation you will need savanna potatoes, tomato, onion, white cheese, milkk, pepper and salt.
SWEETS
1. Tamal: a typical dish of the culture of all Colombia, it is usually prepared with steamed maize dough and wrapped in banana leaves. Although it's not a sweet in itself, is usually served with chocolate for brakfast.
2. Obleas: to enjoy this delight you will need only wheat flour, water, milk and sugar.
3. Dulce de papayuela: a typical dessert of Bogota, so easy to prepare, with papayuela - or mountain papaya - water and sugar.
4. Postre de las tres leches: if you like milk, this is your dessert: condensed milk, cream of milk and common milk.
5. Merengón: a typical meringue with pulp of guanábana, a delicious tropical fruit.
6. Postre de natas: a dessert of just 4 ingredients: milk, sugar, egg yolks and raisins.
7. Cuajada con melao: this dessert is really appreciated and it is served after the ajiaco. The melao is prepared blending panela in a bit of water and then it is thrown over the curd.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN BOGOTA
In the colombian capital, you will find a high number of accommodations where stay, here we have collect the ones that we think you can be interested on, all for less than €20!
Cx Hostel Bogotá: Between the historic center and the north side of the city, enjoy a book, a coffee or a nice conversation at its common areas for €7.34 each person per night.
Hotel Aragón: A comfortable accommodation in the historic and cultural center of Bogota, in the colonial district of Candelaria. Prices from €7.90 each person per night.
Hostal Aventureros de la Candelaria: Also located in Candelaria, we find one of the oldest hostels in this area, an old but comfortable and cozy house. Prices from €8.00 each person per night.
La Niña: One of the La Pinta Hostels group, it counts with private and share rooms. Prices from €8.30 each person per night.
Hotel Casa Paulina: Just 25 minutes by car from the international airport of El Dorado and close to lots of entertainment places. Enjoy its commoditeies from only €12.45 each person per night.
Chapinorte VIP North: Sourrended by the most diverse options of entertainment: parks, cinemas, restaurants, malls...Prices from €12.49 each person per night.
Charlies Place Hotel & Spa: Located in the residential neightborhood of Santa Ana, at the north of Bogota. Choose between different kinds of rooms from €15.61 each person per night.
Hotel La Santamaría: In the Chapinero area, close to the restaurants and nigtlife zone, as well as to parks malls and various shops. Prices from €18.73 each person per night.
We hope that with this little guide you will enjoy to the fullest your stay in Bogota. Enjoy all that the colombian capital has to offer!
Photo cover by AltaGamba
