Travel Guide Bogotá
Titanic, swarming, noisy, located some 2,600 m away, a little closer to the stars, Bogotà is a metropolis of striking contrasts. Cosmopolitan capital of Colombia, its attractions are innumerable, whether architectural, cultural, gastronomic or festive. The tourist guide of Bogotà will take you through the cobbled streets of the Candelaria, the historic district of the capital with its churches and colonial houses, to the Gold Museum, which houses the world's largest collection of pre-Columbian gold objects, to the Botero Museum, then to the most famous Colombian artist, and finally to the National Museum, to get to know the country's history. We will then head for the Carrera Séptima, pedestrian from Plaza Bolivar to the International Centre, for its street artists and its hectic atmosphere, before climbing to the Mirador du Monserrate, for its panoramic view of Bogotá, then towards La Calera to enjoy a splendid sunset heralding night fever that has made its home in Andrés Carne de Res ! Bogotà is lived at full speed, but the memories it leaves to its visitors are enjoyed over the long term.
What to visit Bogotá?
Suggested addresses Bogotá
When to go to Bogotá?
When to go to Bogotá? Three periods correspond to the high tourist season (temporada alta): mid-December to mid-January (school holidays), Semana santa (Holy Week, mid-April) and to a lesser extent, mid-June to late July (school holidays). During the many three-day weekends (puentes festivos), some establishments also offer high season prices. Everything is much more expensive at Christmas and during Holy Week. So when to go to Bogota? The weather being stable all year round, it would seem that the best time to leave for Bogotà corresponds to our half seasons, due to more accessible fares, namely February-May (except for Holy Week) and September-November.
Weather at the moment
The weather in Bogotà and Colombia is governed by two seasons: summer is the dry season (December-February and July-August) and winter is the rainy season (April-May and October-November). In the rainy season it rains every day, but it doesn't rain all day long The temperatures in Bogotà are stable throughout the year: between 8 and 20°C.
The Colombian currency is the peso (pesos in plural). Although the standard of living is higher in Bogotà than in the rest of Colombia, life is still significantly cheaper than in Europe. In Bogotà, you can get a place to live and food for very little money, unless you decide to live a high lifestyle!
European and Canadian tourists in possession of a passport (valid for the next 6 months) do not need a visa to travel to Bogota if their stay does not exceed 90 days (caution, 90 days does not necessarily mean exactly 3 months). They automatically benefit from a "PIP 5" (permiso de ingreso y permanencia), which is stamped on their passport when they pass through the Colombian migration control. An extension of PIP 5 by 90 days is possible once on site, by going to the immigration offices (www.migracioncolombia.gov.co). The extension of the PIP normally costs $92,000 (in 2017), but it has recently become free for nationals of European Union member countries!
Access to national parks is subject to a permit issued by Parques Nacionales Naturales de Colombia, in Bogotá or on site. www.parquesnacionales.gov.co
No vaccinations are required to travel to Bogotá, but it is recommended that you check that your standard vaccinations are up to date. The level of hospital infrastructure and health care services is good and you will be able to get proper care. Water is not drinkable everywhere in Bogotá, so it is advisable to drink mainly bottled mineral water.
Practical information
- When to travel?
- Weather forecast
- Budget
- Formalities
- Health
- How to travel by yourself?
- How to get organized?
- Getting around
Media
How to go to Bogotá? Our advice & tips
Colombia has become a top tourist destination in South America in recent years, and tour operators have understood this. As a result, it is quite easy to find a Colombian tour that includes a visit to Bogota. Whether it's with family, friends, honeymooners or a solo discovery trip from a few days to a full week, Bogota has a lot to offer and you're sure to find the trip that suits you best.
Discover our selection of travel agencies for this destinationA round trip flight to Bogotá from France costs between 700 and 1,400 € depending on the season and the time of booking. To get good rates, it is essential to book several months in advance. In order to save money on accommodation, it is also a good idea to book in advance.
The city buses crisscross the streets of the capital day and night. Their route is marked on a sign at the front and they follow the main roads, stopping on demand. It is not advisable to take the bus late at night for safety reasons. In Bogotá, cabs are plentiful, as are bicitaxis, the electrically assisted bicycles. The Colombian capital has nearly 250 km of ciclorutas, lanes reserved for cyclists (often on the edge or in the middle of polluted avenues unfortunately). If you have the breath, you can cross a good part of the city this way (helmet required!).
