Summary
Bogota, Colombia is nestled high in the Andes at 2,620 meters or 8,646 feet. It’s a city of contrasts: high-rise buildings standing next to colonial churches, universities, theaters, and shantytowns.
Bogota is a mixture of influences – Spanish, English, and Indian. It’s a city characterized by great wealth, material well-being, and stark poverty. Wild traffic and calm oases coexist side by side. Here, you’ll discover futuristic architecture, vibrant graffiti, and bustling streets, as well as an array of restaurants, bookstores, and street vendors peddling emeralds. The inner core of the old city is home to various individuals including thieves, beggars, and drug dealers.
Bogota’s History
Santa Fé de Bogotá was founded in 1538. Its name was shortened to Bogotá following independence from Spain in 1824, although it was later reinstated as Santafé de Bogotá.
The city remained quite provincial until the mid-1900s, serving as the bureaucratic center for government and intellectual pursuits. The primary industries included breweries, woolen textiles, and candle making. The locals, known as Bogotanos, were often perceived by the rest of the nation as taciturn, cold, and aloof while considering themselves intellectually superior.
Bogota’s Economy
As the capital city, Bogotá is Colombia’s largest economic hub. Most companies in Colombia have their headquarters in Bogotá, as it attracts many foreign businesses. Additionally, it serves as the central location for Colombia’s primary stock market. The main offices of most coffee-producing, exporting firms, and flower growers are also based here. The emerald trade is a significant industry in Bogotá, with millions of dollars in both rough and cut emeralds bought and sold daily.
The City
Bogota is divided into distinct zones, each with its own unique characteristics:
- Zona 1 Norte: This modern, upscale zone features high-income neighborhoods, important commercial centers, and the finest restaurants, shopping areas, and nightlife, particularly in the zona rosa.
- Zona 2 Noroccidente: The city is expanding into this area.
- Zona 3 Occidente: This western sector includes industrial zones, parks, the National University, and El Dorado Airport.
- Zona 4 Sur: Home to industrial areas and large labor barrios.
- Zona 5 Centro: The central sector serves as the city’s primary commercial, cultural, governmental, and financial zone.
- Zona 6: This zone encompasses surrounding areas.
- Zona 7: This zone includes adjacent cities.
The Mountains
Most attractions for visitors are located in Bogota’s central and northern zones. The city has expanded from its colonial center where many of the magnificent churches are found, with mountains forming a stunning backdrop to the east.
The most renowned peak is Cerro de Montserrat at 3,030 meters or 10,000 feet. It is popular among Bogoteños who flock there for the panoramic views, park, bullring, and a well-known religious site. The church at the summit, featuring a statue of the Señor Caído Fallen Christ, is said to be a site of miracles. Visitors can reach the peak by climbing numerous stairs, though this is not recommended; instead, a cable car or funicular offers scenic rides (the latter operates only on Sundays).
The Churches
Historical landmarks are predominantly situated in the La Candelaria, the city’s oldest district. The Capitol Municipal Palace and several notable churches merit a visit:
- San Francisco: Constructed in 1567, this church features an ornately decorated wooden altar and columns covered with gold leaf.
- Santa Clara: Built in the early 17th century, this single nave church showcases beautiful frescos that have been fully restored and now operates as a museum with a unique screen that once concealed the nun’s choir.
- San Ignacio: Inspired by the Church of San Jesús de Roma, this lavishly decorated church boasts high naves, Baroque altars, and sculptures by Pedro de Laboria.
- San Agustín: One of Bogota’s oldest churches, built in 1637, known for its Baroque altars, choir, and exquisite proportions.
Other churches, including La Tercera, la Veracruz, la Catedral, la Capilla del Sagrario, la Candelaria la Concepción, Santa Bárbara, and San Diego, are worthwhile visits if time allows.
The Museums
Bogota boasts an impressive array of museums. Most can be explored within an hour or two, though ample time should be allocated for the Museo del Oro, home to over 30,000 objects of pre-Colombian gold artifacts. This museum functions like a fortress, protecting treasures such as the tiny Muisca boat embodying the ritual of casting gold into Lake Guatavita to appease deities. The collection also includes colonial-era emerald- and diamond-studded crosses.
Notable additional museums include:
- Museo Colonial: Located in an old Jesuit monastery from around 1640, this museum showcases the life of the Viceroyalty period.
- Museo de Arte Religioso: Features religious art prevalent during colonial times.
- Museo de Arte Moderno: Highlights works by contemporary artists.
- Quinta de Bolívar: Situated at the base of Cerro Montserrate, this splendid country home of Simon Bolívar offers insights into the life of the Liberator and his mistress, Manuela Sáenz.
Additional museums worth mentioning include the Museo Arqueológico, Museo de Artes y Tradiciones Populares, Museo del Siglo XIX, Museo de Numismática, and Museo de los Niños.
Archaeological and Historical Treasures
A fascinating model of the Ciudad Perdida, or Lost City of Taironas, discovered near Santa Marta in 1975, is remarkable. This archaeological find surpasses Machu Picchu in size and significance. A highlight of visiting the Gold Museum is the strong room, where small groups can enter a darkened chamber, catching their breath as the lights unveil 12,000 stunning pieces.
The Museo Nacional de Colombia offers a wider range of artifacts with archaeological and historical significance and is housed in a prison designed by American architect Thomas Reed. Cells can be observed from a front point of view.
The Cathedral of Zipaquira, a salt cathedral located north of the city, is also a must-see. Built within a salt mine predating Spanish colonization, the cathedral features a cavern measuring 23 meters or 75 feet high, accommodating up to 10,000 visitors.
There’s an abundance of activities and sights to explore in Bogotá for several productive days. After visiting museums and churches, the city further boasts an energetic nightlife filled with restaurants, theaters, and cultural events. Planning to attend a performance at the elegant Teatro Colón should not be missed, as it opens primarily during events.
Getting Around
Navigating the city is easier with street naming conventions. Older streets, referred to as carreras, run in a north/south direction, while calles run east/west and are numbered. Newer streets may be categorized as avenidas circulares or transversales.
Bus transportation is efficient in Bogota, featuring large buses, smaller busetas, and microbuses or colectivos that traverse city streets. Modern articulated buses, known as Transmilenio, operate along selected routes, and the city is focusing on expanding these services.
Bicycles flourish in the metropolis, supported by an extensive network of ciclorrutas that cater to all directions.
Take Precautions
As violence rates in Bogota and other Colombian cities decline, there remains a potential threat beyond city limits from factions opposing the government and drug trade influences. Travelers should prioritize safety. According to Fielding’s Guide to Dangerous Places:
“Colombia is currently one of the most dangerous regions in the Western Hemisphere and potentially globally, as it isn’t categorized as a war zone…. Tourists may become targets for theft, kidnapping, or worse…. Civilians and soldiers frequently face risks at roadblocks, and drugging and robbery are concerns in nightlife areas.”
Cautiously enjoy your time in Santafé de Bogotá or anywhere in Colombia by following these guidelines:
- Notify your consulate of your location and travel plans.
- Keep your passport readily accessible, as it may be requested at any moment.
- Carry only the cash you’ll need, keeping it close.
- Avoid valuable jewelry or watches.
- Do not walk alone at night or in high-risk neighborhoods; women should avoid taking taxis alone.
- Reject offers of food, drinks, or cigarettes from strangers; they may contain dangerous substances.
- Stay informed on local news and events, steering clear of trouble spots.
- Do not trek up Cerro Montserrate on foot.
Stay aware, cautious, and safe to fully enjoy your trip!
