Bogota @cruiseluxurious

BOGOTÁ custom travel guide made just for CruiseLuxurious.com from August  until September , 

Table of contents

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Bogotá. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 General. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Districts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Get in. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Get around. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 See. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Do. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Learn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Talk. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Buy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Eat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Drink. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Sleep. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Stay safe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Stay healthy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Get out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 News outlets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Culture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

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Restaurants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Top Top Top Top

Best Restaurants. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Young couples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Italian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Asian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Useful phrases. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Passport and Visa. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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Useful info. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 2

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Maps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 References. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

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3

Bogotá

Bogotá

Bogotá

Bogotá · General

Districts

General With a population of about 8.8 million people, Bogota sits approximately 8,660 feet (2640 meters) above sea level in the Andino region. Orientation is relatively easy, as the mountains to the east are generally visible from most parts of the city.

To understand the sheer size of the city, consider that Mexico City and New York City are the only North American cities larger than Bogotá. In fact, in 2008 the World Cities Study Group and Network (GaWC) from the United Kingdom ranked Bogotá as a world city comparable to San Francisco, Washington DC, Dubai, Buenos Aires or Berlin, grouped by their economical, political and cultural developments. What this means for the traveler is a world class urban destination.

Bogotá is a city of contrasts, and as such it offers a unique experience to its visitors. Prepare to find a hectic balance between the new and the old; the peaceful and the frantic. Encounter century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skycrapers. Find peaceful treelined bicycle routes cut through by wild-traffic avenues. Bogota is a city with many layers. From internationally recognized universities to regional offices for multinational companies, Bogota is Colombia's capital for official business dealings. It is a city that caters to a population that has been exposed to European and North American influences, which ensures that anything from traditional dishes (Ajiaco) to sushi or fast food restaurants can be found. It's one of the most modern and metropolitan cities of South, Central America and the world. Bogota is divided by 4 sections: The South which is mainly the poorer section of the city; El Centro, which translates "Center", is the city's original Downtown and hosts most of its traditional heritage locations, city and public offices, and financial headquarters. El Occidente, which is home to Bogota's major sporting venues and outdoor parks, as well as residence areas for main middle and some upper class living; and The North which is where most modern development has taken place, and combines many upscale living spaces with affluent shopping centers, boutiques, cafes, nightclubs, and many new business neighborhoods offering headquarters to many multinational corporations.

During the last decades, due to the city's exponential growth, some of neighboring towns have been absorbed and are now considered within the metropolitan area of Greater Bogotá, like Suba, Soacha and Fontibón.

Centro Internacional is located between downtown, La Macarena and Chapinero

The city of Bogotá is divided into 20 distinct localities, or Districts, and every visit to this city should include touring at least three or four of them, depending on the purpose and extent of one's travel. The must-see Districts are: La Candelaria: The colonial district is officialy in the Santa Fé district. Colombia's capital city was founded here in 1538 by Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada y Rivera in a spot known today as El Chorro de Quevedo. The next year, authorities re-founded the city a few blocks away at what is now known as the Plaza de Bolívar. Bogotá then grew up around the neighborhood. Because the city expanded west and north, La Candelaria retained much of its colonial atmosphere. The neighborhood is full of cobblestone streets and centuries-old houses. It is now a tourism and university district, as well as the site of Colombia's government. Here you'll find most of the public buildings, both from the City and the Country's government. Historical squares, 400 year old churches, picturesque narrow streets are all here, mixing along modern development of financial business hightowers.

Chapinero : North of La Candelaria, it comprises the new downtown areas of the city, combining office space, residential areas and hundreds of alternatives for shopping, dining and sightseeing. In a city famous for its wild traffic, you'll really enjoy the walks that can be had around El Nogal, La Cabrera and Chicó Reservado. Begin at Carrera 7a around streets 79 or 80, and zig-zag your way down and north until you find the Parque 93. Along the way, you will find tree-lined narrow streets, personality-ridden shops and boutiques, and eccentric dining alternatives. Don't hesitate in stopping for a world famous coffee in any location, and zip your way through all the bars and clubs surrounding the Zona Rosa. Make it through to the beautiful green park of Virrey and walk down its creek for a breath of fresh air. By the time you reach the 93

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Bogotá

you'll be glad to take the opportunity to sit down, rest, and people-watch in one of its many terraces.

El Salitre makes for a unique sightseeing experience with its ample offerings in public venues for Sports and Outdoor activities. Here sports fans will find the Football (Soccer) Stadium, the Olympic Water Complex (biggest and most modern of South America), and the city's league venues for all sorts of disciplines like tennis, track and field, basketball, volleyball and bowling all within walking distance of each other. Outdoor fans will find the city's biggest Public Park (Simón Bolívar), home to the most crowded open-air concerts and festivals year-round, and favorite destination for all sorts of activities such as jogging, biking, kite-flying, pedal-boating, etc.

Culture fans will be at home with the district's offerings of Museums, including a Botanical Garden displaying the most amazing floral showcase of the continent.

La Macarena : A bohemian neighborhood around the bullfight ring full of artsy cafes, art galleries and great restaurants.

Parque de la 93: A trendy section of Bogotá with nightclubs and cafes frequently visited by Bogota's "jet set".

San Victorino : Located in the center of the city just in front of TransMilenio's station, Av. Jimenez. There you will find a plaza surrounded by all kinds of cheap stores selling different types of goods, from clothes to food and pets. If you do go, do not take anything with you; gringos are not well received there and may get robbed.

Usaquén : The northernmost district, home to many sightseeing locations, modern business squares, and traditional architecture examples. The main square is the meeting point of the area where you can find pretty nice restaurants and bars. But walk around and find more great places to eat and drink. It serves as a hub to connect with outer destinations north from the city, which include many attractions within nearby towns.

Not for tourists but with some appeal for the hardcore traveler, other districts include: Antonio Nariño, Bosa, Ciudad Bolívar, Engativá, Fontibón, Kennedy, Los Mártires, Puente Aranda, Rafael Uribe Uribe, Suba, Sumapaz, Barrios Unidos and Tunjuelito.

Get in By plane The city is served by El Dorado International Airport (IATA: BOG) (ICAO: SKBO) (~20 minutes from downtown in a taxi), that receives several flights daily from New York City, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Houston, Miami, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Paris, São Paulo, Madrid, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Mexico City, San José (Costa Rica), Lima, Buenos Aires, Panamá

Bogotá · Get in City, Quito, Guayaquil, Oranjestad (Aruba), Willemstad (Curaçao) and Toronto among others. Tourists can also take advantage of the convenient connections and direct flights from Los Angeles, Washington, Santo Domingo, San Juan, Punta Cana, Valencia (Venezuela), Havana, Montego Bay, London, Frankfurt and Orlando. Many international airlines such as JetBlue, Continental,Delta Air Lines, Air France, Air Canada, American Airlines, Iberia, LAN, Mexicana, Gol, Copa, Avianca, Aero República, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Spirit, TACA, and AeroGal among others.

Domestic flights are served by many airlines including Avianca (main Colombian airline), Aero República (a Continental-owned domestic airline) and Aires. Domestic flights of Avianca are served from the Puente Aereo terminal, next to El Dorado terminal, and features WiFi access to the Internet from almost every location. There are more than 20 daily flights to the 2 airports located in Medellín, over 15 daily flights to Cali and more than 10 to Cartagena. Taxis are regulated, reasonably priced and safe from the airport. El Dorado Airport is undergoing a complete makeover, which will end in 2012 and will make it bigger and more comfortable. El Dorado is also the third busiest airport in Latin America and the largest by cargo movement.

To get out from the airport into the city there are a couple of options: 1) Regulated taxis. You first have to search for a stand where you will have to point out your destination and then they will print out a ticket indicating the price you will have pay. Then, pick up a taxi from the line and explain to the driver your destination. At the end of the journey you will have to pay ONLY what is printed out in the ticket. The typical price will range from 15.000 up to 25.000 COP. 2) Bus. Walking only some meters outside the main door entrance, you will find a "paradero" (bus stop) with frecuent busetas passing by. Although this is by far the cheapest option (around 1.200 COP), it can be daring if you don't know the city already, since the bus only indicates the main places where it passes by. However, bus drivers are very friendly and quite helpful, and you can ask them to indicate you when the bus is passing a certain point of the city. A good option is to ask him to drop you close by a Transmilenio station and then continue your trip from there.

By bus The safety of bus travel in Colombia has greatly improved in recent years. However, foreigners should be cautious not to travel to areas of unrest and travel only during the day. Do not carry large amounts of cash with you as robberies are known to occur along some routes. Service in the 'upscale' buses is very good and they are very comfortable. Pick the most expensive service (just a couple of dollars extra) as these buses tend to be newer and better mechanical condition. Bogotá is also building 2 new terminals, one located far south and one on the north corner to serve buses going on those directions.

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5

Bogotá

Get around The city of Bogota is built on a grid system. Carreras (streets) are abbreviated as Cr., Kra., and Cra. and run parallel to the mountains from South to North. Carreras are numbered by ordinal numbers, for example Cr.3 is read Carrera tercera and not Carrera tres.

The calles (also streets) cross the Carreras and run from East to West. Calles are abbreviated as Cll. and Cl. Avenidas, abbreviated as Av, are usually larger and main streets. The numerical system for the Avenidas is used but some have names that are more commonly used such as Avenida Jimenez. Each address consists of a series of numbers, for example: Calle 16 # 2-43 which indicates that the building is located on street 16 (Calle 16) 43 meters ahead from the intersection with street 2 (Carrera 2).

By taxi Taxi cabs are ubiquitous and affordable yet if travelling to the heart of the city, can be very slow due to the infamous Bogota traffic. They can be flagged down anywhere, but it may be dangerous. They can also be reached by phone, which is highly recommended for security reasons, at 599-9999, 311-1111 or 411-1111. If calling for a taxi, the driver will want to confirm that it is you who called by asking for a "clave" (key), which is always the last two digits of the phone from which you called to request the taxi. Each taxi has a meter which should increment one tick every 1/10 kilometer or 30 seconds and starts at 25 ticks. The rate chart is printed on a card in the taxi. Nearly all taxi drivers will try to take advantage of you in one way or another; be sure the taxi meter is started when you begin your trip.

Tipping is never necessary - be sure to count your change and be on the lookout for both counterfeit coins and notes. There are surcharges for the airport, holidays, and nights (after 8PM).

Surcharge details are printed on the fare card. Surcharge for ordering a taxi arriving at your house is currently 600 pesos, surcharge after 8PM is 1.600 pesos, even if you are starting your trip before that time. Holidays and Sundays are also surcharged 1.600 pesos. Lock the doors of the taxi, especially after dark. If you experience a problem in a taxi or with the driver, dial 123 to report a complaint with the police. You should also call the company with which the taxi is registered.

By Transmilenio Bogota's new rapid bus service is extremely affordable, clean and efficient. It carries commuters to numerous corners of the city in exclusive lanes, bypassing the notorious city traffic; however, there are some main routes that are not yet reached by Transmilenio. Tickets cost 1,600 COP. The vehicles used in that systems are articulated buses; they are fast and safe, but could be full during the afternoon times. The system also uses different kinds of stations: the simples offers bus services at the right and left sides (north-south;east-west) and the intermediates

Bogotá · Get around are usually located in middle points and have complete services, such as elevators, station libraries, bikes parks, restrooms.

Alimentadores services (buses that reach zones the articulated buses do not) and the portals, the 7 arrival and departure places of the buses, are located near the entrances to the city.

Service ends averagely at 10 or 11p.m.. Additionally, intercity buses from the metropolitan area also arrive at these stations.

By bus Privately owned buses cruise all the main thorough fares and many side streets, and are the principal form of transport for the working class and student class. Though they do follow specific routes, they do not have bus "stops"; you merely call to them like taxis and they will stop for you where you are standing. Placards in the large front windows list destinations, either neighborhoods or main street names. Upon entering you will be asked for the fare; if you are not traveling alone you may be asked "Para ambos?", for example, meaning "For both?", to see if you are paying for just yourself or for your companion.

Then you pass through a turnstile to the seating areas. The buses come in three sizes, usually, long (like a school bus), medium and small (called busetas). All have turnstiles. To exit these buses, you go to the back door and either push a button located usually on one of the hand rails or next to the exit, or simply call out "Aqui, por favor!" or "Pare!" (Stop!). Passengers are often expected to embark and disembark even from the middle of the street.

Sometimes vendors are allowed to enter the buses to sell candy or small gift items (occasionally donating one to the driver for the privilege). Or, you may find entertainers such as singers or guitar players, and even the more creative of the street beggars who will regale you with a long, poetic story of their sad situation before asking for donations. Even in the smallest buses, cramped full of people standing and sitting, it is a common sight. Interestingly, a recent Grammy-nominated singer named Ilona got her start performing on buses around Bogota.

The cost for riding on a private bus normally costs 1300 COP during the day and 1350 COP during the night.

By colectivo Privately owned buses cruise all the main thorough fares and many side streets, and are the principal form of transport for the working class and student class. Though they do follow specific routes, they do not have bus "stops"; you merely call to them like taxis and they will stop for you where you are standing. Placards in the large front windows list destinations, either neighborhoods or main street names. Upon entering you will be asked for the fare; if you are not traveling alone you may be asked "Para ambos?", for example, meaning "For both?", to see if you are paying for just yourself or for your companion.

Then you pass through a turnstile to the seating areas. The buses come in three sizes, usually, long (like a school bus), medium and small (called busetas). All have turnstiles. To exit these

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6

Bogotá

buses, you go to the back door and either push a button located usually on one of the hand rails or next to the exit, or simply call out "Aqui, por favor!" or "Pare!" (Stop!). Passengers are often expected to embark and disembark even from the middle of the street.

Bogotá · See La Candelaria

Sometimes vendors are allowed to enter the buses to sell candy or small gift items (occasionally donating one to the driver for the privilege). Or, you may find entertainers such as singers or guitar players, and even the more creative of the street beggars who will regale you with a long, poetic story of their sad situation before asking for donations. Even in the smallest buses, cramped full of people standing and sitting, it is a common sight. Interestingly, a recent Grammy-nominated singer named Ilona got her start performing on buses around Bogota.

The cost for riding on a private bus normally costs 1300 COP during the day and 1350 COP during the night.

View of La Candelaria, with central Bogotá in the background

See

Home of author Jose Vargas Vila

Bogota Street in the old downtown part of La Candelaria

Many landmark events in the history of Colombian and South American independence took place in the La Candelaria, district including the near killing and escape of Simon Bolivar, the execution of revolutionary heroine Policarpa Salavarrieta, known as 'La Pola,' and the Grito de Libertad, known as the beginning of the region's revolution. And the district is indeed teeming with history, and there are a lot of interesting museums and old churches in what is the oldest Bogotá neighborhood. Some streets are reserved to pedestrians. The most important places are La Catedral, Plaza de Bolivar, Palacio de Nariño, Iglesia del Carmen, Biblioteca Luis A Arango (blaa), the Colonial Art Museum and the old architecture of the houses and buildings, almost all of the museums charge no admission. La Candelaria also contains numerous Catholic Churches, many of them centuries-old. The Colombian-American and Colombian-French cultural centers are located in La Candelaria, and a Colombian-Spanish cultural center is under construction.

Bogotá Bike Tours, Carrera 3 No. 12-72 (Carrera 3 between Calles 12 and 13, downhill from La Plaza del Chorro), ☎ +57 (1) 281-9924 (bogotabiketours@gmail.com), . 10:30 am and 1:30 pm tours on bicycle daily through the city - fruit mar-

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7

Bogotá

Bogotá · See

kets, Plaza Bolivar, Plaza de Chorros, Bullfighting Stadium, National Park, National Museum, Botero Museum, and other locations throughout Bogotá, specifically focusing on La Candelaria neighborhood. The 10:30 am tour is between 4-5 hours in length. 30.000 pesos/ $15 USD per tour.

Casa de Moneda, Calle 11 No. 4-21 (Next to Museo Botero), ☎ 343-1223. M-F : 10 am to 8 pm , Tu : closed / Sa : 10 am to 7 pm / Su : 10 am to 4 pm. Has a collection of Colombian coins and the history of moneymaking. Free entrance.

Cultural Heritage Museum.

Donación Botero, Calle 11 No. 4-41, ☎ ''+57 1'' 343-1331, .

W-Fr 10AM-8PM, Sa 10AM-7PM and Su 10AM-4PM. Collection of paintings donated by Botero to Bogota. Besides work of Botero the collection contains work from Picasso, Renoir, Monet, Dali and others. Free entrance.

Gold Museum (El Museo del Oro), Calle 16 No. 5-41 (On one side of the Parque Santander), ☎ ''+57 1'' 284-7450 (fax: ''+57 1'' 343-2222), . Tu-Sa : 9 to 6 / Su : 10 to 4. Impressive collection of gold and pre-Colombian artifacts from Colombia and surrounding nations. Don't miss this museum. The Gold Museum is unique and you won't find a better place to see the pre-Spanish artwork on gold. La Casa del Florero was the site of an 1810 protest by Colombians considered to be the initiation of the revolt against Spain. The Botero Museum contains both works by Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous artist, and the contents of his private collection, including works by Picasso, Renoir, Dali and others. The museum was under renovation, up until October 2008 and as of then its open to the public once more so don't miss it out.

2,800 COP. Banco de la Republica Art Collection (Museo Botero), Calle 11 No. 4-41. Tue to Sat:10AM-7PM, Sun and holidays 10AM-4PM Closed on Mon, including holiday Mondays. Exhibits Permanent Banco de la República Art Collection consisting of nearly 3,000 paintings, sculptures and assembly of Colombian and Latin American masters from the XVI century to our days. Visitors may appreciate a selection of Colombian painters works, for instance Gregorio Vázquez de Arce y Ceballos, the most important Colony painter, Alejandro Obregón, Enrique Grau, Latin American as Rufino Tamayo, David Alfaro Siqueiros and many other globally renowned.

Catedral Primada

Museum of Colonial Art, Carrera 6 No. 9-77, ☎ 341 6017 (museocolonial@mincultura.gov.co). Tu-Sa 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. / Su from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Under Eduardo Santos administration on August 6, 1942 the Colonial Museum containing Viceroy-ship art, silver plates, the Virgin of the Light and the most characteristic Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos collection, among other valuable Colombian culture treasures opened its doors. Declared National Monument National in 1975, Las Aulas Cloister is one of the oldest buildings in Bogotá.

Museum Francisco José de Caldas, Carrera 8 #6-87, ☎ 289-6275 (museocaldas@yahoo.com). M-F : 8am to 5pm / Sa : 8am to 2pm. Centered around the life of the revolution martyr. Showcases his mapping expedition of Colombia and how he contributed to the revolution by building a fort and a riffle factory in Antioquia. Free entrance.

Museum of Regional Costumes.

Museum of Religious Art. National Police Historical Museum, Calle 9 No. 9-27, ☎ 233 5911 – 281 3284. Mo-Fr : 8 am to 12pm and 1 pm to 5 pm / Sa : 8 am to 2 pm. Its main interest resides in the rooms dedicated to the hunt of Pablo Escobar. Guided tours in Spanish and English. Free entrance.

San Diego Cerro de Monserrate. A true beautiful panoramic view of the city is only a funicular or transferico ride away. You can take the Funicular up and Transferico down, or vice versa. You have the option to buying one way tickets, too. You will have the most amazing views and also enjoy Colombian or French food in the two full-service restaurants at the top. There are also souvenir stalls on the weekends. Remember to bring a warm coat, because it is chilly up there. On Sunday is a very crowded place, so be ready to get into a long line. It is very important to also wear sunscreen and hat because at such a high altitude, you will burn very easily even if it is "cloudy".

This is especially true if you are going around noon. You can also hike up the stone-set path up Monserrate like the locals

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do. It takes approximately 1-1.5 hours up and approximately 45 minutes down. Remember to allot more time if you are not accustomed to being 2 miles above sea level. April 2010 update: the hiking trail is closed, but hardcore travellers can find a way - but take care of mugging while entering the walking path! 14,000 COP round trip (8,000 COP on Sundays).

Torre Colpatria, Carrera 7 # 24 - 89. Bogota's tallest building and one of South America's tallest buildings is located in El Centro. You can visit the panoramic deck on the top of building on Saturdays and Sundays; make it a must see.

3,000 COP. Museo Nacional, Carrera 7 No. 28-66, ☎ ''+57 1'' 334-8366 (info@museonacional.gov.co), . Tu 10AM-8PM; W,Sa 10AM-6PM; Su 10AM-4PM. The National Museum is the oldest in the country and one of the oldest in the continent, built in 1823. Its fortress architecture is built in stone and brick. The plant includes arches, domes and columns forming a sort of Greek cross over which 104 prison cells are distributed, with solid wall façade. The museum houses a collection of over 20,000 pieces including works of art and objects representing different national history periods. Permanent exhibitions present archeology and ethnography samples from most antique Colombian men vestiges, 10,000 years BC, up to XX century indigenous and afro- Colombian art and culture. Founders and New Kingdom of Granada room houses rich Liberators and other Spanish authorities iconography; the round room exhibits a series of oleos synthesizing Colombia painting history. Free in 2010 to celebrate two hundred years of Bogota.

Museum of Modern Art of Bogota (MamBo), Calle 24 No. 6-00, ☎ (571) 286 0466 / (571) 293 3109, . Tue to Sa : 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. / Su 10a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Exhibits a complete collection of modern art work basically consisting of drawing, paintings, engraved work, sculpture and assembly. Houses work of Colombian masters Fernando Botero, Alejandro Obregón, Enrique Grau and Édgar Negret, among many other together with important Latin American artists pinacotheca. The moderns building, designed by architect Rogelio Salmona, achieves optimum space and natural light management. Adult : 4000 COP / Student : 2000 COP. Planetario Distrital, Carrera 7 Calle 26, ☎ 334-4546 (planetario@idct.gov.co), . Dome cinema as well as telescope observation on friday nights.

Plaza de Toros de Santamaria, Carrera 6 No. 26-50, ☎ 334-1482. Santa Maria's bullring Photography Museum

North Hacienda Santa Bárbara, Carrera 7 No. 116 - 05. A 19th century house that belonged to Pepe Sierra, one of the wealthiest Colombians in that time, that became a mall in late 80's.

Bogotá · Do Famous for its cafés (some of them nationally renowned) and not as crowded as other malls.

Parque & Museo El Chiquo, Calle 93, Carrera 7, . Old hacienda located in a nice park with botanic information. Guided tour of the interior with its antique furniture. Adult : 2,500 COP / Student : 1,500 COP.

Do

Parque Los Periodistas

Downtown Day Tour No visitor to Bogota skips the historic Downtown and La Candelaria neighborhood. In fact most affordable lodging and dining options can be found this side of town making it highly desirable by low-budget travelers and backpackers, given its close location to many of the city's attractions. Start your way on Avenida Septima and Calle 14, just arriving Parque Santander. Take the opportunity to visit the world famous Museo del Oro, or Gold Museum for its legendary El Dorado collections. Then continue south one block up to Avenida Jimenez and give your camera a workout at one of Bogota's most famous and historic intersections, where a couple of ancient churches and 19th century buildings collide. Turn east (towards the mountains) and walk up Avenida Jimenez alongside downtown's famous Eje Ambiental or Environmental Axis, which is a section of the avenue that has been closed off to vehicles except Transmilenio, to make way for a generous tree-lined pedestrian sidewalk and an enclosed water stream.

Many historic and famous buildings are located alongside the Eje Ambiental, home to Bogota's most renowned and traditional companies like El Tiempo and the Bank of the Republic.

A few blocks east just past the Parque de los Periodistas the Eje Ambiental starts bending northwise, so leave the axis and turn south instead via one of the small streets that branch into the neighborhood and make your way up to Calle 13 and Carrera 2, el Chorro de Quevedo, unofficial center of La Candelaria, where it is argued that the City of Bogota was founded back in 1538. Today, bohemian life meets to enjoy arts, culture and music at this spot. On the way make sure to take in the whimsical coloring and architecture of the neighborhood's streets

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and colonial houses. Continue on Carrera 2 southward a couple of blocks up until Calle 11, and turn west once again just in front of La Salle University: You'll be glad you do since you've been climbing constantly eastward so enjoy your walk back down. Make sure to notice the eccentric street names found on picturesque signs at every corner. Make your way down west on Calle 11 and you will pass by the Museo Botero, museum showcasing some of famous Colombian painter Botero's private art collection and work. Another block down is the Centro Cultural Garcia Marquez, modern cultural center and venue that includes Library, Art Galleries, concert halls and lesson rooms, with year-round events and displays for all tastes and audiences interested in culture and the arts. Continue down west and reach the Plaza de Bolivar, the city's overwhelming main square surrounded by neoclasic government palaces and the Catedral Primada, largest church in the country. After taking in the many sights, you might want to leave the square southbound for a couple of blocks on Carrera Septima to check out the Presidential Palace and its Presidential Guard. Finally turn around back Carrera Septima northward until you find Transmilenio, just about where you started!

Performances and Festivals Every Friday and Sunday night, Avenida Septima is closed and you can see all sorts of street performers, live music, magic shows, etc. and buy crafts and other good. If you don't mind crowds its worth a visit.

Check out the Iberoamerican Theater Festival, the biggest theater festival in the world (occurs every two years in April).

Learn Bogota has numerous educational institutions. Some of the better known universities include: Universidad Nacional , Universidad de America , Universidad de los Andes , Pontificia Universidad Javeriana , Universidad del Rosario (www.urosario.edu.co),Universidad Externado ,Universidad Santo Tomas , Universidad de la Sabana , Universidad de la Salle ,Spanish World Institute Bogotà and LCI Bogotà . However, there are many privately and publicly funded universities and Schools.

If you want to learn Spanish, universities are a good option since they have all inclusive plans. They not only offer Spanish courses but also Mandarin, Japanese, French, German, Italian, etc. Also, many embassies have institutions that teach languages, including Spanish, for foreign people, such as the Centro Colombo Americano, the British Council, The Italian Institute, The French Alliance and the Brazil-Colombia Cultural Institute (IBRACO).

Bogotá · Learn

Talk The Spanish spoken in Bogotá is considered among the most neutral and clear in the world. If you know the basics, you'll probably be fine. Bogotá is full of English academies and bilingual schools, so English is spoken by many young people. The most "touristy" areas are full of young students who go to bilingual schools, and generally, they will help you translate.

Colombians love to show off the best of their country to reduce the negative image it has among foreigners.

Work Officially, it is not legal to work in Colombia without a proper working visa. Visas can be obtained by employers on your behalf.

There is also a significant market for English and other language teachers. English translation or editing jobs are possible to find under the table.

Buy Local products worth bringing home include : Inexpensive handicrafts and jewelry from vendors. One of the cheapest and picturesque places to buy handicrafts is Pasaje Rivas (Calle 9 no. 9). You can access the narrow hall filled with small stores crossing Plaza de Bolívar, where de Major's and president's office is located.

Coffee-based products Leather handbags, shoes, and wallets.

Uncut and cut emeralds brought in from the world's best emerald mines Inexpensive silver jewelry Dress suits and shoes In Usaquen you can find a huge flea market on Sundays.

Malls Santa Fe, Autopista Norte Calle 183 costado occidental, . One of the newest malls in Bogota and second-largest in South America is located 5 minute walk north of the Portal del Norte Transmillenio station. It has a wide variety of shops, designer stores, and a food court with many local and international choices. A very fun and modern place.

Unicentro. A very modern mall with many western retail shops. It is localed at Carrera 15 between Calles 120 and 127.

Hacienda Santa Barbara, Carrera 7 No. 115-60. A shopping mall made out of an old "hacienda" in the trendy bohemian

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neighbourhood of Usaquén. On Sundays the Usaquén flea market is just a block north.

La Zona T, Calle 82 Cra 11. The chicest area of Bogota is surrounded by the upscale malls of Centro Andino, Atlantis Plaza and El Retiro which holds various upscale boutiques such as Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Bulgari, Cartier, Loewe and many more.

More Affordable Shopping Malls : Plaza de las Americas, Ciudad Tunal, Tintal Plaza, Amazonas and Unicentro de Occidente.

Camping and outdoors equipment Thundra Outdoors, Calle 82, No 12-62 (Close to Andino shopping mall and la Zona T.), ☎ 1-5300645 / 310 2578180, .

10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.. Outdoors equipment : camping, trekking and climbing gear.

MonoDedo, Cr.16 No 82-22, ☎ (+57-1) 616 3467 (bogota@monodedo.com), . Outdoors equipment and climbing information.

Home Center, (Portal Norte). Tents and sleeping bags at cheaper prices.

Eat Arepas: Corn flour based pancakes, sometimes made with cheese or slightly salted.

Empanadas: The closest comparison would be pastries. These are popular all over South America, so generally each country/region has their own recipe. The filling usually consists of meat, potato, vegetables and rice wrapped in a corn flour crust.

Tamal: Usually eaten for breakfast. A mixture of meat, chicken, potato, vegetables and yellow corn wrapped in plantain leaves and then boiled. Should be accompanied by a large mug of hot chocolate.

Ajiaco: Traditional thick soup based on three kinds of potatoes, chicken, avocado, dairy cream, herbs, corn, among others. Typically from the altiplano region.

Plenty of options. These are only a few and are divided by areas.

However, it is very difficult to find a decent Chinese/Japanese restaurant. Do not expect much even if you find any, since most of them are "fake" oriental restaurants.

Centro Henry Comida Rapida, Carrera 1 and Calle 19 (On the Los Andes University Plaza). Fast food joint for the nearby university, order a godzilla and you'll be served with what is most likely the biggest empanada of the continent !

Bogotá · Eat (asocofuturo2007@yahoo.es). Cooperative of social economy with friendly and helpful staff. Good and varied breakfasts and lunches. The association holds a supermarket besides as well. Around 7000 pesos for breakfast or meal of the day.

PitaWok, Carrera 4 #14-88, La Candelaria, ☎ 562 75 94. Small and friendly restaurant with excellent Middle-East and Thai food: shawarmas, kebabs, pitas, Wok dishes and Arabian pastries. Food delivery as well. From 5000 pesos.

La Monapizza, Carrera 4 #12-25, La Candelaria, ☎ 282 16 65, .

Excellent pizzeria with sizes ranging from pizzeta to grande.

The pequeña is more than enough for one person. From 8000 pesos for the small pizza.

Tapas Macarena, Cra. 4A # 26-01, La Macarena, ☎ 2439004. If you like tapas, you'll love this place. Tapas inspired by Spain, including a wide variety of beer and wine pairings. At least $15.000 per person.

La Taperia, Cra. 4A No. 26 B - 12, La Macarena, ☎ 8053252.

The second tapas bar in Bogota. Great food and drink selection. Live Flamenco music on Thursdays. At least $15.000 per person.

Usaquen Located a couple blocks north from the Hacienda Santa Barbara shopping mall, this is the little pueblo in the big city (Roughly Calle 120 / Carrera 5). Colonial structures, some small shops and boutiques, flea market on Sundays, and a variety of restaurants around a traditional town square : Cadaqués, Calle 119B # 5-43 (First street north of the northeast corner of the park, going east towards the large parking lot, right side), ☎ +57 1 6201199 (reservas@restaurantecadaques.com), . Lunch and Dinner.

Spanish/Catalonian Fusion cuisine, including Paella, tapas, fideuá, and seafood, along with eclecltic local ingredients.

Molecular cooking is a feature. Between 15,000 and 35,000 pesos.

Thezera, Cra. 5 # 117-55 (East passed Usaquen's central park, on the last street go South, and it's 2 houses down), ☎ +57 1 215-5290 (info@thezera.com), . Lunch and Dinner. International cuisine including; Peppered New York Strip, Rosemary Chicken, Tuna Tartar, Lamp Chops, Coconut Breaded Grouper, and Ceviche. Live Jazz on Thursdays. Between 12,000 and 36,000 pesos.

Zona G This zone has some of the finest eateries in Bogota. Within a few small blocks you will find plenty of options. The restaurants are more oriented toward fine dining more so than night club type activity. If you want elegant or romantic, this is a good choice.

Asociación Construimos Futuro, Calle 15A #2-21, La Candelaria (Below hospedaje Sugamuxi), ☎ 3374323/27

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These are five star restaurants. By looking at the addresses below, you can tell that these restaurants are all neighbors.

Astrid y Gaston, Carrera 7 No 67-64, ☎ +57 1 211-1400, . The restaurant offers the flavors of Peruvian cuisine in Bogota.

Reservations are required, so do call ahead!

Bagatelle, Calle 70 A No. 4-99, ☎ +57 1 321-3475, . Once a bakery, this restaurant has the feel of a Parisian cafe. It serves crepes, sandwiches, and salads, as well as breakfast and brunch. The Bagatelle is famous for its pan de chocolate.

Clowns Deli, Calle 70 A No. 4-45, ☎ +57 1 248-0254, . Clowns Deli offers sandwiches and salads for a reasonable price.

Criterion, Calle 69A No. 5-75, ☎ +57 1 310-1377, . This contemporary restaurants offers its patrons French-influenced, gourmet dishes. The menu consists of a variety of starters and meats, and also offers its guests a tasting menu that changes weekly. Criterion was awarded the Five Star Diamond Award in 2008; the only restaurant in Colombia to receive the recognition.

Gostinos 69, Carrera 5 No. 69A-30, ☎ +57 1 313-0612. Gostinos 69 offers its patrons seafood at reasonable prices.

Harry Sasson Restaurante, Calle 83 No. 12-49, ☎ +57 1 616-4520, . Chef Harry Sasson creates delectable, international dishes with Asian influences. This restaurant also has a wide variety of wines from all over the world, including Argentina, France, and California.

La Hamburgueseria, Calle 70 No. 4-69, ☎ +57 1 321-3350, . La Hamburgueseria is not fast food restaurant, but does offers a great variety of hamburgers and sandwiches, made from the best ingredients. This restaurant has many other locations, so be sure to check out the website to find the one closest to you!

La Table de Michel, Calle 69A No. 4-15, ☎ +57 1 347-7939, 347-7939. La Table de Miguel offers excellent French dishes.

They also have a wine list made up of mainly French wines, but also a few Chilean. The great thing about this restaurant is that the menu is translated into various languages for the convenience of the diner.

Nazca, Calle 74 No 5-28, ☎ +57 1 321-3459, . This Peruvian restaurant serves up to 96 people, and has a 'launch area,' where those waiting for tables can snack. The principle dish of Nazca is ceviche.

SUNA, Camino Natural, Calle 71 No. 4-47, ☎ +57 1 212-3721, .

Organic Restaurant and Market. Suna serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This environmentally-friendly restaurant offers a menu consisting of organic, vegetarian, raw, and vegan dishes.

Tony Roma's, Carrera 6 No. 69 A-20, ☎ +57 1 249-5271. This American chain-restaurant serves traditional American bbq, including short ribs and seafood.

Zona T and Zona Rosa This zone has a mix of good dining, discos, shopping malls and more. It gets crowded on the weekend, and is popular with foreigners.

Bogotá · Drink

Drink

Restaurant Andres Carne de Res

Andres Carne de Res, (Chia), ☎ 863-7880 (acr@andrescarnederes.com), . Andres Carne de Res is actually a little out of town in the town of Chia, but the trip is well worth the effort. Movers, shakers and the beautiful people descend on the sprawling bar, grill and restaurant nightly. The decor is unique, the vibe amazing, and once you are done eating the dancing goes on until the wee hours.

Make sure you have someone to take you home again. Cover: 15,000 COP. Andres D.C. (De Corazon), Calle 82 # 11 - 57, ☎ 863-7880.

Opened in September 2009, this is an extension of the Chia Restaurant right next to la Zona T and thus a lot more accessible. It stretches over 4 floors in the Retiro shopping mall and is a bit more orientated towards dining than partying.

The menu has 32 pages and offers more than 800 options.

Plan on spending a lot of money.

Bogota Beer Company, . Bogota´s very own brewery! Try the "Jirafa" (giraffe) which is a 1 yard long glass full of the Beer of your choice, or the "Campín Calamari" and the "Cedritos Chips" (All dishes are named after Bogota´s most famous neighborhoods).

Cl 85 No 13-06 (Calle 85), ☎ 256-6950.

Cra 11A No 93-94 (Parque de la 93), ☎ 621-9914.

Av 19 No 120-74 (Pepe Sierra), ☎ 214-5464.

Cra 6 No 119-24 (Usaquén), ☎ 620-8444.

Cl 82 No 12-10 (Zona Rosa, in front of the Andino Mall), ☎ 611-1254.

CHA-CHA, Cra. 7 No 32-16, ☎ 350-0202. One of the most exclusive night clubs, located on the 41st floor of what once was the Hilton Hotel, today just an abandoned building. It is located in the "Ball Room" of the old hotel, and keeps the traditional elegant decoration. Crystal Chandeliers meet Electronic music. Has amazing views of the city at night and an amazing terrace to hang out. Frequently visited by world famous DJs. Cover : 15,000 COP. Escobar y Rosas, Cra 4 No 15-01 (Candelaria), ☎ 341-7903. W to Sa : 5pm to 2:30am. Located in La Candalaria and mostly frequented by students, gringo hunters, and backpackers, this pharmacy converted discoteca features a bar and a packed dance floor downstairs. Cover : 10,000 COP. Gato Gris, Cra 1A No 13-12 (Candelaria). This place is just charming in many ways. It is right at the Chorro de Quevedo, the birthplace of Bogotá. It has many nooks and levels, perfect for little intimate gatherings. Great rooftop with fire-

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places and views of downtown Bogotá. Italian dishes are delightful, ceviche not so much.

Gnoveva, Calle 84 Bis No 14A-08. Very cheap. Lower prices, the music and the people are great, no cover and a bottle of aguardiente is $35.000 pesos.

Kubiko Bar, Carrera 12A No 83-49 (Zona T), ☎ ''+57 1'' 236-1613. This bar offers imported beers and great cocktails, they also featured a live DJ that plays the latest electronic music. No cover.

Kukaramakara, Carrera 15 No. 93-57 (Near Lola), ☎ 642-3166, . The environment and decoration of this place has the perfect combination of modern club elements and traditional artesanal environment from Colombia´s ancestors. Also features a local band every Friday and Saturday night that performs Latinamerican singer´s songs. Cover : 15,000 COP. Lola, Cra 15 No 93-37, ☎ 605-4405 (info@lola.com.co), . Frequented mostly by students and people looking to have fun, on a well located spot for lower prices than those found on the "Zona T" or the Park on 93rd St. Cover : 10,000 COP. Pravda, Cll. 83 No 12-20 (Zona T), ☎ 257-2088. Best Martinis in town, also a little pricey. Try the Lychee Martini.

Salto del Angel, Cra 13 No 93A-45 (Parque de la 93), ☎ 622-6437, . One of the coolest spots in Bogota, it is the place to see all the football matches with your buddies, beers and really, really good food on Sundays, and on Saturdays, Fridays and Thursdays it is the place to see all the beautiful people dancing salsa and vallenato music on the tables. Great environment but get there early or make a reservation. Cover : 10,000 COP. Also visit other local nightclubs where most North residents go like Gavanna, Velvet, Amatista, Barbarosa, Salome Pagana (Salsa Dancing club) or Nabu (Most located in the "Zona Rosa" one of the trendiest parts of Bogotá).

Sleep If you are going to stay in Bogota, keep in mind the location; Most low-budget visitors choose to stay in La Candelaria, the colonial neighborhood in the center of the city. There are many cheap, nice hostels where you can meet travelers from all around the world. The historic district as well as all the major museums and some nightlife options are within walking distance. The historic hostel is Platypus, which has been open for more than 15 years, but many newer backpacker hostels have opened recently. Ironically, the area is the one of the most dangerous parts of Bogotá and there have been many reports of robberies with knives. Extreme caution is needed when walking at night, especially in front of hostels. Common precautions apply as in any major south american city : do not walk alone, carry as little cash as possible and leave the passport and

Bogotá · Sleep credit card at the hotel. Pressure from neighborhood groups to oust the remaining criminals has caused police presence to increase but you must always remain cautious. Check the location very carefully before you choose a place to stay, security is worse in the tiny deserted streets uphill and closer to Egypto neighboorhood. You'll find several hotels in the upscale northern districts like Zona T or Parque de la 93. Security won't be an issue but prices are much higher. Nevertheless, you won't have any problem hailing a taxi at 6am in the morning because your hotel would be just around the corner from the nightclub.

On the other hand, you can find low to medium price hotels around downtown or near universities (i.e. Chapinero Neighborhood).

Note that in 2008, two foreign travellers were found dead in La Candelaria area due to drugs. Recently, a Colombian broadcasting company CARACOL filmed about drug tourism in La Candelaria, and the program was a big sensation in Colombia.

Hostels Anandamayi Hostel, Calle 9 No. 2-81 La Candelaria, ☎ (+571) 341-7208 (anandamayihostel@yahoo.com), . Anandamayi is a very comfortable and inexpensive hostel in the most beautiful colonial house in la Candelaria old town. Hostel Prices 9-14 USD. Very nice vibe (the owner is a Buddhist lady), but it is quite a few blocks walk from the Transmilenio (calle 16 vs. calle 9). This area is known to be dangerous at night. Hostels like Fatima are better located.

Bogota B&B hostel, Av. Calle 32 No. 15-63 Teusaquillo (close to transmillenio bus station profamilia), ☎ (+571) 323 2428 (info@bogotabyb.com), . checkout: 10 a.m., but you can stay at the hostel till late night. A 5 min. walk from the national museum and the national parc is a quiet nice safe hostel with nice personal athmosphere. 15 min. walk to Candelaria, but take care at night. The hostel also includes a nice kitchen, clean rooms and dorms, 1 outdoor patio, a big living room with 2 hammocks, TV and DVD-Player, free coffee, good WIFI and 1 Internet terminal (but weak computer), laundry facilities (20,000 COP for 10kg=22pounds of washing and drying) Dorm bed : 18,000 COP / Single with shared bath : 30,000 COP / Twin : 50,000 COP / Double with bath : 60,000 COP. Chapinorte Guesthouse, calle 79 14-59 apto 301 (Zona Rosa), ☎ 3176406716, . Hostel in the Zona Rosa (nightlife area) in the North of Bogotá. Much safer area than La Candelaria. Cable TV and internet access. Also the price includes sheets, blankets, and breakfast.

Hospedaje Cacique Sugamuxi, Calle 15A No. 2-19, La Candelaria, ☎ (+571) 337-4326 (caciquesugamuxi@yahoo.es), .

Upstairs, very secure and a bit quieter than the other english-speakers hangouts. Dorms from COP$ 19.000-45.000.

Hostal Fatima, Calle 14 No. 2-24, La Candelaria, ☎ (+571) 281 6389 / (+571) 283 6411 (contacto@hostalfatima.com), . . Including breakfast costs a little more, Free internet (but old

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hardware). The hostel probably has the most beautiful interior in La Candelaria, but mattresses are not solid enough.

Hot water is limited by electric heating system. They have opened up a bar as well, which can be fun on some nights.

Rates from 18,000 COP. Hostal Martinik, Cr. 4 No. 11-88, La Candelaria, ☎ (+571) 2833180, . checkin: 1pm.; checkout: 12pm.. New Hostal, opened jan. 2010, in a beautiful colonial house in the popular candelaria district. Close to bogotas major sites such as the Botero Museum or the Gold Museum. Offers clean rooms, new mattresses, big fully-equipped kitchen, hot water, laundry facilities such as free (but slow) internet and coffee. It canget a little noisy at night though. There is a big patio area, with hammocks and barbecue and a TVRoom. Hammock: 10.000, Dorms: 15.000 - 24.000, Private and Dobles: 25.000 - 50.000. Every fifth night is half price .

Rates from 10,000 COP to 50,000 COP. Hostal Sue, Calle 16 No. 2-55, La Candelaria, ☎ (+571) 334 8894 (reservations@hostalsue.com), . This hostel is quickly becoming one of the most popular backpacker's hangout, and has expanded to 3 locations. Great facilities including a chill out room and fully equipped kitchens. Right in the center of Bogotà, especially close to the many museums, including Botero and Gold Museum, and the great night life of Candelaria. Hot Water 24hrs. Free bed linen. Safe, clean hostel accommodation. Friendly, helpful staff. Fully Equipped kitchen. Laundry Service. Free Locker. Cable TV with many DVDs. Free Internet Access. Table Tennis. It's also a bit rundown. Rates from 20,000 COP to 55,000 COP. Musicology Hostel, Calle 9 No. 3-15, La Candelaria, ☎ (+571) 286 9093 (contact@musicologyhostel.com), . New hostel opened in 2009, located in a colonial house in La Candelaria district. The hostel offers free breakfast, free internet, bar with food and alcohol, TV room, Spanish classes, hot showers, laundry service. Prices from 15,000 COP. North House Hostel Zona Rosa, Cra. 18 No. 80-66, Zona Rosa, ☎ (+571) 8136398, . checkin: 1pm.; checkout: 12pm..

New Hostel in the heart of the exciting Zona Rosa, much safer than La Candelaria. Close to everything. Offers clean rooms, new mattresses, big fully-equipped kitchen, hot water, laundry facilities, wifi and coffee, and nice private backyard. Dorms: 17.000 - 20.000, Private and Dobles: 25.000 50.000. Rates from 17,000 COP to 20,000 COP. Platypus Hostel, Calle 16 No. 2-43, La Candelaria, ☎ (571) 281 1801 (platypushotel@yahoo.com), . Located in the old Candelaria district, it is owned and run by a friendly and helpful Colombian named German (pronounced 'Herman'). The hostel is usually over-crowded and the facilities are too old, beds are neither good nor clean and hot water is not stable. Prices seem like overcharged as there are better hostels around. However, it's still the most famous place in La Candelaria. The hostel offers free coffee, internet facilities and hot showers. Included in the Platypus portfolio are Platypus 2 and 3, where those wishing to stay for longer can take ad-

Bogotá · Sleep vantage of having their own room at discounted rates. Make sure you book for Platypus in advance as they very seldom have availability on arrival. The best reason for staying here is German's knowledge but he is rarely around nowadays (*At the time of writing, in June 2009, travelers get robbed every night near Platypus. As the location is well-known for local robbers, usually they await victims in front of Platypus at night. Better to avoid staying at Platypus at the moment).

Dorm bed : 18,000 COP / Private rooms from 33,000 COP. The Cranky Croc, Calle 15 No. 3-46 La Candelaria, ☎ (+571) 342 2438 (reservas@crankycroc.com), . In the heart of La Candelaria is the newest and cleanest hostel in Bogota. Run by Aussia ex-pat Andy and his crew, this historic building has been completely remodeled and features a wet bar, indoor barbecue and cafe serving breakfast and the Friday night all you can eat barbecue. The hostel also includes a huge kitchen, clean rooms and dorms with lots of hot water, 2 outdoor patios, free coffee, excellent WIFI and Internet terminals, laundry facilities, and motorcycle/car parking at a small additional fee. Dorm bed : 20,000 COP / Single with shared bath : 40,000 COP / Double with bat : 60,000 COP.

Budget Hotel Aragon, Carrera 3 No. 14-13, ☎ ''57'' 342-5239, ''57'' 284-8325 (fax: ''57'' 342-6387). If the Platypus is full, you can try this hotel a few blocks down. It's actually a hotel so there are no dormitories. The owner has a notorious reputation for fighting with guests. The place is basic and a little dated but the rooms are fairly clean and there's hot water all the time (but it may not be on your floor). If your room faces the street, you may not be able to sleep because of the noise.

Also,be sure to get a receipt when you pay.(You can find other hotel options in the neighborhood if you look). Single room : 25,000 COP with shared bath.

Hotel Dorantes, Calle 13 No. 5-7, La Candelaria, ☎ 3346640 / 3415365 (información@hoteldorentes.com), . Hot water (not electric), beautiful building in need of attention. WiFi may be available (just ask for the key). Clean and friendly. Unique charm and kitsch. Avoid Friday and Saturday night if you plan to fall asleep before 3:00 AM - perfect if you want to join the partying taking place outside. Huge double room : 45,000 COP. Hotel Internacional, Carrera 5 No. 14-45, La Candelaria, ☎ 341-3151 (hotelinternacionalbogota@hotmail.com), . A safe, inexpensive alternative to hostels. Shared bathrooms down the hall with strong hot water. No TV in rooms. Internet computers available in lobby. Shared kitchen available to guests. Tourist information in several languages. Clean private rooms from 17,000 COP.

Mid-range Arlington Place, Calle 109 No. 19-51 Plaza de Navarra Bogota, ☎ +571-6197053, . All rooms have stylish and spacious

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apartments that are equipped with cable TV, coffee/teak maker, fully equipped kitchen, living room, and a private balcony. Some of its amenities are high speed Internet connection, 24-hour security, airport transfers, and laundry services.

Rates on official website start at USD 129.00.

Hotel Lourdes, Calle 63 No. 15-61, ☎ ''57'' 255 36 13 (reservas@hotellourdes.com), . Located nearby the Transmilenio this nice hotel offers great value for money, including free internet and TV. Single rooms with private bath COP $70,000.

Hotel Casa Real, Calle 93A No. 9A-53, ☎ ''57'' 530-4884 (casareal@etb.net.co), . Only 2 blocks from the 93rd St Park and restaurants, this lovely hotel has very spacious suites, excellent service and great breakfasts. Rooms COP$230,000 plus tax.

Hotel San Sebastian, Avenida Jimenez No. 3-97, ☎ ''57'' 337-5031 (snsebastian@etb.net.co), . This comfortable and convenient hotel located in the pleasant area of La Candelaria offers 36 excellent accommodation, a stones throw from the top sights in Bogota.

Hotel Casona del Patio, Carrera 8 No. 69 - 24, ☎ ''57'' 2128805 (reservas@lacasonadelpatio.net), . Located at the G Zone (or Gourmet Zone) in the north of Bogota, the neighborhood is known for its restaurants and the financial sector of the 72 street. COP$120,000.

Hotel Virrey Park, Carrera 15 # 87-94, ☎ 57-1-2181625 57-1-2181606 (reservas@hotelvirreypark.com), .

Hotel Bogotá Virrey, Carrera 15 # 87-06, ☎ 57-1-2568826 57-1-2183949 (reservas@hotelbogotavirrey.com), .

Hotel Excelsior, Carrera 14 # 86A-96, ☎ 57-1-2184311, .

Prisma Suites Chicó, Transv. 23 # 94-26, ☎ 57-1-4859777 57-321-2071268 (diana.severiche@creaservicios.com.co), .

Hotel Confort 80, Carrera 16A # 79-85, ☎ 57-1-6101678 57-1-6101938 57-321-8154376 (reservas@hotelconfort80.com), .

Hotel Chorro de Quevedo, Calle 13 b n. 1-53, Barrio La Candelaria Centro, Bogota, ☎ +57- 1- 3426204, . All the rooms have a bathroom and television with cable (lots of English language channels). The staff are really friendly, and ready and willing to offer travel advice. A great base to explore La Candelaria. Breakfast included.

Bogotá · Stay safe ceived to be. The crime rate per capita shows that it is safer than Washington D.C. and most other Latin American cities, such as Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Caracas, Mexico City and Guatemala City. It is very difficult to find drugs or be forced to buy them unless you go looking for them. Do, however, be careful outside the city especially at night.

Bogota's major safety problems are the drugged, homeless people that are found all around the city and muggers with knives. Avoid walking alone, and also avoid taking cabs in the streets; call them by phone!

Common sense prevails and note that driving a Mercedes through a poor neighborhood may be unpleasant for both you and the locals (just like anywhere else in the world).

Stay healthy Bogotá's water is potable and of great quality. It actually is one of the finest waters in the world, but foreigners may want to mix bottled and tap water for the first few days. Bogotá has no tropical diseases like malaria because of its altitude. Altitude sickness is, in fact, the largest health problem affecting foreigners. Generally, a few days without hard physical activity or time spent in a mid-altitude city like Medellín will do the trick. If you have heart disease or a respiratory condition, talk to your doctor. El Dorado Airport provides wheelchairs for travelers with special needs. Private hospitals offer excellent health care.

Get out Visit nearby towns like Chia, La Calera, Cajica, Tabio, Zipaquira and La Vega. You can find cheap and fast transportation to any of this destinations from the Terminal de transportes and from most, you can return the same day. But it's a good idea to get out, Bogotá is a chaotic city surrounded by lots of relaxed and peaceful places.

Choachí is the best kept secret in town. This small village 50 min. East of Bogotá is reached after climbing up and down a tall mountain, so tall you can see Monserrate at your feet.

Local cooking, hot springs and a great Swiss restaurant await for you at your destination.

Stay safe In the first months of 2011 there have been a large number of armed robberies against tourist establishments, with armed robbers taking over entire hostels and holding tourists to ransom. The Canadian Foreign Affairs Department have updated their travel warnings. Bogota is not as dangerous as it is per-

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Bogotá

Bogotá · News outlets how important food and dancing is for Colombians!!!! Calle 3 # 11A -56 Phone: 863-7880 (Chía) Live music is one the best "rumbiaderos" (nightclubs). It is located about 15 mins north of Bogotá.

Bogotá as a hub to visit other places in Colombia As the capital city is centrally located you can easily visit many distinct destinations as the Amazon Jungle (1.5 hrs by plane), Spanish colonial cities Cartagena or Popayán (1 hr flight), modern cities like Medellín located in an impressive Andean valley or Cali at the foothills of the Andes.

To get to the airport from the city, you may use Taxi or a public buseta (van). As of April 2010, there is currently no Transmilenio route to the airport, as it is under construction. A way to get by public transport is either to go to the Calle 19, which from the Candelaria where most foreigners tend to stay, is only 4-5 blocks away. Catch a bus that says "Aeropuerto". Or go the Avenida 26 which is the street that goes directly to the airport.

Also look for buses that state "Aeropuerto" there. This journey may take around 45 Minutes from the city center depending on the traffic conditions, but is significally cheaper than taking a taxi anywhere in the city (1.300 COP vs. around 25.000 COP).

News outlets The most important media for Bogotá are: Catedral de Sal in Zipaquirá

Catedral de Sal de Zipaquirá, . An impressive Cathedral hewn out of a salt mine in Zipaquira. A visit is by guided tour. English, German, French, and Spanish guides are available. To get there take the Transmilenio to Portal del Norte and then a bus to Zipaquirá (45 min / 3,400 COP). Recommend taking a taxi (4000 COP) as it is a 20-minute uphill walk from where the Zipa bus drops you off. You can walk back through the town and enjoy nice views. The current cathedral is the second construction and opened in 1995 after the first one had to close because of safety concerns. Entrance : 15,000 COP / Wednesday discount : 10,000 COP. Laguna del Cacique Guatavita.

Closed every Monday,Tuesday or Wednesday if Monday is a holiday. This spiritual lake is where the legend of El Dorado originated.

The Muisca Indian King used to have religious ceremony in the middle of the lake, painted all his body with gold dust, and threw gold things offered in sacrifice into the lake. English/Spanish guided tour is available. To get there take the Transmilenio to Portal del Norte and then a bus to Guatavita and ask for another transportation to the lake. This is a little bit complicated, but local police can help. The journey will take little more time than to Zipaquirá. Foreigners : 12,000 COP / Colombians : 8,000 COP.

El Tiempo is the country's largest daily with a heavy focus on the capital.

El Espectador has a liberal point of view and also a heavy focus on Bogotá.

City TV is the local commercial television station.

Radio Santa Fé is the local radio station.

For news and travel information on Bogotá in English: Colombia Reports The City Paper

History The History of Bogotá refers to the history of the area surrounding the Colombian capital city of Bogotá. The area of modern Bogotá was first populated by groups of indigenous people that migrated from mesoamerica. Among these groups were the Muiscas that settled in what is now mainly Cundinamarca and Boyacá. With the arrival of the Spanish colonizers the area became a major settlement, founded by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada and later capital of the Spanish provinces and the seat of the Viceroyalty of New Granada. With independence Bogotá became capital of the Gran Colombia and later the capital of the Republic of Colombia.

Andrés Carne de Res (Restaurant and dance) Amazing steak and a great place to party. Do not miss it if you wanna see

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Bogotá

Culture

Bogotá · Culture the city has replicated the initiative for other music genres, resulting in other recent festivals like Salsa at the Park, Hip Hop at the Park, Ballet at the Park, Opera at the Park, and Jazz at the Park.

Bogotá has worked heavily in recent years to position itself as leader in cultural offerings in South America, and it is increasingly being recognized worldwide as a hub in the region for the development of the arts. In 2007 Bogotá was awarded the title of Cultural Capital of Ibero-America by the UCCI (Union of Capital Cities in Ibero-America), and it became the only city to have received the recognition twice, after being awarded for the first time in 1991.

Architecture La Santa Maria bullring (example of the city's Spanish influence and culture)

El Colegio Mayor de Bartolome, an important building in the historical centre of the city.

Transmilenio in downtown Bogotá

Bogotá has many cultural venues including 58 museums, 62 art galleries, 33 library networks, 45 stage theatres, 75 sports and attraction parks, and over 150 national monuments. Many of these are renowned globally such as: The Luis Angel Arango Library, the most important in the region which receives well over 6 million visitors a year; The Colombian National Museum, one of the oldest in the Americas, dating back to 1823; The Ibero-American Theater Festival, largest of its kind in the world, receives 2 million attendees enjoying over 450 performances across theaters and off the street; The Bogotá Philharmonic is the most important symphony orchestra in Colombia, with over 100 musicians and 140 performances a year; The Cristobal Colon Theater, the Country's oldest Opera House, opened in 1892, is home to the National Symphony Association's major act, the National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia; Rock al Parque or Rock at the Park, the most important open air rock music festival in Latin America. Recurring annually, it gathers over 320,000 music fans who can enjoy over 60 band performances for free during three days a year. The series have been so successful during its 15 years of operation that

Eje Ambiental

The urban morphology and typology of colonial buildings in Bogotá have been maintained since the late nineteenth century, long after the independence of Colombia (1810). This persistence of the colonial setting is still visible, particularly in La Candelaria, the historical center of Bogotá. Also kept up are the colonial houses of two stories, with courtyards, gabled roofs, ceramic tiles and balconies. In some cases, these balconies were filled with glass during the Republican period, a distinguishing feature of the architecture of the sector (for example, the House of Rafael Pombo).

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Bogotá

"Republican Architecture" was the style that prevailed between 1830 and 1930. Although there were attempts to consolidate a modern architectural language, the only examples seen are University City and White City at the National University of Colombia (constructed 1936 to 1939). This work was developed by German architect James Daly, although architects of rationalist trends participated in the design of campus buildings. We also see in Bogotan architecture trends such as art deco, expressionism and organic architecture. This last trend was typified by Bogotan architects in the second half of the twentieth century such as Rogelio Salmona.

In 2006 Bogotá won The Golden Lion Award at the Tenth International Architecture Exhibition of the Venice Biennale of Architecture, in recognition of "their efforts towards social inclusion, education, housing and public space, particularly through innovations in transportation."

Although renowned for its beautiful preservation of colonial architecture, there are also significant contemporary architecture examples found in the downtown and at the north of the city.

In 2014 BD Bacatá will be inaugurated, taking the place from Colpatria tower to become the tallest building of the city. The building its expected to be the beginning of the city's downtown renovation.

Bogotá · Culture Bank of the Republic are the two largest public libraries in the city. The first is the repository of more than two million volumes, with an important collection of ancient books. The latter has almost two million volumes. 45 thousand square meters in size, it hosts 10 thousand visitors a day. Bank of the Republic depends also on the Library Alfonso Palacio Rudas, north of the city, with about 50 thousand volumes. Other large public libraries are the Library of Congress in Colombia (with 100 thousand volumes), of the Instituto Caro y Cuervo (with nearly 200 thousand volumes, the largest Latin American library in Philology and Linguistics), the Library of the Academy of History The Library of the Academy of Language, the Library of the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History ICANH, and many university libraries.

Bogotá is home to historical records housed the General National Archive, a collection of about 60 million documents, one of the largest repositories of primary historical sources in Latin America. Bogotá is also home to the Musical Archive of the Cathedral of Bogotá (with thousands of books and choral songcolonial period), the Archdiocesan Archive, the Archive of the Conciliar Seminary of Bogotá, the Archive History National University of Colombia and the Archive of the Mint in Bogotá, under the Bank of the Republic.

Museums and galleries

Libraries and archives In 2007 Bogotá was named World Book Capital by UNESCO. Bogotá is the first Latin American city to receive this recognition, and the second one in the Americas after Montreal. It stood out in programs, the library network and the presence of organizations that, in a coordinated manner, are working to promote books and reading in the city. Several specific initiatives for the World Book Capital program have been undertaken with the commitment of groups, both public and private, engaged in the book sector.

The city is home to the Biblored, an institution which administers 16 small and four large public libraries (Biblioteca Virgilio Barco, Biblioteca El Tintal, Biblioteca El Tunal and Biblioteca Julio Mario Santodomingo). It also has six branches of the Library Network of the Family Compensation Fund Colsubsidio and libraries and documentation centers attached to institutions like the Museo Nacional de Colombia (specializing in old books, catalogs and art), Museum of Modern Art in Bogotá, the Alliance Francaise, and the Centro Colombo Americano.

Another set of libraries are the new collaborative initiatives between the state, city and international agencies. Examples are the Cultural Center Gabriel García Marquez, custom designed by the Fondo de Cultura Economica in Mexico, and the Spanish Cultural Center, which will begin construction with public funds and of the Spanish Government in downtown Bogotá.

The National Library of Colombia (1777) under the Ministry of Culture and the Biblioteca Luis Angel Arango (1958) under the

National Museum of Colombia

The city offers 58 museums and over 70 art galleries. The National Museum of Colombia has acquisitions divided into four

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Bogotá

collections: art, history, archeology and ethnography. The Gold Museum, with 35 thousand pieces of tumbaga gold, along with 30 thousand objects in ceramic, stone and textiles, represents the largest collection of pre-Columbian gold in the world.

The Botero Museum has 123 works of Fernando Botero and 87 works by international artists. The Museum of Modern Art in Bogotá has a collection of graphic arts, industrial design and photography. The Museum of Colonial Art is home to an important collection of colonial art from Colombia. Fundación Gilberto Alzate Avendaño hosts activities related to the performing arts and shows temporary exhibits of art in its halls and galleries.

Bogotá · Culture Bogotá has its own film festival, the Bogotá Film Festival, and many theatres, showing both contemporary films and art cinema.

The main cultural center of the city is the La Candelaria, historic center of the city, with a concentration of universities and museums. In 2007 Bogotá was designated the Ibero-American cultural Capital of Iberoamerica.

Sports

Among the scientific museums are the Archeological Museum – Casa del Marqués de San Jorge, which has about 30 thousand pieces of pre-Columbian art, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales (UN), one of the four largest museums of natural sciences in Latin America, and the Geological Museum, which has a collection specializing in Geology and Paleontology.

Bogotá has historical museums like the Casa Museo Jorge Eliecer Gaitan, the Museum of Independence (Museo de la Independencia), the Quinta de Bolivar and the Casa Museo Francisco José de Caldas, as well as the headquarters of Maloka and the Children's Museum of Bogotá. New museums include the Art Deco and the Museum of Bogotá.

Theater and scenic arts

The "Nemesio Camacho el Campin" Stadium.

The District Institute for Recreation and Sport promotes recreation, sports and use of the parks in Bogotá, a city where according to 1998 estimates only 10% of the people play sports, and only 0.7% do so regularly.

Football has been declared a symbol of Bogotá, and is widely played in the city. Colombian professional Football is popular. There are three professional clubs in the city, Millonarios, La Equidad, and Santa Fe. The nineteen titles won by two of these teams (Millonarios have 13 and Santa Fe have six) make Bogotá second only to Cali in number of championships won. The main football stadium is the Estadio Nemesio Camacho El Campin (known as the Campin Stadium), which is the headquarters of the Colombia national Football team, where they won the Copa América in 2001.

Teatro Colón (Christopher Colombus Theater)

Besides the Ibero-American Theater Festival, the city has fortyfive theaters; the principal ones are the Colon Theater, the National Theater with its two venues, the traditional TPB Hall, the Theater of La Candelaria, the Carmarin Theater of Carmen (over 400 years old, formerly a convent), the Colsubsidio, and a symbol of the city, the renovated Teatro Jorge Eliecer Gaitan (the highest capacity currently in South America), León de Greiff Auditorium (home of the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra), and the Open Air Theater "La Media Torta", where musical events are also held.

Other major sporting venues are the covered Coliseum El Campin, the aquatic complex of Parque Simón Bolívar, the Sports Palace, and the El Salitre Sports venue which includes the Velódromo Luis Carlos Galán (which hosted the 1995 UCI Track Cycling World Championships) and Diamond El Salitre ballpark.

Bogotá hosted the first Bolivarian Games held in 1938. The city hosted the National Games in 2004, winning the championship. It was a sub-venue Bolivarian Pan American Games. In addition, the city on the route of the Tour of Colombia.

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Bogotá

Religion

Bogotá · Culture Candelaria and the International Centre are some of the main sectors where a number of international restaurants are found.

Typical dishes of Bogotá include the Ajiaco, a delightful soup prepared with chicken, a variety of potatoes, cob, and "guascas" (a spice), usually served with sour cream and capers.

Tamale is a very traditional dish here. Colombian tamal is a paste made with rice, meat or chicken, chickpea, carrot, and spices, wrapped in plantain leaves and steam cooked.

Figs with arequipe, strawberries with cream, postre de natas and cuajada con melao are some of the main desserts offered in the city. Canelazo is a hot drink from the Altiplano prepared with aguapanela, cinnamon and aguardiente.

Parks and recreation There are many parks, many with facilities for concerts, plays, movies, storytellers and other activities.

Church of Our Lady of Lourdes.

As in the rest of Colombia, the value of family unity is quite important in Bogotan society, which is especially prominent in religious celebrations and special times of the year.

Historically, the city has had a tradition of attachment to Roman Catholicism, although the 1991 Constitution has facilitated the presence of Protestant movements and other religious groups in the population.

Proof of this religious tradition is the number of churches built in the historic city center. The city has been seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Bogotá since March 22, 1564. The seat of the Archbishop is the Cathedral of Colombia; the archdiocese itself is located in new buildings in the north of the city.

The city has a Muslim mosque located in the area of Chapinero, the main Jewish synagogue located on 94th street, also called State of Israel avenue, an Orthodox church located in Chapinero, and the main Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located on the street North Highway 127. There are four Buddhist centers located in the north of the city, and there are Protestant churches in different parts of the city.

Gastronomy A broad array of restaurants can be visited in Bogotá where typical and international food can be enjoyed. The G Zone, La

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Restaurants

Restaurants · Top Best Restaurants place Cra 13 con Calle 85, Bogota, Colombia

Restaurants

Restaurants

Top Best Restaurants Mini Mal

place Carrera 4A # 57 - 52, Bogota, Colombia

Tapas Macarena

place Carrera 4A No 26-01, Bogota, Colombia

69 Oyster Bar

place Calle 69a # 5-59, Bogota, Colombia

Central Cevicheria

price $19 - $26 place Cra 13 con Calle 85, Bogota, Colombia

La Brasserie

price $19 - $101 place Carrera 13 No. 85-35, Bogota, Colombia

Crepes & Waffles

La Brasserie

price $21 - $101 place Carrera 13 No. 85-35, Bogota, Colombia

Crepes & Waffles

place Ac 13 No 4 55, Bogota, Colombia

Crepes and Waffles

price $4 - $11 place Avenida 19 No. 120-16, Bogota, Colombia

hostaria shardana

price $9 - $14 place 13 Cra 3 13-79 | Cra 3 No 13-79, Bogota 11001000, Colombia

Las Cuatro Estaciones

place Cr 8A # 98-38, Bogota, Colombia

wok

place Av 19 con 121, Bogota, Colombia

place Ac 13 No 4 55, Bogota, Colombia

Crepes and Waffles

Top Italian

hostaria shardana

luna

price $6 - $9 place Avenida 19 No. 120-16, Bogota, Colombia price $9 - $16 place 13 Cra 3 13-79 | Cra 3 No 13-79, Bogota 11001000, Colombia

Cafe Amarti

place Cr 8A # 98-38, Bogota, Colombia

price $14 - $21 place Calle 119 # 6-24, Bogota, Colombia

wok

Il Filetto

Cafe Amarti

Bellini

Las Cuatro Estaciones

place Av 19 con 121, Bogota, Colombia cuisine Italian price $16 - $21 place Calle 119 # 6-24, Bogota, Colombia

place Calle 120A No. 6A - 04, Bogota, Colombia price $16 - $21 place Calle 25B No. 68B - 10 Local 110, Bogota, Colombia

Trattoria Nuraghe

cuisine South American, Barbecue, Steakhouse place Calle 82 No 12-21 | Zona Rosa, Bogota, Colombia

price $5 - $15 place Calle 12b no. 1-26 | La Candelaria Centro Historico, Bogota 11001000, Colombia

La Taperia

hibrido cafe

Andres Carne de Res

cuisine Spanish place Cr 4a No 26b-12 | Macarena, Bogota, Colombia

Harry Sasson

price $26 - $101 place Calle 70 #5-57, Bogota 111221, Colombia

Di Lucca

price $24 place Carrera 13 No 85-32, Bogota, Colombia

Top Young couples Mini Mal

place Carrera 4A # 57 - 52, Bogota, Colombia

Tapas Macarena

place Carrera 4A No 26-01, Bogota, Colombia

69 Oyster Bar

place Calle 69a # 5-59, Bogota, Colombia

Central Cevicheria price $21 - $26

price $14 - $21 place ZONA T, Bogota, Colombia

place Bogota, Colombia

Via Maria

price $11 - $16 place Calle 83 No 12A-11, Bogota, Colombia

Pozzeto

price $29 place CRA 7 NO. 61-24, Bogota, Colombia

Bellini

price $14 - $19 place Cra 13 N. 83-52, Bogota, Colombia

El Patio Restaurante-Cafe Bogota

place Carrera 4 A No 27 - 86, Bogota, Colombia

Top Asian Watakushi

cuisine Japanese price $14 - $21 place Cra. 12 # 83 - 17, Bogota, Colombia

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Restaurants

Restaurants · Top Asian

WOK

cuisine Asian price $21 - $24 place 93 B cr 12 - 28, Bogota, Colombia

Hatsuhana

cuisine Japanese price $26 - $101 place Kr 21 no 100-43, Bogota, Colombia

Via Maria

cuisine Asian, Italian, Pan-Asian, Peruvian price $11 - $14 place Calle 83 No 12A-11, Bogota, Colombia

Restaurante Irani cafeSharzad

cuisine Asian price $11 - $16 place Carrera 16 No 48 - 79, Bogota, Colombia

Tanoshii Lounge & Sushi Bar

cuisine Bar, Japanese, Sushi place Av El Dorado No 69b - 53 | Bogota Marriott hotel, Bogota 00000, Colombia

Kung Fu

cuisine Asian place Cll 23 No 7-33, Bogota, Colombia

Teriyaki Sushi Bar

cuisine Asian, Asian fusion, Sushi place Calle 69 A No. 05- 79, Bogota, Colombia

Arigato

cuisine Sushi, Japanese, Seafood place Calle 76 No. 12-22, Bogota, Colombia

la fragata

cuisine Colombian, Argentinean, Asian fusion, Asian, Barbecue, Donuts, P place calle 100 # 9 30, Bogota, Colombia

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Useful info

Useful info · Sunrise/Sunset

Useful info

Useful info

Sunrise/Sunset Sun will rise at 06:00:55 and will set at 18:07:12 in local time.

Useful phrases English

Spanish

Welcome Hello Hello(on phone) Good morning Good afternoon Good evening Good night, Night night, Nighty Night, Good night, sleep tight, hope the bedbugs don't bite!

Goodbye How are you?

Reply Long time no see What's your name?

My name is ...

Where are you from?

I come from ...

Pleased to meet you Good luck Cheers! Bottoms up! Down the hatch! Mud in your eye!

Bon appetit! Enjoy your meal! (frm) Enjoy! Tuck in! Get stuck in!

Eat already! (inf/slang) Happy eating! Get your laughing gear round this! (inf/slang) Bon voyage / have a good journey Excuse me Sorry How much is this? / How much does this cost?

Please Thank you Thank you very much Thank you kindly Thanks a lot Many thanks Thanks Cheers Ta (used mainly in northen England) You're welcome Don't mention it My pleasure No problem No probs Not a problem No worries No big deal Where's the toilet / lavatory / bathroom / restroom / powder room / gents/ladies? Where's the loo / bog / dunny / little boys'/ girls' room? (inf/slang) Have a nice day Get well soon Would you like to dance with me?

I love you I don't understand Please say that again Please speak more slowly

Bienvenido (sg) Bienvenidos (pl) ¡Hola! ¡Diga! ¡Dígame! ¿Sí? ¿Bueno? ¡Hola! ¿Aló?

Buenos días Buenas tardes Buenas tardes / Buenas noches Buenas noches Adiós, Hasta luego, Hasta la vista, Hasta mañana ¿Cómo está usted? (frm) ¿Cómo estás? (inf) Bien gracias, ¿y usted? (frm) Bien gracias, ¿y tú? (inf) ¡Cuánto tiempo! ¡Tanto tiempo sin verte! ¿Cómo te llamas? (inf) ¿Cómo se llama Usted? (frm) Me llamo ... Mi nombre es ... ¿De dónde eres? (inf) ¿De dónde es usted? (frm) Soy de ...

Mucho gusto Encantado ¡Buena suerte! ¡Salud! ¡Buen provecho! ¡Buen apetito! ¡Que aproveche!

¡Buen viaje! ¡Perdón! ¡Perdone! ¡Discúlpe! ¡Perdón! ¡Perdone! ¡Lo siento! ¿Cuánto cuesta? ¿Cuánto cuesta esto?

Por favor Gracias Muchas gracias

De nada No hay de qué ¿Dónde están los aseos ¿Dónde están los sanitarios? ¿Dónde está el baño? ¿Dónde está el cuarto de baño? ¡Que pase un buen día!

Que te mejores Que te mejores pronto ¡Recupérate pronto!

Pronta recuperación ¿Querría bailar conmigo? (frm) ¿Querrías bailar conmigo? (inf) ¿Quisiera bailar conmigo? (frm) ¿Quisieras bailar conmigo? (inf) Te amo / Te quiero No entiendo No comprendo ¿Me lo puede repetir, por favor? ¿Puede repetirlo, por favor?

Por favor hable más despacio

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Useful info

English

Useful info · Passport and Visa Spanish

Can you please write it down?

How do you say ... in english?

Do you speak english?

Yes, a little Leave me alone!

Help!

¿Puede escribirlo, por favor? ¿Cómo se dice ... en español? ¿Habla usted español? (frm) ¿Hablas español? (inf) Sí, hablo un poquito de español Sí, un poco ¡Déjeme en paz! ¡Ayúdame! ¡Socorro! ¡Auxilio!

Passport and Visa

Passport required

Return ticket required

Visa required

Australian British Canadian Other EU USA

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

No No No No/1 No

Passports: A valid passport is required by all nationals referred to in the chart above to enter Colombia. Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days after entering the country, but it is recommended that it is valid for at least six months. You should have at least two free pages in your passport.

Entry with children: No restrictions on entry with children; however children of Colombian nationality must have the written consent of both parents to travel without them, even if travelling on another nation’s passport.

Visas: Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except the following: 1. nationals of Bulgaria.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements.

Visa note: Nationals stated in the above chart will be issued with an entry stamp on arrival which will be valid for up to 90 days (this is at the discretion of the airport official; the stated nationals are often only given 30 or 60 days); extensions for up to a further 120 days (in 30day instalments) are available from the Department of Administration and Security in Colombia; all stated nationals are permitted to stay for a maximum of 180 days in any 12-month period, though this is not an unconditional right and is not guaranteed.

Types and cost: Nationals should check with the embassy or consulate of Colombia for visa cost as fees are fixed according to the exchange rate.

The fee for a Tourist visa is generally £35. A Temporary Visitor visa costs £65 although the above nations are again exempt. Work and Business visas cost £130 whilst Student visas are £30. Payments for consular services have to be paid in cash at the Colombian Consulate.

Validity: Tourist and Temporary Visitor: Valid six months (multiple entry). Business: Valid four years for multiple entries with maximum stays of one year each. Work: Valid for two years with multiple entry. Student: Valid for one year with multiple entry.

Transit:

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Useful info

Useful info · Emergency numbers

Transit passengers do not require a visa or to pay departure tax providing they do not leave the airport and make their connecting flight within 24 hours of arrival.

Application to: Consulate (or consular section at embassy).

Schengen visas: Colombia is not part of the Schengen visa scheme.

Temporary residence: Enquire at the consulate for forms and details on how to obtain temporary residence in Colombia.

Working days: It is generally advised to allow plenty of time for applications, but visas should in theory be issued within five days.

Sufficient funds: You may be asked to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover your costs in Colombia. Up-to-date bank statements showing more than £1,000 will suffice. In practice, this is rarely requested.

Entry documents: Apart from your passport, you are theoretically required to show an onward or return ticket. In practice, this is rarely required.

Extension of stay: You may be able to extend your stay by up to 120 days. You should apply to the Department of Administration and Security once in Colombia.

Entry restrictions: Colombia has imposed travel restrictions on those with HIV/AIDS. Exemptions may be obtained; check with your country’s Colombian embassy. A Yellow Fever certificate may be necessary if you are planning to visit the jungle areas of Colombia.

Entry with pets: You can take your pet to Colombia provided they have been vaccinated against rabies (unless coming from a rabies-free country or under four months old), distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis and parvovirus, and they have a licensed vet’s certificate. However, for the purpose of travelling it is best to leave pets at home.

Emergency numbers Police: 156, 112 or 123 (landlines and mobile phones) Medical: 132, 112 or 123 (landlines and mobile phones) Fire: 119, 112 or 123 (landlines and mobile phones) Notes: Traffic accidents 127, GAULA (anti-kidnapping) 165. More specialized three-digit numbers are available; check the local Yellow Pages for more information.

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Maps

Maps · Map index

Maps

Maps

Map index

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Maps

Maps · A0

A0

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Maps

Maps · A1

A1

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Maps

Maps · A2

A2

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Maps

Maps · A3

A3

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Maps

Maps · B0

B0

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Maps

Maps · B1

B1

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Maps

Maps · B2

B2

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Maps

Maps · B3

B3

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References

References ·

Reasonable care has been taken in creating this personalized travel guide by combining information from the sources identified under the section 'references'. However, the information is provided 'as is' and there is no warranty about the information in the guide being accurate, complete or up to date. To the maximum extent permitted under applicable law, all liability arising from the use of this guide will be denied. Verifying critical information (like visas, health and safety) before you travel is recommended.

References

References

Bogotá data is from Wikitravel, urls: – http://www.wikitravel.com This page was last edited at 16:25, on 13 June 2011 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Menchu Valderama and jan, Wikitravel user(s) Ikan Kekek, Texugo and Rafcha, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel and others.

City info data is from Wikipedia, urls: – http://www.wikipedia.com Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of use for details. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.

Weather data is from Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation yr.no, urls: – http://www.yr.no/place/Colombia/Bogotá/Bogotá/ Sunset data is from Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation yr.no, urls: – http://www.yr.no/place/Colombia/Bogotá/Bogotá/ Currency data is from Xavier Finance Api, urls: – http://finance.xaviermedia.com/ Maps data is from Yahoo Local Maps, OpenStreetMap, Qype, urls: – http://maps.yahoo.com – http://www.openstreetmap.org – http://www.qype.com

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Notes

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Notes

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