Bogota is the capital city of Colombia. With a population of about 8 million people,
Bogota sits approximately 8,660 feet (2640 meters) above sea level in the Andean
Highlands. Orientation is relatively easy, as the mountains to the east are generally
visible from most parts of the city.
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 and Central America. Bogota is
divided by 4 sections: The south which is mainly the poorer section of the city , El
Centro where the main financial headquarters are established, El Occidente which
is where Bogota's main middle and some upper class lives, and The North which is
where most of the affluent live and where you will find many upscale boutiques,
cafes, nightclubs, and many new multinational headquarters.
Bogotá was originally called "Bacatá" (which means “planted fields”) by the Muiscas.
It was the center of their civilization before the Spanish explorers colonized the area,
and it sustained a large population. The European settlement was founded in
August 6, 1538 by Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada and was named "Santa Fé de
Bacatá" after his birthplace Santa Fé and the local name. "Bacatá" had become the
modern "Bogotá" by the time it was made the capital of the New Kingdom of
Granada, which was then part of the Viceroyalty of Peru, and later of the Viceroyalty of
New Granada. The city soon became one of the centers of Spanish colonial power
and civilization in South America.
In 1810-11 its citizens revolted against Spanish rule and set up a government of their
own, but had to contend with internal divisions and the temporary return to power of
Spanish military loyalists who retook the city in 1816. In 1819 Simón Bolívar
recaptured it after his victory at Boyacá. Bogotá was then made the capital of Gran
Colombia, a federation combining the territories of modern Panama, Colombia,
Venezuela, and Ecuador. When Gran Colombia was broken up, Bogotá remained
the capital of New Granada, which later became the Republic of Colombia. See
History of Colombia.
In 1956 the municipality was joined to other neighboring municipalities forming a
"Special District" (Spanish: Distrito Especial). The Constitution of 1991 confirmed
Bogotá as the Capital of Colombia, gave it the name "Santa Fe de Bogotá", and
changed the category from Special District to "Capital District" (Distrito Capital).
In August 2000 the name was officially changed back to simply "Bogotá". The local
government consists of a Capital District. Samuel Moreno Rojas was elected Mayor
of Bogotá for the period 2008-2011.
Bogotá is located in the centre of the country, on the east of the Savannah of Bogotá
(Sabana de Bogotá), 2640 meters (8661 feet) above sea level. Although "sabana",
as it is popularly called, is literally "savannah", the geographical site is actually a
high plateau in the Andes mountains. The extended region is also known as
"Altiplano Cundiboyacense" which literally means "high plateau of Cundinamarca
and Boyaca"
The Bogotá River crosses the 'sabana' forming Tequendama Falls to the south.
Tributary rivers form valleys with flourishing villages, whose economy is based on
agriculture, livestock raising and artisanal production.
PLACE TO VISIT
Gold Museum - The Gold Museum is unique and you wont find a better place to
see the pre-spanish artwork on gold. The museum is under renovation, that will last
until december 2007. The collection is stored in 'Banco de la Republica Art
Collection' building, and it's free of charge but not all the collection is exhibited.
Casa de Moneda - next to Museo Botero. Has a collection of Colombian coins
and the history of moneymaking.
Museo Nacional Carrera - 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
Museum of modern art of Bogota - 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.
Banco de la Republica Art Collection - 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.
Museum of Colonial Art Calle - 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.
Hacienda Santa Bárbara - 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. Famous for its cafés (some of them nationally renowned), is not as crowded as
other malls.
Usaquén - a rather new "cool" section of Bogota. 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.
La Zona T - which is another chic area of Bogota which 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 much more.
Maloka - Situated in the Upper/Middle Class neighborhood of El Salitre is Maloka
which is a science museum one of the only ones built in South America. The
highlight is its Dome Theatre
Monserrate - a true beautiful panoramic view of the city its only a funicular ride
away which will cost about 11,000 pesos round trip. You can have the most amaizing
views and also enjoy the best colombian food up there, remember to get a good
coat, because up there is very cold. Also on sunday is a very crowded place, so be
ready to get into a long line.
Torre Colpatria - Bogota's tallest building and one of South Americas tallest
buildings is located in El Centro. You can visit the panoramic deck on the top of
building on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays make it a must see.
Catedral de Sal - is located in nearby Zipaquira. This is a MUST. You will not
regret it. About two hours to get there, you can grab a bus to nearby Zipaquira and go
to see the amazing church carved into the mountain. Several artists participated in
the conversion of this former salt mine into a Catholic church. The town is small but
has at least a few restaurants and many taxis to take you back to the city.
WHAT TO DO
Iberoamerican Theater Festival, the biggest theater festival in the world (occurs every
two years in April).
Take a cab or Transmilenio to a working class neighborhood in the southside (ask
someone in the front desk where to go, most likely they live in the southside
themselves and can tell you of a good place to go). Sit down in a 'panaderia'
(bakery), order a colombiana (soda) and some good bread...sit down and breathe
the environment of the regular Colombian...don't narrow yourself to the upscale
Norte.
Nightclubs and other cool spots
CHA-CHA:One of the most exclusive night clubs, located on 7th avenue and 33rd
Street on the 41st floor of what once was The Hilton Hotel, today just and 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 amzing views of
the city at night and an amazing terrace to hang out. Frequently visited by world
famous DJs. Cover:$15.000=
Salto del Angel:One of the coolest spots in Bogota, located in the Park at 93rd Street,
it is the place to see all the futbol 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
Andres Carne de Res: 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. The website will give
you a better idea of the style of the place than anything I can tell you. www.
andrescarnederes.com. Cover: $10.000
Lola:Located on 15 Avenue and 92nd Street. Frequented mostly by students and
people looking to have fun, on a well located spot for lower prices as those found on
the "Zona T" or the Park on 93rd St. Cover: $10.000=
Bogota Beer Company: Bogota´s very own brewery! You can find one in almost every
corner! Some of the locations are: Parque de Usaquén, Park at 93rd Street, Zona T
(In front of the Andino Mall) and 122 Street with 19th Avenue. Try the "Jirafa" (giraffe)
wich 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).
Pravda: Located in the "Zona T". Best Martinis in town, also a little pricey. Try the
Lychee Martini.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - The city is served by El Dorado International Airport ~20 minutes from
downtown in a taxi), that receives several flights daily from New York, Atlanta,
Toronto, Montreal, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Paris, Barcelona, Buenos Aires,
Havana, Panama City, Caracas, Curacao, Fort Lauderdale, Alicante, Madrid, Mexico
City, Lima, San Jose, Montego Bay, Quito, Sao Paulo, Rio De Janiero, Santiago de
Chile, La Paz, Aruba, and other South and Central American cities. Many
international airlines such as Delta, COntinental, Air France, Varig, LAN, American
Airlines, Aerogal, Iberia, Copa, Mexicana, Taca, Air Canada and others serve El
Dorado. Domestic flights are served by many airlines including Avianca (main
Colombia airline), AeroRepublica (an 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. Taxis are regulated, reasonably priced and safe from the airport. El Dorado
Airport is under a complete makeup, wich will end in 2012 and will make it bigger
and more confortable. El Dorado is also the third busiest airport in Latin America
and the largest by cargo movement. A taxi ride from the airport to the center takes
approximately 15 minutes.
By bus - The safety of bus travel in Colombia has greatly improved in recent
years. However, foreigners should take precaution of not traveling 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.
Currently buses run in and out of Bogota's main station, El Terminal de Transporte
de Bogota. The station is clean and has standard amenities. Located at Calle 33 B,
No 69-59, Multiple bus companies have regular routes to destinations around the
country. To get there from the airport you can take a short taxi ride. Terminal's
Website
The Terminal is divided in several color-coded areas that indicate the destinations to
which comapanies in that area travel to. Yellow= South Blue= East and West Red=
North Purple=Packages
Search Engine by Destination Destino=Destination Empresa=Bus Company. Simply
enter destination and a list of companies serving that route will return along with
average prices.
