Bogota
Bogota is the capital city of Colombia.
Understand
With a population of about 8 million people, Bogota sits approximately 8,660 feet (2640 meters) above the 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 American influences, which ensures that anything from traditional dishes (Ajiaco) to sushi or fast food restaurants can be found. Its 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 Bogotas 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.
Districts of Bogota
North Bogota
Santa Barbara La Carolina El Chico El Retiro El Nogal Los Rosales Lisboa Antigua La Calleja La Bella Suiza El Lago Cedritos Usaquen
Central Bogota
Chapinero La Candelaria El Centro Barrio Egipto Teausaquillo
Occidente
El Salitre Alamos Norte Modelia Normandia Los Heroes
Get in
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, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Madrid, Mexico City, and other South and Central American cities. National flights from Avianca are served from the Puente Aereo, next to El Dorado, and features WiFi access to the Internet from almost every location. Taxis are regulated, reasonably priced and safe from the airport. A taxi ride from the airport to the center takes approximately 20 minutes.
By bus
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.
Get around
The city of Bogota is built on a grid system. Carreras (streets) are abbreviated as Cr, K and Crs and run parallel to the mountains from South to North.
The calles (also streets) cross the Carreras and run from East to West. Calles are abbreviated as C, 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. This indicates that the building on Calle 16 is 43 meters from the corner of Carrera 2 towards Carrera 3.
By taxi
Taxi cabs are ubiquitous and affordable. They can be flagged down anywhere. Also they can be called by phone, at no extra charge. They guarantee more security.
By bus
Bogota's new Transmilenio rapid bus service is extremely affordable, clean and efficient and carries commuters to numerous corners of the city. While the Transmilenio is expansive, there are some main routes that are not yet reached.
By 'colectivo'
Colectivos cover practically every major route of the city, and can generally be flagged down at any point on a main road. Watch these small buses for lists of destinations displayed on their windshields, or ask the driver (in Spanish) if he passes the neighborhood or intersection you are going to. Not very comfortable, but cheap and can take you almost anywhere.
By Bicycle
Renting a bike and having a ride on Bogota's modern Ciclo-Ruta is a very exiting and healthy way to get to know the city and get closer to the people. There are certain rules that must be followed: Helmet must be worn when riding, also a reflective vest must be worn. The bicycle must have reflective panels in the wheels and back.
See
- El Museo del Oro =>, Calle 16 #5-41, Tel:(571)2847450, Fax:(571)3432222. Impressive collection of gold en precolumbian artifacts. Don't miss this museum. Open: Tu to Sa 9am-7pm and Su/holidays 10am-5pm. Entrance is free on Sunday.
- Donación Botero, Calle 11 #4-41, Tel: 1-343-1331. Collection of paintings donated by Botero to Bogota. Besides work of Botero the collection contains work from Picasso, Renoir, Monet, Dali and others. Entrance free. Open: Mo & We-Fr 10am-8pm, Sa 10am-7pm and Su 10am-4pm.
- Casa de Moneda, next to Museo Botero. Has a collection of Colombian coins and the history of moneymaking.
- 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. Famous for its cafés (some of them nationally renowned), is not as crowded as other malls.
- Usaquén a rather new "chic" section of Bogota.
- La Candelaria, the historical neighborhood in Bogota.
- La Macarena is a bohemian neighborhood full of artsy cafes, and art galleries.
- Unicentro, a very modern mall with many western retail shops.
- Parque de la 93 which is a trendy section of Bogota with nightclubs, and cafes frequently visited by Bogotas "jet set". Highly recommended El Salto del Angel restaurant.
- 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, Bally, 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.
- Monserrate a true beautiful panoramic view of the city its only a funicular ride away which will cost about 11,000 pesos round trip.
- Torre de Colpatria Bogotas tallest building and one of South Americas tallest building is located in El Centro it has visits to the top of building on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays make it a must see.
Learn
Bogota has numerous educational institutes.
Some of the better known universities include: Javeriana, Los Andes University and National University, however there are many privately and publicly funded universities.
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. Employment doing translation or English editing is possible to find under the table.
Buy
- Inexpensive handicrafts and jewelry from vendors
- Coffee-based products
- Leather handbags, shoes, and wallets.
- Upscale Shopping Malls
Unicentro Centro Andino El Retiro Atlantis Plaza Hacienda Santa Barbara Santa Ana Palatino
Drink
- Coffee-based drinks are excellent
- Bogotan hot chocolate (with local cheese) is preferred in breakfasts
- Escobar in La Candelaria is popular with students on Thursday night. Cheap, good quality cocktails (the best Martini in Bogotá).
- Aguardiente is a must for all tourists it can be found at all cafes, bars
Sleep
- Platypus Hostel, C 16 No. 2 - 43, La Candelaria, =>. Located in the old Candelaria district is owned and run by an extremely friendly and helpful Colombian named German. The hostel offers free coffee, internet facilities and hot showers. A dorm bed costs COP$13.000. Included in the Platypus portfolio are Platypus 2 and 3, where those wishing to stay for longer can take advantage of having their own room at discounted rates.
- Hotel Aragon, Carrera 3 No. 14-13, 571 342-52-39, 571 284-83-25, fax 571 342-63-87. If the platypus is full you can try this hotel a few blocks down. A room costs COP$15.000 per person.
Stay safe
Bogota is considered to be somewhat of an unsafe city but is yet safer than many other worldwide cities, however if precautions are taken, it is unlikely that travellers will be affected.
Get out
- Catedral del Sal is an impressive Cathedral hewn out of a salt mine in Zipaquira. A visit is by guided tour. The entrance fee is COP$10 000 or half that when you buy your ticket on Wednesdays. To get there take the Transmilenio to Portal del Norte, from there take a bus to Zipaquira and ask the bus driver for directions to the cathedral. The total journey takes about 3 hours.
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