From Wikitravel

Bogota is the capital city of Colombia.

Contents 1 Understand 2 Districts of Bogota 2.1 North Bogota 2.2 Central Bogota 2.3 Occidente 3 Get in 3.1 By plane 3.2 By bus 4 Get around 4.1 By taxi 4.2 By bus 4.3 By 'colectivo' 4.4 By Bicycle 5 See 6 Do 7 Learn 8 Work 9 Buy 10 Drink 11 Sleep 11.1 Backpackers 11.2 Mid-range 12 Stay safe 13 Get out

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 North 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 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.

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, Los Angeles, Paris, Barcelona, Havana, Curacao, Fort Lauderdale, Alicante, Madrid, Mexico City,San Jose, Montego Bay, Sao Paulo, Rio De Janiero, Santiago de Chile, 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.

Privately owned buses cruise all the main thoroughfares 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 enterainters 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 ranges from 600 to 1000 pesos, or about 25-50 cents.

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 [1], 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 Bogota's 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.

Do

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: National University (www.unal.edu.co), Universidad de America (www.uamerica.edu.co), Los Andes University (www.uniandes.edu.co), Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (www.javeriana.edu.co) and Externado (www.uexternado.edu.co) 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.
• Uncut and cut emeralds brought in from the world's best emerald mines
• Inexpensive silver jewelry
• Dress suits and shoes

• Upscale Shopping Malls

Unicentro, Centro Andino , El Retiro, Atlantis Plaza, Hacienda Santa Barbara, Santa Ana, Palatino, Portal de la 80, Salitre Plaza, Santa Fé

Drink

• Coffee-based drinks are excellent
• In Bogota hot chocolate (with local cheese) is preferred for 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 and bars
• mora:mora located right next to platypus is an amazing juice bar where you can have breakfast, coffe, hot chocolate and enjoy some exotic tropical juices
• Juan Valdéz exclusive coffee shop located on the fourth floor of Centro Comercial Andino

Sleep

If you are going to stay in Bogota, keep in mind the location. There are several hotels around the most "fashion" areas (i.e. Zone "T", Park of 93rd Street, etc). Always keep in mind that those hotels would be always a little bit pricey. 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).

Backpackers

A very special surrounding for low-budget visitors is 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. It is a great place for socializing if you are travelling alone. The odd part is that it might be a dangerous zone to walk around at night. The best known hostel is Platypus.

• Platypus Hostel, C 16 No. 2 - 43, La Candelaria, [2]. Located in the old Candelaria district, it is owned and run by an extremely friendly and helpful Colombian named German (pronunced 'Herman'). The hostel offers free coffee, internet facilities and hot showers. A dorm bed costs COP$13.000. (US$ 5 Approx.). 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.

Mid-range

• Hotel Casa Real, Calle 93A No. 9A-53, Tel: +57-1-530-4884 (casareal@etb.net.co) [3]. 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.

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 de la 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 1 hour.

• Andrés Carne de Res is one the best "rumbiaderos" (nightclubs). It is located in Chia, about 15 mins north of Bogotá.

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