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Bogotá is a cosmopolitan city tucked on a high plateau in the Andes of central Colombia, 2,640 metres (8,661 feet) above sea level.

The average temperature is around 14 degrees Celsius.

History

Bogotá was founded in 1538 by the Spanish explorer Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. Nicknamed the Athens of Latin America it is by far the most populous city in the country with over seven million inhabitants.

Exploring Bogotá

Colorful façades, BogotáBogotá has much to offer the intrepid traveller, the old town of Candelaria is full of small cobbled streets and colourful buildings and some excellent museums.

The districts known as Parque 93, Zona Rosa and Usaquén are great for restaurants, shopping and some inviting bars. There is also a cable car trip you can take to view the city's skyline.

Furthermore, the city boasts many parks (e.g. The Simon Bolivar Park Metropolitan Park which has large free concerts and festivals) among its urban sprawl.

An interesting fact about Bogotá is that it has one of the most extensive dedicated Bike Paths Network of any city in the world, with a total of 300 km.

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who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Tom

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Bogotá by contacting one of our Colombia specialists

Suggested itineraries featuring Bogotá

Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Bogotá, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Bogotá

Places & hotels on the map

    Places near Bogotá

    Our expert guides to exploring Bogotá

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Bogotá, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Bogotá at its best.

    • What to do in Colombia: our highlights guide
      Colorful façades, Bogotá

      What to do in Colombia: our highlights guide

      What to do in Colombia: our highlights guide

      From cultured Cartagena to youthful Medellín, you can witness how Colombia is reinventing itself on a tailor-made Audley trip.

      11 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Bogotá

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Bogotá. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Bogotá

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Bogotá, and which use the best local guides.

    • La Candelaria Walking Tour
      Bogotá, Colombia

      La Candelaria Walking Tour

      La Candelaria Walking Tour

      La Candelaria is Bogotá's heart and soul, from humble beginnings, the oldest part of the city and the Plaza Bolivar are high on any visitor's agenda, a wonderful place to start to discover Bogotá.

      View details
    • Salt Cathedral Excursion
      Salt Cathedral at Zipaquira

      Salt Cathedral Excursion

      Salt Cathedral Excursion

      For the beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its earth, and its jewel beneath the Earth's surface, Zipaquirá is somewhat of a must during a stay in Bogotá.

      View details