Bogotá. The capital in the clouds. The historical, cosmopolitan, and progressive center of Colombia.

Sitting 2,640 meters above sea level, nestled in the country's highest plateau – Sabina de Bogotá – Colombia's largest city is historically significant for the country and the continent. 

The city was founded by the Spanish some 600 years ago. Then, it was the capital of New Granada – a viceroyalty of the Spanish crown.

Before the Spanish, around the 5th century BC, the area was colonized by the indigenous Muiscas tribe. The Muiscas were famous for farming the land, and mining salt, gold, and emeralds. The myth of El Dorado, arguably the continent's most enduring legend, started with the Muiscas. The Muiscas, behind the Aztecs and the Incas, are believed to have been Latin America's most advanced ancient civilization.

Fast forward to 1814, and the city saw Colombia's independence secured from the Spanish crown after Simon Bolivar and his army defeated the Spanish in the Battle of Boyacá. An event that sparked a push for independence across the continent.

Bogotá's transformation into the city it is today feels like it happened all at once. Even in the 1940s, the city's population was a mere 300,000. Compare that to the 8.8 million that call Bogotá home today, and the capital's growth feels astounding.

That growth has made Bogotá the third largest city on the continent. And even when compared to the rest of the Americas, only New York, Mexico City, and Los Angeles are bigger than Bogotá.

Bogotá's 20 districts are full of contrasts. La Candelaria – the capital's beating heart – is crammed with historical sights and epitomizes Bogotá's heritage. To the north, you'll find trendy and bohemian neighborhoods next to the upscale area. To the south, you'll find more of the city's working class and the most densely populated part of the city.

Despite being the capital, Bogotá feels isolated from the rest of the country, despite excellent transport links to the rest of the country.

The perceived isolation is one of several reasons many travelers don't hang around. Detractors cite poverty, terrible traffic, a false impression of rampant crime, and depressingly regular rain as reasons to move on. They'll tell you there's nothing to do or see and that you should head straight to brighter adventures. Oh, how wrong they are.

In Bogotá, you can explore politically charged street art so stunning that the city ranks as one of the best in the world for its rich graffiti. The nightlife here is full-on and exuberant, with a big student population and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene. There is history and culture on every corner in picture-perfect La Candelaria. Rich markets to assault your senses are found across the city. Vast green spaces to explore and escape the urban jungle. Upmarket neighborhoods for those with a taste for the finer things and a wallet to match. Then, just beyond the capital, there are national parks, pretty colonial towns, mystical nature reserves, manmade monuments, and the birthplace of modern legends.

Many backpackers beginning their stint in Colombia fly into Bogotá. But, if that's not the case for you, you're likely arriving in the capital from Colombia's second-biggest city Medellín. If not Medellín, then Salento – gateway to the Cocora Valley and Los Nevados National Park.

If heading to Bogotá from Medellín, direct buses are available for 90,000 COP. Journeys will last between nine and eleven hours, so we recommend making the trip overnight to save some pesos on accommodation.

If Bogotá is your next stop following a stint in Salento, head to nearby Armenia – about 20 kilometers away, where you can catch a direct bus for 85,000 COP. The journey will last about 8 hours. Again, we recommend catching an overnight bus.

Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links, and we may earn a small commission should you use them, for which we are incredibly grateful. However, the recommendations are still our own and intended to advise on the very best experiences Bogotá has to offer.

Bogotá Tours

When going anywhere new, especially somewhere as vast as Bogotá, a guided tour is the best way to get your bearings and a feel for the place. Luckily, there are several guided tours in Bogotá that help with just that.

Walking tour of La Candelaria

If a guided tour is the best way to get a feel for Bogotá, the best place to get a feel for Bogotá is La Candelaria, the historical center of Colombia's capital.

La Candelaria is beautiful — historic and bohemian with cobblestone streets and patchwork quilts of brightly colored houses, cafes, and bars with plazas, museums, cathedrals, and markets dotted in between. It is also the seat of power in Colombia. Its capital building, city hall, and palace of justice are all based in La Candelaria.

Those places of power are just a couple of monuments you'll cross on a walking tour of La Candelaria. Keep an eye out for Primadara Cathedral, Iglesia de San Francisco, Iglesia de San Augustine, and Carrera Séptima Street.

Monuments and places of historical significance aside, La Candelaria is a photographer's dream. The neighborhood is a hotspot for the arts, and the influence of Bogotá's up-and-coming generation is felt keenly due to the nearby university. Those influences pass into the various cafes, bars, and independent retailers spotted throughout the neighborhood.

Most tours of La Candelaria wrap up at Plaza de Bolivar, the heart of the city, and a prime spot to grab lunch after your tour.

When picking a tour company to explore La Candelaria, we can't recommend Free Walking Tours enough. As the operator's name suggests, tours to La Candelaria are free, running daily at 10 AM and 2 PM in the company of knowledgeable and passionate guides. While technically free, leaving a tip between 10,000 and 20,000 COP is highly recommended. This is the guide's bread and butter, after all.

Bogotá Graffiti Tour

There's a great street art scene in Bogotá. Equal to, if not greater than, the graffiti scattered throughout Medellín's Communa 13.

In Bogotá, there are over 5,000 pieces of street art. Much of which is centered around the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria. With such a dense concentration of works, it should be no surprise to learn that Bogotá is regarded as one of the top ten cities in the world for street art.

The artworks are often as politically charged as they are breathtaking. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that a graffiti tour is one of the best things to do in Bogotá.

Once again, Free Walking Tours is an excellent choice for discovering Bogotá's graffiti. 

During the tour, your local guide will tell you about the stories behind individual pieces of work and paint a picture of the artists who created them. You'll also learn about the general history of graffiti in Bogotá, including the struggle between artists and the police.

Pay special attention to works from rising female artists. Many of them have used their gift to depict all too familiar stories centered around struggles of sexual violence and exploitation.

As with the La Candelaria tour, it's highly recommended that you leave a tip of 10,000-20,000 COP for your guide.

Bike tour during Ciclovia

Not a tour per se, though they are available if you look for them.

Congestion is a major problem in Bogotá. So much so that Colombia's capital ranks as the fifth most congested city on Earth. To tackle the problem, Colombia's government introduced Ciclovia.

Every Sunday, 60+ miles of roads are shut to motorists, and traffic disappears to be replaced with joggers, walkers, roller skaters, and most of all, cyclists.

It's a wonderful idea to help reduce the city's carbon footprint, just as it's an encouragement to get the people of Bogotá out and about, improving their lifestyle.

Get up early on any Sunday of your stay in Bogotá, and you'll have no problem finding a bike station. There you can rent some wheels and take to the streets amidst the locals, all while exploring the city.

Bike stations are open between 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Just be sure to get your bike back before 1:30 PM before heading out for lunch.

Parks and Plazas In Bogotá

Bogotá Botanical Gardens

Colombia's most extensive botanical garden offers a welcome break from the big city.

Opened in 1995 and located near the airport, the Bogotá botanical gardens are home to wet temperate forests, waterfalls, and wax palms – the country's national symbol – as found in Salento. The gardens boast 130,000 plant species, focusing on regional plants endemic to the Andes.

With guided tours of the gardens available, admission costs just 3,300 COP, a small price to wander through a photographer's dream.

Plaza de Bolivar

The main square of Bogotá is located in the heart of La Candelaria. Plaza de Bolivar is surrounded by a cathedral, the national capitol building, the palace of justice, and the city hall.

The typically colonial square is marked with a giant statue of Simon Bolivar, the man responsible for liberating Colombia from Spanish rule. All amidst a stunning backdrop of the mountains beyond the city. The contrast between the square's manmade architecture and the scale of nature behind it is striking.

Despite being encroached on by Colombia's political heart, the Cathedral of Bogotá dominates the square.

Looming over the plaza, the cathedral stands over where the first mass was celebrated in 1538. Over the centuries, the cathedral has been rebuilt several times due to collapses in its structure; the last major restoration took place nearly 200 years ago. Its interior is intricate and gold-laced, though less decadent than others in the capital. The cathedral also houses the tomb of Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, the founder of Bogotá. Entrance to the cathedral is free, though it's best avoided on Sundays amidst busy services.

Simon Bolivar Park

Owing its namesake to Simon Bolivar, Parque Metropolitano Simon Bolivar is to Bogotá what Central Park is to New York, just 100 acres bigger.

This breathtaking green space is filled with lakes, fauna, cycling paths, and walking paths. It also regularly hosts the country's biggest festivals and is an excellent spot for picnics and sports.

With such a vast natural space in this concrete jungle, it does get busy on the weekends. When the weather is good, groups of friends and families spend a day enjoying the space.

Museums In Bogotá

Museo del Oro

Bogotá is packed with museums, but Museo del Oro is the best.

Museo del Oro isn't a big museum. Still, it is the best in the country – and the most famous, hosting a jaw-dropping collection of artifacts detailing Colombia's rich history.

The collection at Museo del Oro is one of the largest collections of pre-Hispanic art, culture, and tradition ever assembled. Moreover, though few know it, Museo del Oro contains the largest collection of gold artifacts anywhere in the world. Most of the 55,000 artifacts held in the museum are from Pre-Colombian times.

As you wander the expeditions, you'll be able to learn about gold's significance throughout Colombian history with the assistance of audio guides provided in English.

One of the museum's highlights is undoubtedly the Muisca raft, an artifact central to the legend of El Dorado. Be sure to snap some pictures.

Despite being Bogotá's gold museum, gold isn't the only precious ore in residence. Bogotá Is the emerald capital of the world, and it is in Museo del Oro that you can view the largest-known emerald in the world.

Entrance to the museum will cost  4,000 COP, except for Sundays, when admission is free – a recurring theme in Bogotá. It's also important to note that the museum is closed on Mondays.

bogotá museum of modern art (MAMBO)

Often overlooked, but certainly worth a stop. Especially if you have an interest in the arts.

Museo de Arte Moderno has housed the country's most extensive collection of contemporary Colombian art since its opening in 1963.

The museum frequently alternates exhibits with an ever-present focus on Latin American artists, from photography and paintings to sculptures and graffiti.

There is also a bookstore and a small cinema showcasing art films on the weekends between 3 PM and 5 PM.

Admission costs 12,000 COP, except on Sundays when you can enter for free. The museum is open on Sundays from 12 PM to 5 PM and is closed on Mondays.

Museo Botero

Museo Botero is home to the works of Colombia's most famous son in the art world. Fernando Botero. Botero is famed worldwide for his distinct style of exaggerated proportions – a style now referred to as Boterismo.

Bogotá holds the greatest collection of the artists' works, of which there are 123. Botero donated his works to the Bank of the Republic on the condition they would be housed in public and free for everyone to view.

The museum is based in a picturesque colonial house in the heart of the La Candelaria district. Even if you're not a big fan of art, the museum is worth visiting, and the work it houses is unlike anything you have seen.

Despite all this, the museum doesn't quite stack up to the one in Botero's hometown, Medellín. If you've already been to the museum in Medellín, you could afford to give this one a miss.

Party in Chapinero

Located in the northern part of Bogotá, Chapinero is a trendy neighborhood, home to wild nights in the Colombian capital. Here you'll find intimate bars and gigantic multi-floor clubs, with restaurants aplenty to line your stomach or fill up on either side of a night out.

It's the 'it' neighborhood in Bogotá and the heart of the capital's LGBTQ+ community.

Head to Zona G to fill up at a restaurant before departing for a raucous night of partying through Zona T, a big strip of bars and clubs.

The neighborhood also has Zona Rosa, home to Bogotá's mega clubs. Here, more than anywhere else, the party is popping, especially on Fridays and the weekends.

Try not to get caught up in one bar. In Bogotá, bar-hopping is one of the best activities you can do in the company of a group of newfound friends. Be sure to stop at El Mondo Bandido, Bogotá Beer Company, Huerta, and Gringo Cantina.

As you move from bar to bar, try some Chica. A corn-based spirit, Chica is Colombia's oldest alcoholic beverage. In recent years, the spirit has enjoyed something of a renaissance as young Colombians reconnect with their heritage in the form of a piss-up.

Watch Football at Colombia’s national Stadium

In Latin America, football is on par with religion. That sentiment extends to Colombia as much as anywhere else on the continent.

In Bogotá, the best place to soak that up is in the stands of the country's national stadium, El Campin – home of Santa Fe and Millionaires FC, the two local teams in Bogotá.

There's a match every week with two teams calling El Campin home. Tickets are pretty cheap, not to mention accessible. If you have time, buy one, head down early, soak up the atmosphere, and for the love of God, make sure you're cheering on the home team.

Cerro Monserrate

If looking for the best view in Bogotá, visiting Cerro Monserrate should be at the top of your to-do list when exploring the city.

Overlooking the city below, the peak of this mountain sits at 3,152 meters above sea level. If you've just arrived in Bogotá, we recommend leaving this for a couple of days so that your body can acclimatize to Bogotá's altitude.

The views from the top of this peak are best appreciated on a bright and sunny day. Try to plan your visit around a forecast for bright blue skies.

At the top of Cerro Monserrate, you'll find a monastery, a few cafes, and a restaurant.

The Basilica de Monserrate monastery was constructed in the 17th century and is dedicated to El Senor Caido. Or the Fallen Lord to you and me.

Over time, the monastery has become a pilgrimage for the people of Bogotá and beyond. As such, the site gets busy, especially on Sundays.

To get to Cerro Monserrate, you have a couple of options. The first is a brisk 45-minute hike following a well-marked trail. The second is the cable car. There is also the lesser-trodden route of taking a funicular.

In our opinion, the best way to experience Cerro Monserrate is to get up early in the morning and hike to the top to watch the sunrise before descending via cable car.

If you opt to climb to the top on foot, the trail is open from 5 AM to 1 PM. You could still navigate the path later than that. However, we wouldn't recommend it, with muggings reported along the trail in the evenings.

To reach the trail up to Cerro Monserrate, walk past the Transmilenio station 'Museo del Oro,' towards the Main Street of Las Aguas. Then, head straight before turning right. If feeling a little lost, just follow the crowd; there will be one.

Be sure to take some water and sunscreen. The 500+ meter ascent is punishing, particularly the 1,500 steps as you approach the top.

To take the cable car or the funicular back down to Bogotá, you'll need to pay 14,000 COP, though this drops to 8,000 COP on Sundays.

Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen church

A landmark you'll likely have come across during your walking tour in La Candelaria. Even so, if you have some free time to explore this stunning church on your own, you should.

Completed in 1938 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, Santuario Nuestra Señora del Carmen is one of Bogotá's most iconic churches. Famed for its distinctive neo-gothic style.

The outside of the church is painted in red and white stripes, giving it the appearance of a giant 60-meter candy cane. On the inside, there is a jaw-dropping contrast. The church's interior is adorned with ornate Byzantine and Arabic art.

Iglesia de San Francisco

Built between 1557 and 1621, Iglesia de San Francisco is the oldest surviving church in Bogotá – even though little of the original church remains following several restorations.

The colonial-style church looks pretty unassuming from the outside opposite Museo del Oro. Inside, it's a different story.

The altar is typically decadent, presented in a unique 'U' shape, and one of the most elaborate of its kind in Colombia. Away from the altar, the interior is eerie and dark. Visiting the church is a free activity.

Usaquen Flea Market

About 20 minutes north of Chapinero via bus or taxi, you'll find one of the most photogenic spots in Bogotá – the Usaquén flea market.

Don't let the term' flea market' put you off. The term may conjure a grimy image in your head, but it's a hell of a lot nicer than that. Usaquén dances between being a traditional flea market, an arts and crafts market, and a farmers market.

Every Sunday, artists, farmers, and everything in between line this cobblestoned plaza to sell colorful crafts, fresh fruits, local coffee, and more, accompanied by enthusiastic street performers on every corner.

The open-air market is renowned across the city. Heading down for, what is hopefully a sunny afternoon, you can expect to see hundreds – if not thousands – of locals wondering the stalls alongside gringos such as yourself.

The atmosphere at Usaquén is very family-oriented. Its surroundings will make you feel a world away from the heart of a busy capital city. As if you've been transported to a small colonial village instead.

It's also pretty affordable. Even if you don't intend to spend anything and just want to soak up the atmosphere and a slice of Colombian culture, it makes for a fun way to spend a couple of hours. And an even better way to walk off a hangover from a wild Saturday night.

The market is open every Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM.

After wandering the stalls, you'll have likely worked up an appetite – provided you've not caved to the temptations of the market's delicious street food.

The plaza surrounding the market is filled with restaurants and bars, perfect if you want a bite to eat before concluding the day. Colo Coffee, in particular, is noteworthy.

This urban coffee house will whisk you away from Bogotá's concrete jungle and transport you to the heart of a jungle. The decor is breathtaking, as is the cafe's beverages and selection of sweet treats.

If you're in the mood for something a little heartier, there are plenty of options.

If you have more time to spare after concluding your time at the market and topping up on grub, head to Cinema Paraiso. Cinema Paraiso is one of many small independent theatres in Bogotá. For a ticket priced between 32,000 and 40,000 COP, you can catch up with the latest international blockbuster or tune into a smaller independent film, many of which will have been made locally.

Head to the top of Mirador Torre Colpatria

Formerly the tallest building in Colombia, the Colpatria Tower in downtown Bogotá is a spectacular attraction inside and out.

Naturally, overlooking the city from a 162-meter vantage point is incredible, especially at night when all of Bogotá twinkles beneath your feet.

From the outside, the tower is equally as spectacular at night. The building's exterior is illuminated in 36 colors to depict messages of peace, environmental awareness, the Colombian flag, and more.

Tickets to head to the top of the tower are priced at 7,500 COP, though you can expect queues before heading to the top yourself.

 Villa De Leyva

Picture-perfect colonial towns and villages are a dime a dozen in Colombia. But Villa de Leyva is one of the prettiest.

Whitewashed buildings. Cobblestoned streets. One of the biggest plazas on the continent. A slower pace of life that is very welcome after a stint in the capital.

Going from Bogotá to Villa de Leyva will feel like stepping into another century, offering respite from the hectic capital.

Villa de Leyva is worth an overnight stop or two rather than a mere day trip. Visiting Villa de Leyva is easily coupled with a stop at the region's famous Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira – an earlier stop on the bus route to Villa de Leyva. But more on the salt cathedral in a bit.

If spending a night or two in Villa de Leyva before heading back to Bogotá, we'd recommend staying at the Renacer hostel. There are no dorm rooms, but it's still pretty cheap, with privates costing 35,000 COP. The hostel is located a little out of town, about 20 minutes from the city center, at a country-style house surrounded by mountains. It really is beautiful. And your stay will be more than comfortable with amenities including a kitchen, BBQ area, campfire, and WiFi.

So, day trip or otherwise, what is there to do at Villa de Leyva?

In town, one of the best things you can do is take a moment to pause. Get up early, head down to the main square, pick a cafe, grab a coffee, sit out and watch the world go by. It's the simple things, right?

If you get restless, there is also Casa Museo Antonio Narino. A museum dedicated to a hero of Colombia as the country fought to seize independence from the Spanish crown. Admission to the museum is free and is a great place to learn a little about the town's history. The museum also has exhibits with English translations, ensuring no language barrier.

If you're looking to wind down after a day of exploring, head to La Cerveceria HISCA for a drink with the friendly locals. At La Cerveceria HISCA, you'll enjoy good music, great food, and a game of Tejo with excellent company.

If your adventure to Villa de Leyva falls on a Saturday, you're in for a treat. The whole town comes together for the Saturday market between 5 AM and 4 PM.

Villa de Leyva is charming, but there's no escaping that it is a small town. Thankfully, there is plenty to explore just beyond.

20 minutes from the town, you'll find the iconic Casa Terracotta. A giant and peculiar building made entirely from clay. To visit the house and wander around inside costs 15,000 COP, which is a little steep. But the chances that you'll come across such a building again are slim, so when in Rome...

50 million years ago, the land Villa de Leyva sits upon today was an ocean floor. As such, archeologists and paleontologists have made plenty of discoveries in the area. Many of those findings can be found at Museo Paleontogico. The museum is about an hour's walk from town, and admission will cost 6,000 COP.

Most notably, Villa de Leyva's surrounding area is the only place in Colombia that cultivates and produces wine. God's honest truth? It's not the best wine we've ever tasted. But, the tour of Viñedo Umaña Dajud– located 10 kilometers from town – is a great way to spend a couple of hours, and the locale is truly stunning. Tours are fairly cheap, taking you through the vineyards after a tasting session.

If you're the active sort who can't help but think there must be a couple of good trails in all this countryside, you'd be right.

A 30-minute walk from town, you'll find Mirador el Santo. Head up to Calle 12 and follow the path to El Santo. At the top of the trail is a viewpoint overlooking Villa de Leyva below. This is a great place to watch the sunrise or set if the weather is good.

A little further from town lies La Periquera, an ecological park famous for its waterfalls and...*checks notes*... magic mushrooms. Due to the latter, it is only possible to visit in the company of a licensed guide. The waterfalls are calm, and the ensuing pools are great for a quick swim. Take a shuttle from the town's main bus terminal to the ecological park. The 40-minute drive will cost 5,000 COP. Getting off the bus, you'll need to walk a further 25 minutes to reach the park entrance. Once there, you'll need to pay 20,000 COP for a park tour.

the Paramo of Sumapaz

Sumapaz is home to the largest paramo in the world, even greater than the paramo of Los Nevados National Park.

If you need a reminder, a paramo ecosystem is defined as the point above the permanent forest line but below the permanent snow line. It's one of the fastest-evolving environments on the planet, and Colombia is one of the few places you'll find them.

In days gone by, the park was considered sacred by the indigenous Muiscas people. In their culture, the park was the center of all creation. An inhospitable habitat that mankind was not supposed to enter. And yet, they could not resist.

In 1977, the 223,000-acre national park was established, protecting the solitary water source for the 8.8 million people in Bogotá.

Sumapaz is also home to a small population of Andean bears, the only bear endemic to South America and the world's second-most endangered bear species.

The park is two hours from Bogotá. Due to the harsh climate, low vegetation, and sparsely populated surroundings, a guide is mandatory. Tours depart directly from Bogotá, and a day trip to the national park shouldn't cost more than 100,000 COP.

Chicaque Natural Park

If you've not yet had the chance to venture through a mystical cloud forest, a day trip to Chicaque natural park is a must-do day trip from Bogotá.

Opened in 1990, Chiqaque is the first private reserve in Colombia.

The park is diverse. Boasting great wildlife and bird-watching opportunities, activities like canopying and zip-lining, and over 10 kilometers of hiking trails. There is also a comfortable lodge, tree houses, and a restaurant.

Best of all, you can explore the park independently. The trails are so well-marked that getting lost is all but impossible.

Put all this together, and it makes for a fine day trip within shooting distance of the capital.

So how do you get there?

Well, it's surprisingly complicated since the park isn't brilliantly connected to the capital.

To begin your journey, catch a bus to Soacha from Bogotá. The bus drive is only half an hour, and a ticket will cost 5,000 COP. After getting dropped off in Soacha, you may be able to catch a shuttle service to the park for 1,000 COP. Failing that, hail a taxi for 10,000 COP. Once you reach the park, you must pay an admission fee of 17,000 COP.

You need to get to the park early as it closes its doors to those just visiting for the day at 3 PM.

La Chorrera Waterfall

An hour outside of Bogotá lies Colombia's tallest uninterrupted waterfall. The cascade of La Chorrera waterfall spans 590 meters.

Tours to Colombia's biggest waterfall are ludicrously priced, costing up to 700,000 COP. So, do yourself and your wallet a favor by making your way to the waterfall independently.

To do that, take a bus towards Coachi from Calle 6 can Carrera 14 – the stop at the police station. The journey to your drop-off point is about an hour and will cost 12,500 COP. Ensure you let the driver know you want to get off for La Chorrera.

You'll pass through a stunning cloud forest on the bus as you climb into the mountains.

After departing from the bus, hike for 5 kilometers to reach the entrance to the waterfall. This should take about 2 hours. The hike is pleasant, especially on a sunny day, surrounded by verdant countryside and more cloud forests.

Once you reach the entrance to the waterfall, you need to pay the 35,000 COP admission. With your entrance fee paid, another hour navigating muddy but well-marked paths is required to finally reach La Chorrera. Along the way, you can expect to pass several smaller waterfalls.

With all the hiking and travel time to and from Bogotá, this is certainly a day trip. But considering you can cut the total cost to 60,000 COP by visiting independently, it's one that we wholeheartedly recommend.

Be sure to bring a raincoat, durable boots, and plenty of snacks.

Catedral de Sal

53 kilometers from Bogotá lies the first wonder of Colombia.

Just outside a town called Zipaquirá, you'll find Catedral de Sal, a salt cathedral some 100 years old lying 200 meters below the Earth's surface.

Colombia aside, Poland is the only other place in the world where you'll find a subterranean salt cathedral. Even then, Colombia's is the original.

The surrounding salt mine has been in use for some two-and-a-half thousand years. Eons ago, the Muiscas people, the original settlers of the land that is now Bogotá, began mining salt here.

To explore the oddity of this underground citadel for yourself, you need to catch the one and half hour bus from Bogotá to Zipaquirá, costing 5,600 COP. Getting off the bus in Zipaquirá, the entrance to the church is a 5-minute walk away.

You must pay the admission fee when you arrive at the entrance. This is quite pricey for international visitors, with entrance costing 57,000 COP.

As you descend into the belly of this place of worship, you'll come across 14 different chapels, each built entirely from salt and illuminated in a combination of colors. Finally, you'll arrive at the main chamber, which is astonishing. However, it can also get pretty crowded, especially on Sundays when the cathedral hosts a service for some 3,000 people.

Catedral de Sal isn't just a place of worship, though. There is also a climbing wall, a 3D movie of the area's history, a museum, a light show, and – if you're feeling brave – the 'walk of the miner.' While that is great, deciding to do any of these activities will send the price of your admission soaring.

Even if you're not in the slightest religious, visiting Colombia's salt cathedral is a worthy day out, even with the expense of getting there and getting in. If you're not ready for your adventure to end, head to Villa de Leyva or Lake Guatavita, which are easily accessible from Zipaquirá.

Lake Guatavita

Laguna Guatavita is special in Colombia and the wider continent's folklore.

Laguna Guatavita gave birth to the legend of El Dorado, South America's infamous lost city of gold.

Centuries ago, the lake was a sacred place for Bogotá's native settlers, the Muiscas people. The Muiscas performed ceremonies here that saw hordes of golden artifacts buried in and around the lake.

Later, the Spanish caught wind of rumors surrounding the lake and its buried treasure. The conquistadors spent centuries trying to recover the treasure without success.

To reach this mythic lake, catch a bus heading toward Portal del Norte. Then, hail a connecting bus to Guatavita. The bus journey will last about an hour and a half, costing 9,000 COP.

Upon arriving at the town of Guatavita, you'll need to hike for 7 kilometers towards the lake. But that's no bad thing. The surrounding landscape is stunning, sitting between the mountains and the countryside.

Once you arrive at the lake entrance, you must pay 17,000 COP for admission.

Admission fee paid for, you'll head down to the lake in the company of a knowledgeable local guide. Your guide will tell you more about the lake's history and how the story of El Dorado originated from this place. You'll also learn that many of the artifacts on display in Museo del Oro were excavated from the lake – including its most famous piece, the Muiscas Raft.

After you've circled the lake, it's time to head back to Guatavita to catch a bus back to Bogotá. Alternatively, you may head onwards to Villa de Leyva or Zipaquira, both easily reachable from Guatavita.

Botanico Hostel

Botanico hostel has been a firm favorite of backpackers stopping in Bogotá since opening in 2017. It's not hard to see why.

It isn't every day as a backpacker that you find somewhere to stay in the heart of a UNESCO world heritage site. But based in Bogotá's historic La Candelaria neighborhood, that's a box Botanico Hostel ticks.

Being so close to the capital's center, there's a lot to see and do on the hostel's doorstep. You'll find many of Bogotá's famous graffiti murals, restaurants, artisanal markets, and public libraries within walking distance of the hostel. Not to mention Indepencia park and Museo del Oro.

Outside, the colonial house that the hostel occupies looks quaint and idyllic. But owing to a recent renovation, the inside is bright, modern, and crammed with amenities that make for happy backpackers.

Among those amenities are a TV and common room, a shared kitchen where you can prep your meals, a summer terrace, a fireplace for colder days, a barbecue area, hammocks, and an on-site bar.

The tropical garden also makes for a perfect and peaceful oasis, detached from the concrete metropolis all around you.

Guests will also enjoy stunning views looking out onto La Candelaria, free WiFi, and unlimited Colombian coffee every day.

The only thing Botanico really lacks is an on-site restaurant. But, with so many around you serving Colombian, organic, vegetarian, and international foods, there just isn't any need.

As for the atmosphere at Botanico, a party hostel, it is not. With only seven rooms throughout the property, the atmosphere is more intimate, without ever feeling unsociable or unfriendly.

The hostel's seven rooms are split between 3 8-bed dorms – one of which is female exclusive – and private rooms for two to three people.

All dorm rooms are priced at 25,000 COP and feature individual privacy curtains, a locker for storing your belongings, power outlets, a shared bathroom, and free towels. Guests will also enjoy a complimentary breakfast every morning.

Private rooms feature much of the same and are priced between 100,000 and 150,000 COP. The priciest option is designed to house three people in one double bed and one single bed. That aside, the defining features between the private rooms and the dorms are private bathrooms, a clothes rail, and a desk.

Selina Chapinero

Based in the uber-hip neighborhood of Zona Rosa, Selina Chapinero is the definition of backpacker indulgence while staying in the capital.

One of a chain of many upmarket hostels dotted across the globe, Selina Chapinero is ideally located next to the Bogotá city center subway station. The hostel is also near some of the capital's best attractions, including the botanical gardens, the Magdalena river, and the Usaquén flea market.

Zona Rosa is also the gastronomic and start-up capital of Bogotá. The neighborhood is full of cozy coffee shops, shopping malls, and booming bars and nightclubs. And on top of all that, the area is considered one of the safest and most pedestrian-friendly in Bogotá.

Having so much to explore on your doorstep is great, but it's not the main draw to Selina Chapinero. The hostel is one of the most boutique experiences you'll encounter on your travels.

Selina Chapinero is geared to digital nomads, aspiring founders, regular travelers, and everything in between.

Across the hostel's seven floors, you'll find co-working spaces, meeting rooms, a cinema room, a communal kitchen, a rooftop yoga deck, a games area, a common room, a wellness area, a coffee shop, a library, and a restaurant-come-bar.

And on top of all that, guests benefit from free WiFi, parking, bicycle hire, and luggage storage.

On-site, the hostel organizes various activities, including yoga classes, games nights, live music, karaoke nights, and parties.

The restaurant serves a fine selection of local and international dishes from its à la carte menu at reasonable prices.

Off-site, Selina also organizes culinary tours around local eateries, salsa classes, club nights, and more.

All this is above and beyond what you'd expect from a hostel, and the building is stunningly furnished. But, there is a price to be paid for all this luxury. A stay at Selina Chapinero is not cheap.

Selina Chapinero boasts dorm rooms and privates across 84 rooms and seven floors.

For the cheapest option, you're going to go with a dorm room, of which 10-bed and 8-bed dorms are available.

10-bed dorms are the cheapest of the lot, priced at 57,000 COP. These rooms have twin-size bunk beds, a shared bathroom, security lockers, privacy curtains, power outlets, and a full-size mirror.

The 8-bed dorm features everything that the 10-bed dorm does at a slightly higher price – 64,000 COP.

Selina Chapinero's dorm rooms are the cheapest way of staying at this luxurious hostel. They will allow you to make friends and get to know your fellow travelers.

If you value your own space and can afford an expensive private room, Selina Chapinero has several options. We'll run through these from cheapest to priciest.

The Micro

Priced at 160,000 COP, The Micro is similar to what you might expect to find in a ship cabin. This is the most affordable of all the private rooms, featuring a double bed, towels, power outlets, a full-size mirror, and a hanging rail for your belongings. There is a bathroom, though you'll share it with three other micro rooms.

Shared Studio Apartment

Priced at 193,000 COP, the shared studio apartment offers respite from the trappings of a dorm room while still creating a social experience in sharing with another traveler. Your shared space is homely and ideal for more prolonged stays. The room has a private bathroom, a sitting area, towels, a hairdryer, a sofa, a desk, power outlets, and a full-size mirror.

The Standard

Priced at 223,000 COP, the standard private offers everything a weary traveler could need. Perfect for those who value their privacy, the standard private is equipped with a private bathroom, towels, a wardrobe, a desk, power outlets, and a full-length mirror.

Studio Apartment

At 258,000 COP per night, the studio apartment is the perfect happy medium for travelers looking for a comfortable stay without entirely breaking the bank. The apartment is ideal for those staying in Bogotá for an extended period. It features a private bathroom, a sitting area, towels, a hairdryer, a sofa, a desk, power outlets, and a full-length mirror.

The Suite

Edging closer to the most premium of Selina Chapinaro's rooms. The suite is priced at 258,000 COP and boasts high-end finishes throughout the apartment while retaining the feeling of comfort. The suite features a private bathroom, a sitting area, towels, a hairdryer, a sofa, a desk, power outlets, and a full-size mirror.

Two-Bedroom Apartment

The two-bedroom apartment is the suite equivalent of the shared studio. Priced at 322,000 COP, the apartment is spacious. You'll never feel encroached upon by the traveler you share with. The flat boasts a private bathroom, a sitting area, towels, a hairdryer, a sofa, a desk, power outlets, and a full-length mirror.

Suite +

The crème de la crème of accommodation options at Selina Chapinero, and with a price tag to match. The suite + is the final word in comfort at the hostel. No less than you'd expect from a room that will cost you 352,000 COP per night. The suite + features a king-size bed, a private balcony, a coffee machine, a sitting area, a sofa, a desk, a wardrobe, towels, power outlets, and a full-length mirror.

Masaya Bogotá

Based in Bogotá's historic district, La Candelaria, Masaya is another excellent addition to the popular chain across Latin America.

Being in the heart of La Candelaria, many of the capital's must-see attractions are within walking distance of Masaya hostel. Plaza Bolivar and Botero museum are just 300 meters away, and Museo del Oro is 500 meters away. Further afield, Plaza de Bolivar is 1.2 kilometers away, and the trail to Cerro Monserrate is 2 kilometers away.

The property is typical of the neighborhood. An old charming colonial house with a friendly atmosphere.

On-site, you'll find many amenities to keep you entertained when you're not exploring the city.

Masaya has a restaurant/bar that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner focusing on traditional and international dishes. The buffet-style breakfast is served daily from 7:30-10:30 AM, costing between 7,000 and 10,000 COP. Lunch and dinner are served throughout the rest of the day, with a meal costing between 17,000 and 42,000 COP.

Elsewhere there is a games room, a multimedia room, a chill-out zone, laundry service, a book exchange, and a self-catering kitchen.

Outside in the patio-style courtyard, there are also barbecue facilities.

Guests benefit from free WiFi throughout the property.

The hostel also arranges many on-site and off-site activities, including historic culture tours, urban art tours, gastronomic tours, salsa classes, yoga classes, and live music.

Several dorms and private options are available in this 16-room property.

If you're looking for a wallet-friendly social experience, you'll be booking one of Masaya's dorm rooms. Masaya offers guests 4-bed, 6-bed, and 8-bed dorm rooms – while there are also 6-bed female exclusive dorms available.

The 4-bed dorm is the priciest at 32,500 COP. A little below that, the 6-bed dorm will cost 26,000 COP. The 8-bed dorm is priced at 23,500 COP, making it the most budget-friendly option.

All dorm rooms feature access to a shared bathroom, security lockers, a reading light, privacy curtains, and power outlets next to each bed.

In addition to dorms, Masaya offers three different private rooms.

The cheapest is the standard double, priced at 125,000 COP and designed for 1-2 person occupancy. The room features a private bathroom, cable TV, security lockers, reading lamps, a double bed, and power outlets.

You may opt for the twin room for the same price – perfect for those traveling with a friend. Every aspect of the twin room is the same as the standard double, except you get two single beds instead of a double.

The priciest of all Masaya's rooms is the superior double. Costing 150,000 COP, the superior double features a queen-size bed, cable TV, a private bathroom, a security locker, a reading light, and power outlets.

Azahar Coffee Company

Arguably the finest shrine to Colombia's most famous export. Welcome to Azahar, a café in Bogotá's hip Parque 93 neighborhood.

The café is the lovechild of two American backpackers who fell for Colombia and its coffee.

Azahar radiates quality and know-how when it comes to all things coffee. The converted shipping container is tastefully decorated and well-lit, with floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant foliage. Behind the bar, baristas work like mad scientists, working with every brewing method imaginable.

After ordering your brew, the baristas will happily guide you through a tasting session. They'll discuss how and where the coffee is produced, the brewing method, tasting notes, and the café's relationship with local coffee fincas.

Azahar's coffee is farm fresh, which means there is only a 2-week-2-month gap between the coffee being picked and roasted. This differs from the coffee used by major corporations, who often roast beans a year after they've been picked. They also go above and beyond Fairtrade for the farmers they buy coffee from. What's more, the farmer receives dividends for every bag of coffee exported.

A cuppa will cost you between 5,000 and 12,000 COP, while a coffee tasting session is priced at 12,900 COP.

Drinks aside, Azahar offers a range of delectable sweet treats and indulgent brunch items if you're looking for some chow alongside your coffee.

Sweet treats are priced between 3,900 COP and 9,300 COP. The pannacotta de cappuccino, in particular, comes highly recommended.

For something more substantial, lunch options revolve around chicken, salads, sandwiches, and the obligatory avocado on toast.

The food menu is available throughout the day, though separated into a 'morning' and 'afternoon' menu.

On the morning menu, dishes are priced between 9,300 COP for humble scrambled egg and sourdough, all the way up to 20,700 COP for avocado on toast with a fried egg.

For the afternoon menu, dishes are by and large a bit pricier. The cheapest on this menu is the soup of the day, priced at 9,600 COP.

At the opposite end of the scale, the most expensive dish on the afternoon menu is the quinoa salad with chicken, priced at 26,900 COP.

Click here to view the full menu, though have Google translate to hand as the menu is in Spanish.

La Puerta Falsa

There's a saying that goes: "Do not try to do everything. Do one thing well."

That seems to be a saying close to the heart of La Puerta Falsa, a true institution in Bogotá and the oldest business in Colombia after opening in 1816.

Located one block from Plaza de Bolivar, the cafe has been kept alive by seven successive generations and a one-page menu that's remained unchanged for over 200 years.

The running of the restaurant is shared between the family. One transports the ever-popular Tamales from a family farm in Prado. Another makes sandwich flutes and empanadas. Another makes the panels, and so on.

Being close to Plaza de Bolivar, the restaurant and its family have witnessed riots, wars, protests, and tragedy over the last 200 years. From the Bogozato riots of 1948 to the siege of the Palace of Justice in 1985. If your visit coincides with a rare quiet spell, engage with the owners, who will be happy to share their stories with you.

The cafe itself is a back-to-basics kind of place. Cozy, intimate, and always packed. It barely sits 20 people. Service can be slow. You won't find tacky souvenirs latching on to its rich history. It's traditional to a T.

Be prepared to wait for one of the tables that usually occupy politicians, artists, and scientists. But the food makes the wait oh so worth it.

Though the portions are small, make sure you come with an empty stomach, so you can try a little of everything. Though La Puerta Falsa serves a sumptuous selection of sweet treats, the real highlights are the legendary Tamales, the traditional Ajiaco, and Chucula y Almojábanas – a regional delicacy.

Priced at 26,000 COP, the Ajiaco – a traditional chicken and potato soup – is the priciest and the most filling.

The Tamales are much cheaper at 8,000 COP but deceivingly hearty for their size.

Meanwhile, the Chucula y Almojábanas is a must-try for the more curious traveler. This Colombian specialty is cheese and a sweet bread plate for dunking in an accompanying hot chocolate – priced at 7,500 COP.

Opening hours are roughly 7 AM to 10 PM, but this isn't set in stone.

Andrés Carnes de Res

Without a shadow of a doubt, a meal at Andres Carnes de Res is one of the highlights of any trip to Bogotá.

The restaurant has come a long way since opening in 1982 as a roadside grill with several tables. Today it's a 2.76 square mile establishment with 500 members of staff, 70 chefs, a dedicated children's zone, five dance floors, an employee cafeteria bigger than most restaurants, a 25-foot rock-climbing wall, a kitchen bigger than a plane, a DJ booth with 17,000 vinyl records, a separate outdoor kitchen, hammocks, room for 3,300 guests, and a doggy daycare center. Not to mention what is possibly the world's biggest menu, spanning 76 pages.

It's fucking bonkers, and much more than just a restaurant now. It's a place to eat, dance, party, and have one of the best possible times in the capital. Perhaps more than anywhere else, Andres Carnes de Res truly captures the spirit and culture of Colombia.

If you perhaps think that, with a 76-page menu, the quality of your meal might be shabby, you couldn't be more wrong. Andres Carnes de Res recently crashed into the coveted list of Latin America's 50 best restaurants, sitting 24th. It has been described as a cross between Alice-in-wonderland and Moulin Rouge. You could spend months trying to work your way through everything on the menu. A menu featuring 16 ceviche dishes, 17 cheese boards, 20 types of plantain, a collection of every meat you can imagine, and a ludicrous dessert menu. Then there's the spirit selection, which would put liquor stores to shame, and even a tobacco selection, including the likes of Mojito-flavored Lucky Strikes.

As darkness closes in, the gigantic restaurant is transformed into the mother of all parties. Andres Carnes is Bogotá's it place and is often packed, especially on Friday and the weekend. When the party starts, the atmosphere is infectious. If you're not inclined to dance, the staff will literally drag you to the dance floor. And, with the restaurant sitting 2,500 meters above sea level, the drinks will hit you hard. There's 26% less oxygen up here, meaning two drinks will feel like six, which you won't notice until you're fourth, which means you're fucked.

The restaurant is adorned with decorative trinkets at every corner. Like the rest of the restaurant's characteristics, it shouldn't work, yet it just does. Be sure to come with a camera to capture every nook and cranny.

If you're planning a trip to Andres Carnes, go big, or don't bother. It's pretty easy to arrive in the afternoon and gorge on the myriad of food available before partying into the early hours. It's a day trip in itself. Be warned, though. If planning your trip during peak times (Friday through to Monday), you'd best book beforehand.

You could spend as little as 100,000 COP if you're very careful. If you're not, costs can quickly spiral to over 1,000,000 COP. There's nothing wrong with that for such a wild day and night. But just be mindful of what you can afford.

Finally, there is a caveat to all this fun. Andres Carnes de Res is located about an hour from the center of Bogotá. And while there is a second joint near the capital's center, it can barely hold a candle to the real thing. We advise making the hour trip to the nearby town of Chía early before the restaurant enforces its 22,000 COP entrance fee. Heading back from the restaurant to the center of Bogotá, a taxi will cost between 30,000 and 50,000 COP.

Bogotá means sweater weather. Sitting 2,600 meters above sea level, the capital in the clouds is noticeably chillier than other parts of Colombia. Even though there are wet seasons between March-May and October-November, the difference in weather compared to the rest of the year is minimal.

Be sure you have cozy clothes to hand before embarking on your stay in Colombia's capital. Rainfall and general chilliness aside, expect average temperatures of 18-20ºC year-round in Bogotá.

For whatever reason, Bogotá doesn't receive the attention it deserves from backpackers. Because of that, peaks in tourism are minimal. And even if that weren't the case, you won't notice the difference in a major city of 8 million + people.

Our Map Of Bogotá, Colombia