It is no coincidence that Bogotá is nicknamed "the Athens of Latin America". Boasting a rich historical heritage and a cultural influence that extends far beyond the borders of Colombia, Bogotá is the ideal base for exploring Colombia.
A city of extremes, this urban metropolis of 7 million inhabitants, one and a half times bigger than New York, sits on a plateau at the foot of the eastern chain of the Andes. It is a gateway to the Colombian soul. Let the bright colors of the La Candelaria district surprise you and be intoxicated by its stylish, colonial buildings, small, Iberian-inspired homes and cobbled streets. A bohemian neighborhood where the streets echo with children's laughter and salsa rhythms and where Baroque churches stand alongside the Botero Museum and houses with wooden balconies. Even more amazing will be your visit to the largest square in Bogotá: plaza de bolivar, with its incredible dimensions, rows of windows and archways. Why not plan a sumptuous picnic using local products such as fritanga (meat and fried vegetables) and almojabana (cheese bread) and take a trip out to laguna de Guatavita, the birthplace of the legend of Eldorado?
But Bogotá also knows how to impress with an opportunity, for example, to rise above it all, thanks to the Torre Colpatria tower which overlooks the entire city. A stunning spectacle, and an absolute must for any visitor. More romantic, but equally spectacular, is the Gold Museum in Bogotá which will captivate you with its unique collection of pre-Columbian objets d’art, made up of gold ornaments, masks and jewelry cast in precious metal. It gives an amazing insight into the legend of El Dorado and its myths, something that's further embodied by the gilding of the sumptuous Iglesia de San Francisco church, located close by.
