Get to know Bogotá!
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Discovering the Capital of Colombia
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What is the capital city of Colombia? I want to invite you to get to know Bogotá, the capital and largest city of Colombia. Bogotá is located in the Andean Region, on the Cundiboyacense plateau, and on the savanna that bears its name at an altitude of 2,600 meters above sea level. Bogotá was founded in 1538 and retains its historical charm. It is an important political, economic, cultural, and administrative center of Colombia. It serves as the seat of the national government and is home to numerous governmental institutions, as well as embassies and consulates of various countries. It is also the main financial hub of the country, hosting the stock exchange and numerous national and international companies.
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Arrival
The Bogota airport, officially known as El Dorado Luis Carlos Galan Sarmiento International Airport, is the main and largest airport in Colombia. It is located in the Fontibon district of Bogota, about 15 kilometers west of downtown. It serves as a hub for several airlines, including Avianca, LATAM Colombia, and Wingo. The Bogota airport is the second busiest airport in South America in terms of passenger traffic and the busiest in terms of cargo traffic. It has two passenger terminals and two runways.
Transportation options from the airport are an important part of the arrival process. What I realized in my time at the airport is that arriving patrons have many options. First, if you are lucky enough to have family or friends coming to pick you up. You may direct them to the large, numbered pillars that are in closest proximity to you. What to do if you are not so blessed?
Buses called Transmilenio are also available and have frequent routes through the metro area. However, the biggest and most persistent group are the taxi drivers. Taxies from Cabify and Easy Taxi of different shapes and sizes and the determined drivers will attempt to get you in their vehicles. I found this option to be more expensive than others, so I recommend approaching them with caution.
Alternative to taxi drivers include hotel shuttles if you are staying in close proximity to the Bogota airport. Check with the property you will be staying at for this service and the pricing. Also, consider the Uber app to arrange transportation. I found that they do pick up from the airport but are cautious about the large taxi footprint.
Stay Safe
When it comes to transportation from Bogota airport, there are several options available. If you’re looking for a taxi or Uber, it’s important to take some safety steps.
Wear a seatbelt.
Do not distract the driver.
Watch for traffic before opening the door.
Request your ride while indoors.
Use Uber’s trip-sharing features.
Don’t share your personal information with your Uber driver.
Confirm the driver’s identity before you get in the car.
If alone, sit in the passenger rear seat.
Current Safety Situation
Today, Bogotá has vastly improved in terms of safety. The government and local authorities have implemented various measures to enhance security for both residents and tourists. The city now boasts a lower crime rate compared to previous decades.
Areas of Concern
Like any major city in the world, Bogotá does have its areas of concern when it comes to safety. While the city center and many popular tourist areas are generally safe, there are neighborhoods that should be approached with caution. These areas are often associated with higher crime rates, and it's advisable for tourists to avoid them, especially at night.
Safety Tips for Tourists
To ensure a safe and enjoyable visit to Bogotá, here are some important safety tips:
Stay in Well-Traveled Areas: opt for accommodations in well-touristed areas as they tend to be safer.
Avoid Flashy Displays of Wealth: Keep expensive items like jewelry and electronics concealed to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
Use Reliable Transportation: Stick to registered taxis or reputable ride-sharing apps for transportation.
Stay Informed: Stay updated on the current safety situation by following local news and asking for advice from your hotel staff.
Language Skills: Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can be immensely helpful when navigating the city.
Bogotá has made substantial progress in terms of safety and is generally considered safe for tourists. By following basic safety guidelines and staying aware of your surroundings, you can enjoy all that this dynamic city has to offer without major concerns.
Arts
Bogotá is a city that offers a wide range of cultural and artistic attractions for visitors. It has many museums, theaters, art galleries, and cultural centers that host various exhibitions, plays, concerts, and cultural events.
Some of the highlights are the Gold Museum, which showcases a large collection of pre-Columbian artifacts. The Gold Museum of Bogota, Colombia is a museum that showcases the largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts in the world. The museum has more than 55,000 pieces of gold and other metals from different indigenous cultures that lived in present-day Colombia before the Spanish conquest. The museum also displays pottery, stone, shell, wood, and textile objects that reflect the life and thought of these ancient societies.
The museum is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Colombia and a must-see for anyone interested in history and culture. You can also visit the museum’s gift shop which offers a wide range of souvenirs and jewelry made by Colombian artisans. The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday as follows: Tuesdays through Saturdays, from 9 am to 5 pm and Sundays and holidays from 10 am to 4 pm.
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The International Museum of Emeralds has been dedicated to Colombian geology since its foundation. The International Museum of Emeralds in Bogota, Colombia is a place where visitors can learn about the history, extraction, and processing of these precious stones. The museum is located on the 23rd floor of the Avianca building and has a collection of more than 3,000 emeralds from different mines and regions. The museum also has a replica of an emerald tunnel, a boutique, and a panoramic view of the city.
The National Museum displays the history and culture of Colombia. The National Museum of Colombia, located in Bogotá, is the oldest and largest museum in the country and one of the oldest in the continent. It was built in 1823 as a prison and later converted into a museum in 1948. It displays more than 20,000 pieces of art, history, and culture from different periods of Colombia's past and present.
The museum also offers guided tours, educational programs, and cultural events for visitors. The museum is open from Tuesday through Sunday as follows: Tuesdays through Sundays, from 9 am to 5 pm.
Outdoors
Moreover, Bogotá is known for its beautiful parks and green spaces. The Simón BolÃvar Metropolitan Park, the National Park, and the José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden are some of the places where residents and visitors can enjoy outdoor and recreational activities.
Nightlife
You can also enjoy the nightlife in places like the Zona Rosa, known as the epicenter of nightlife in Bogotá. The Zona Rosa offers a plethora of bars, clubs, and discos. You can choose from different musical environments and enjoy a night full of fun and dancing. Another option is La Candelaria, located in the historic center of the city, which also has nightlife options. There, you will find cozy bars and pubs where you can enjoy a good craft beer, live music, and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Lodging
If you have the opportunity to visit Bogotá, I recommend staying at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Bogota. There, I guarantee you will find the perfect space to relax. It boasts a privileged location in the exclusive Usaquén area, close to major shopping centers, restaurants, and tourist attractions of the city. Additionally, it is only a 15-minute drive from the El Dorado International Airport, making it a convenient option for travelers.
The hotel offers a wide range of facilities and services to ensure an unforgettable stay. These include various restaurants and bars that offer a variety of culinary options, from local and international cuisine to gourmet dishes. It also features a luxury spa, a fully equipped gym, and a swimming pool. This hotel provides an engaging base to discover Bogotá, the vibrant capital of Colombia.
Weather
If you're planning to visit Colombia, you might want to know how the weather in Bogota compares to Cartagena. Cartagena is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Colombia (blog here). For those planning a visit to Bogotá, don't forget to check out the AXTENZO store for stylish clothing options to stay comfortable in the city's variable climate.
Temperatures
Bogota is located on a high plateau in the Andes, while Cartagena is on the Caribbean coast. This means that Bogota has a cooler and more variable climate, with temperatures ranging from 47°F to 75°F throughout the year. Cartagena, on the other hand, has a hot and humid tropical climate, with temperatures rarely dropping below 79°F or rising above 92°F. Both cities have rainy seasons, but Cartagena gets more precipitation than Bogota, especially in October.
Precipitation
The city experiences two rainy seasons, from March to May and from October to November. The best time to visit Bogotá is during the dry season, which runs from December to February and from June to August. During these months, the weather is generally mild and sunny, making it an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. So, depending on your preferences, you might enjoy one city more than the other.
Bogotá Conclusion
The Capital of Colombia is a vibrant and continuously growing and Bogotá combines history, culture, art, and diverse gastronomy. It is a place where ancestral traditions blend with modernity, and together with the Grand Hyatt Hotel, makes Bogotá an excellent destination for travelers.
Ready to discover Bogotá? Explore the city's history, culture, art, and diverse gastronomy with valuable insights from AXTENZO 10 Best Things to Do in Bogotá.
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Writer
Hello readers! I'm Cata, a Colombian-born, bilingual enthusiast who's been deeply involved in the safety industry while globe-trotting for work. Despite my demanding job, I've always made room for my passions – gastronomy and fitness. At AXTENZO, I pour my heart into sharing personal experiences and offering valuable insights to help you reach your lifestyle goals.
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