What to see when visiting Bogota

Wondering what to see when visiting Bogota?
Photo by CC user pedrosz on Flickr.

With unfounded fears that many harbor about how things were in the distant past, Colombia has become one of the best-kept travel secrets in Latin America. There are many destinations here that are worth your time, but in all likelihood, you will begin your trip in Bogota.

As one of Latin America’s most exciting capital cities, it is certainly worth a few days. If there’s one thing that you need to know however, it is that street crime can be a serious problem here.

While most people visit Bogota without incident, one of the potential dangers involves corrupt taxi drivers that rob their passengers. As such, it is important to know who you can trust to get you around Bogota safely.

Private taxis have become popular with locals for this reason, as their more professional nature has made them a much safer option. When it comes to private car services in Bogota, Blacklane is one of the best options available.

Staffed by drivers that are intimately familiar with this Latin American metropolis, they’ll get to your hotel in an efficient and safe manner. You can also count on them to ferry you around to all of Bogota’s top attractions, as they know the best ways to get to all the major sights in the city.

Wondering what to see when visiting Bogota? In this article, we will suggest the ones that will make the best use of your limited time…

1) Museo del Oro

When it comes to mineral wealth, Colombia has plenty to brag about, as it has no shortage of gold. Upon strolling into the halls of the Museo del Oro for the first time, you’ll see what we mean, as the exhibits are full of trinkets, masks and statues made mostly or completely from this precious metal.

Showing off of variety of artifacts dating to the times before the Spanish arrived in Colombia, it tells the story of a people that attributed spiritual qualities to this shiny ore.

2) La Candelaria

Make spending an entire day in the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria your next priority. Home to many colonial buildings and churches set along cobblestoned streets, this open-air museum will keep your camera shutter snapping from the start of your time here straight through to the end.

3) Mount Monserrate

Don’t leave Bogota without heading up Mount Monserrate. Accessible by funicular or cable car, this peak sits at an elevation of over 10,000 feet above sea level. Granting access to a monastery at the top, this place has religious significance for many Catholic pilgrims from across Colombia and Latin America.

In addition, the views over the surrounding city are fantastic, so don’t forget your camera. Note: The weather up here can be quite chilly, so pack warm clothing in case you get cold.