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Two days is not enough to truly experience the incredible capital city of Colombia but for most people traveling to the country, Bogota is just the starting point. This two-day condensed itinerary will give you a quick feel of the city that has so much to offer. From the food to the culture, Colombia is as unique a place as you’ll find.Getting around is fairly painless thanks to the TransMilenio which is the lifeline of the city. But before you begin, remember that some people might need to take it slow to acclimatize to the altitude!
Museo del Oro
Bogota’s Museo del Oro, or Gold Museum, preserves intricate gold artworks from the pre-Hispanic Colombian era and is one of the most visited attractions in the country. Visitors can take audio tours to discover more about the usage of gold back then, including some interesting legends and stories.
La Candelaria
One of the oldest neighborhoods in Bogota, La Candelaria is a beautiful melting pot of culture, history, architecture, and politics. Plaza de Bolivar is at the center of it all and has seen everything from public markets and celebrations to bullfights and protests. You can spend hours here but before you embark on a walking tour, grab some Ajiaco at Cafe Antigua SantaFe.
Plaza de Bolivar
Your first stop in Plaza de Bolivar, after taking in the sweeping 360 views of the square itself should be Catedral Primada that houses the remains of Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, the Spanish conquistador who founded Bogota. Next to it is Palacio de Justicia. Fans of the Netflix show Narcos might recognize this as the site of the infamous ‘Palace of Justice Siege’. The majestic building was rebuilt in 1991 after it was destroyed in 1985 by members of M-19 guerrilla group and currently serves as the seat of the Judiciary of Colombia.
A view of Bogota from Cerro de Monserrate
While you walk around the square, take some time to stop and explore Iglesia Museo Santa Clara, one of the most stunning churches in Bogota, now a museum. Gold leaf work adorns the altars and pillars, and a breathtaking array of golden floral motifs decorate the nave of the church. While there are many magnificent buildings and churches in the area, it is highly recommended that you visit Iglesia del Carmen with its kaleidoscopic stained-glass windows.
Monserrate
Finally, end day 1 with a cable car ride up to the top of the mountain to the most famous tourist attraction in Bogota, Cerro de Monserrate to enjoy a panoramic view of Bogota.
Zipaquira is a small, sleepy village just outside of Bogota where you will find the famous Cathedral de Salor Salt Cathedral- a cathedral built into the tunnels of a salt mine. Some people consider this place somewhat of a tourist trap, but the eerie lights, sculptures and sparkly halite makes this a unique attraction, and worth a day trip from Bogota. On your way back, stop at the widely popular restaurant and club for a night of partying at Andres Carne de Res in Chia.
No matter where you go in Bogota, Colombia, the city’s vibe is on full display. Your Latin America trip isn’t complete without a visit to this fantastic region!
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