Bogumil city attractions and restaurants map. Open left menu Bogota

Bogota is located on the western slope of Corlilera in a ditch at a considerable height. The city was originally founded on the Rio San Francisco. Now this river simply does not exist. The climate in the country is moderate. In summer, the temperature does not rise more than fifteen degrees, but in winter it can be up to minus eleven degrees. It should certainly be noted that the city is prone to frequent earthquakes due to its geographical location.

Sometimes the city experiences frosts and very rarely snowfalls. A significant number of forests, shrubs grow on the territory of the city, cougars, jaguars, peccaries, monkeys, armadillos, porcupines live.

Of the sights, the Cathedral Cathedral, which was founded in 1572-1610, should be noted. Renovated in 1998. This cathedral is located in Plaza Bolívar. The Presidential Palace, it is here that you can see the magnificent and original changing of the guard ceremony.

We also note the Church of Santa Clara, the Church of San Ignacio. You should also visit the "hill of miracles" - bright and truly bewitching.

Bogota is home to the world-famous Museum of Gold, which is a unique cultural institution of its kind. This museum contains works of art and jewelry made of precious metal. All of them were made by Indian masters back in the pre-Columbian era; there is no such museum in the world anymore. Hundreds of rings, bracelets, golden masks and various ritual attributes are just some of the exhibits that can be seen in this museum. Copyright www.site

For those who love to walk unusual places, you should go to Carrera 3. This street is considered one of the most colorful and creative places in the city, literally all the buildings here are decorated with bright graffiti. This street has long been chosen by local artists, there are many bohemian cafes, art workshops and craft shops, as well as shops where you can buy handmade jewelry and accessories. It is here that tourists buy a popular national souvenir - hand-tied "mochila" bags.

Fans of unusual excursions should climb to the top of Mount Montserrat, it rises up to 3,150 meters and is the most high point in the town. You can climb to the top of the mountain on foot, or you can use the cable car. The mountain offers a gorgeous view of the city, from here you can take great memorable photos. Tourists should take into account that it rains almost constantly on the top of the mountain, so you should definitely take a raincoat or umbrella with you.

Nature lovers will be interested in visiting the El Salitre area, which is one of the greenest and most picturesque in the city. There are many beautiful parks, sports grounds are equipped for open sky and there is also a water park. It is here that Botanical Garden Jardin Botanico, and one of the most attractive places for a picnic is the Unidad Deportiva el Salitre park.

Beautiful architectural sights can be admired in the Chapinero district, where the ancient church of Nuestra Señora del Lourdes is located, as well as the popular Libre Theatre. Many of those in the area architectural monuments built at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, there is a spectacular building of the National Capitol, as well as the National University of Colombia, which opened in 1867. This picturesque historical area is also home to several prestigious hotels.

Santa Fe de Bogota (Santafé de Bogotá) or simply Bogota is the capital, economic and political center of the Republic of Colombia. In addition, it is an important center of art and culture of the northern part. South America.

General information

The capital of Colombia is located on the banks of the Rio San Francisco, in the intermountain basin of the Cordillera Oriental. Turf grasses, thorny bushes and semi-deciduous forests grow in the vicinity of the capital. Cougars, jaguars, possums, tapirs, monkeys, etc. live here. Turtles and crocodiles live in the rivers.

The population of the city and its suburbs in 2011 is more than 7.5 million people. This is about 1/6 of all inhabitants of Colombia. The population of Bogota is dominated by mestizos, the rest are purebred Indians, descendants of Europeans, mulattos and blacks.

The city of Bogotá was founded by the Spanish conquistadors in 1538 at the center of the Chibra civilization. The city was given the name - Santa Fe de Bogotá. The prefix Santa Fe is the name of the Catholic feast of the Transfiguration, celebrated on August 6th. It was on this day that the construction of the city began.

Since 1598, Bogota has been the capital of the Spanish captaincy general. From 1819 to the present, the city has been the capital of independent Colombia. Today Bogotá is a cosmopolitan city and one of the most important economic centers of the continent.

Weather in Bogotá

Despite the fact that the Colombian capital is located almost on the equator, its climate is rather cool. This is due to the location of the city at a high altitude above sea level (2610 m). Due to its geographical position, Bogotá is prone to frequent earthquakes.

The warmest month is March with temperatures reaching 20°C. The coldest is January with an average temperature of 14 °C. The driest months are July, August, December and January. The rainiest periods in Bogota last from April to May and from September to November.

Bogota Transport

From the airport to the center of the capital can be reached in 2 ways:

By official taxi. The fare, as a rule, ranges from 15 to 25 thousand COP (9-14 USD).
By bus, the parking of which is located next to the exit from the main terminal. The fare is 1200 COP (0.7 USD).

In addition to El Dorado, there are 2 more airports in the vicinity of the capital: the airport for private air transportation - Guaymaral and the base for police and military aviation - Catam.

The main public transport in Bogota is the bus. There are 2 bus systems in the city:

The traditional system includes: large Ejecutivo and Corriente buses, Buseta medium buses and Colectivo minibuses.
The TransMilenio high-speed system, originally created to compensate for the lack of a subway. The ticket price varies from 1400 to 1750 COP (0.8 - 1 USD).

The Colombian capital has a well-developed network of cycle paths. Its length is 303 km. It is one of the largest bike networks in the world.

Districts of Bogotá

Conventionally, the city is divided into 4 parts:

Center - the historical part of the Colombian capital, where numerous attractions and the business district of the capital are located.
The north is the modern part of the capital with colorful nightclubs, cafes, boutiques and large shopping malls.
South - slum areas of Bogotá.
El Occidente - the elite part of the city, where the upper strata of the metropolitan society live. Parks and sports facilities are concentrated here.

In addition to the above, the Colombian capital officially consists of 20 districts. Among them the most interesting are:

La Candelaria is a tourist area with colonial buildings and beautiful churches.

Chapinero is a modern area with office buildings, restaurants and shops.
Teusaquillo is an area that attracts sports enthusiasts. Museums, the famous stadium of the capital and the botanical garden are located here.
Macarena is a bohemian area with high-end restaurants and art galleries.
Parque de la 93 is a trendy area with popular cafes and nightclubs.
usaquen- central District, where the main attractions of Bogotá are concentrated.

The poorest and most criminal areas of the capital are: Antonio Nariño, Barrios Unidos, Bosa, Los Mártires, Kennedy, Ciudad Bolívar, Suba, Tunjuelito, Sumapaz, Engativá, Puente Aranda, Fontibón and Rafael Uribe Uribe. The listed areas are not recommended for tourists to visit.

Sights of Bogotá

The most popular attractions in Bogota

Bolivar Square - main square Colombian capital. Here is a monument to the first president independent republic Colombia - Simon Bolivar and the magnificent cathedral.
Presidential Palace, located south of Bolivar Square. Every day at 17:00, a colorful changing of the guard is held near the palace, attracting many people.
The Congress building, built in the classical Greek style.
Salt Cathedral, located 49 km from Bogota. It was completely carved into the salt rock. The height of the vaults is 23 m.
The Temple of the Holy Child is one of the most revered places in the capital. The temple is famous for the image of the affectionate and smiling little Jesus in a pink tunic and with open arms.
Built in the Moorish style, Toros la Santamaria square, where bullfights and various musical events are held.
Montserrate hill (3100 m), which can be reached by funicular. From its top offers a stunning view of the capital. There is an international restaurant and several viewing platforms.
Famous churches: La Candelaria, La Tercera, La Concepcion, San Francisco, San Ignacio and Santa Clara.
Casa de Poesia Silva is a colorful mansion that currently houses the Museum of Poetry.

Parks and gardens of Bogotá

Simon Bolivar Park is one of the largest parks in the world.
Botanical garden, which presents a wide variety of exotic plants.
Chicaque- nature Park located 20 km from the capital.

Museums in Bogotá

The Museum of Gold, which contains works of art made by Indian craftsmen from the pre-Columbian era.
National Museum of Colombia, divided into 4 large departments: Art, History, Ethnography and Archeology.
The Museum of Modern Art, which houses collections of graphics, photography and industrial design.
Museum of Colonial Art, which displays important collections of Colombian art.
Museum of the famous Colombian artist and sculptor Fernando Botero, which houses his own collections of paintings and sculptures, as well as 87 paintings by European artists.
Ciencias Naturales is one of the 4 largest natural science museums in Latin America.

Holidays in Bogotá

Numerous festivals and events take place in the Colombian capital throughout the year. Among them, the most popular among visitors to the city are:

Temporada Taurina is a bullfight held in January and February. At this time, famous bullfighters from Europe and Latin America come to Bogotá.
The annual rock festival, which is known throughout the world as the largest such Hispanic festival.
An annual jazz festival that takes place in September in the largest parks in Bogotá.
The theater festival is one of the most important cultural events in the capital. It is held every 2 years during the Easter week.
Carnival de Bogota is a traditional carnival held annually on August 6th to celebrate the founding of the city.

Bogotá Restaurants

Colombian cuisine is characterized by an abundance of sweets, meat dishes and savory side dishes. Among the popular dishes it is worth noting:

Pandeha paisa is a traditional platter of homemade sausage, meat, avocado and banana.
Lechona - roasted pig stuffed with vegetables and rice.
Sobrebarriga - steak with rice, vegetables or bean stew.
Conejo-gausado-con-coconut - rabbit stewed in coconut milk.
Mazamorro - meat soup with beans and vegetables.
Ahiko is a soup made from poultry meat.
Arros con coco is rice cooked in coconut milk. It is usually served with dried or fresh fruit.

Bogota has a large number of fashionable restaurants and establishments with local cuisine. Tipping in restaurants and bars depends on the level and location of the institution. As a rule, they make up 10-15%.

The best restaurants in the Colombian capital:

Matiz - restaurant of Colombian, Pacific and Mediterranean cuisine
Pimento Cucina Italiana is an elite Italian restaurant.
Mini Mal is one of the most popular Colombian restaurants in Bogotá.

Things to Do in Bogotá

Places for family vacation in Bogotá:

Mundo Aventura is an amusement park for the whole family, located in the suburbs of Bogotá. Interesting attractions include mini-safari, catapults, steam locomotives, electric cars and a huge Ferris wheel. In addition, a mini-zoo, a botanical garden and an energy factory are open on the territory of the park.
Zoologico de Santa Cruz is a large zoo located 56 km from the capital. It contains more than 500 different species of animals, including leopards, tigers, bears, squirrels, otters, etc.
Diversity is a kind of mini-world for children. The Diversity amusement park has mini-banks, hospitals, shops, and also has its own transport system. Here children can learn everything about adult life. They can try themselves as a fireman, a doctor, a salesman, etc. In addition, there is an area for parents in the park.

Shopping in Bogotá

The most famous shopping centers in Bogota:

Titan is the largest mall in Colombia.
Santafé is the second largest mall in the country.
Centro Mayor is the third largest mall in the country.
Centro Andino is a shopping center with exclusive and expensive shops.

Among the traditional souvenirs of the capital, it is worth noting items made of gold or silver, jewelry with emeralds, ritual masks, clay items, musical folk instruments, cigars and Colombian coffee.

Bogotá Hotels

The second most populous city in South America, Bogota attracts numerous visitors with its energy, color, cultural diversity, beautiful buildings and unforgettable entertainment. On the one hand, Bogota is a city of colonial architecture, harmoniously combined with futuristic buildings, parks and various museums. On the other hand, the Colombian capital is a city of eternal traffic jams, slums and drug dealers.

Bogota (Santa Fe de Bogota) is a rather ancient city. Its name goes back to the settlement of the Indians who lived here long before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors. And perhaps, once upon a time, this city shone and aroused admiration. However, now it has turned into a huge trash can. And the only desire when walking around Bogota, I personally had to hide in a bubble and in no way come into contact with the surrounding reality.

Of course, not everything that we saw in the Colombian capital was categorically unpleasant for us! For some reason, before our visit, it seemed to me that it was interesting and there were many sights that you could see. But in fact, it turned out that the best place in Bogota is a hotel. Or museums. We also visited Colombia.

Cheap flights to Bogota and flight schedule see by this link(fly 17 hours).

Surprisingly, I did not feel threatened during my stay in Bogotá. I didn't feel like anything could happen. We walked several times in the evening to the large Exito supermarket (by the way, this is a very good super market!) along Caracas Street, and, despite the liveliness of the human flow, crime did not want to greet us.

It seemed curious to us that it was here that men in national clothes and with musical instruments gathered in anticipation of work. Apparently, when a singer or musician is required for a holiday, they choose him here. In Bogota, you can buy everything on the streets: both girls and men.

I have heard the phrase “if you can miss Bogota, skip it” many times. Now I understand its meaning. And my advice is the same. Only those who are interested in the decay and details of the dying of the once flourishing city should go to Bogotá. Although the Colombian authorities are doing a lot to combat drug addiction and crime, the city is not completely safe for tourists, but rather the opposite. To all this, we can add the fact that most of the historical buildings have been destroyed and are not being restored.

But if suddenly you need to spend a couple of days here, then do not skimp and choose a hotel in the best area and pay more money for it than you are used to. The less you face the surrounding reality, the better.

We spent a total of five days in the Colombian capital, since ours started from Bogota, and I must say that we spent this time to good use. We spent two days walking around the center and around Ciampinero, visited two museums. And in the remaining days we rested at the hotel, prepared for the flight or rested after it.

Hotels in Bogotá

We settled in the Chapinero area, which is called so because of the football stadium. The area wasn't safe, but it wasn't a crime den either. Let's just say that everything was in moderation. Until six in the evening, we were threatened only by peaceful homeless people who showed their face to society. Yes, and the police were not lazy and rolled through the streets, watching what was happening. And with the onset of darkness, instead of servants of the order, girls of easy virtue appeared. And no one bothered them to work. Such orders are here: everyone knows everything, something is happening, and no one is doing anything.

Therefore, we would advise you to approach the choice of a hotel carefully and be sure to choose good hotel not far from the tourist area - the mall area in Ciampinero or in Candelaria.

You can see hotels in Chapinero (almost the very center and not expensive).

Hotel Cabrera Imperial Suites- grade 9.1 . 5* hotel in Ciampinero area with spa, fitness center, solarium and restaurant. Hotel Cabrera Imperial Suites differs from others by the presence of a Turkish bath. The spacious rooms have a kitchenette, and the hotel serves an American breakfast. Nearby there are shopping centers, cafes and restaurants.
Casa Dann Carlton Hotel & Spa- grade 8.7 . 5-star hotel in the Ciampinero area with spa, sauna and indoor pool. The hotel has a very large fitness center. And the spacious rooms are equipped with a work desk.
The Orchids- grade 9.3 . A small luxury 5* hotel in the Candelaria area in an old style with a fireplace and sophisticated furnishings.

Here cheap hotels in Bogota in the city center

Hotel Casa de la Vega- grade 9.3 . Beautiful 4* boutique hotel located in a restored old house in the Candelaria area. Breakfast is included in the price, rooms are clean and comfortable.
Hotel Regina- grade 8.4 . Hotel in Candelaria with in-room kitchenette. The hotel rooms have heating, which is important for cold Bogota. The price includes breakfast. The hotel has a beautiful terrace overlooking the city, as well as a sauna. Hotel Regina is located next to the Museum of Gold.

We lived in a cozy family hotel in the Ciampinero area. But we cannot recommend it to you, as it, unfortunately, has closed.

Transport in Bogotá

However, if you are forced to use public transport (Transmilenio), then I can say that this is a convenient method of getting around the capital and quite safe. We used it all the time. And we have about transport in Bogotá.

Walk in the center of Bogotá

We walked around the Bolivar Square and around it. And even here everything appeared in a rather depressing state. Only the closed areas around the government palace know what cleaning is. And outside of it, strange personalities walk, it is not clear in what world they live. Bogotá was swallowed up by some kind of swamp of indifference. So one day of acquaintance with the Colombian capital was enough for us.

Central square of the city

Inside one of the active temples

Government buildings and monuments are fenced off

Architectural elements of different cultures in South America sometimes coexist with each other

Here you and your backpack will be checked, and only then they will let you see government buildings.

It is immediately obvious - the historical center of the country

And here, too, elements of antiquity

And here you can feel the influence of Gothic

A huge balcony on the house is a characteristic feature of the colonial architecture in Colombia

Skyscrapers of Bogota - modern architecture

Financial center in Bogotá

And these girls are invited to the most interesting Museum of Gold in the world

Currency exchange in Bogota

In Colombia, we were faced with the fact that banks cannot exchange dollars for local pesos. For these purposes, Western Union serves here. They change there, but they change with not the best rate, not with what is designated as official in the country. This applied to small towns like and. However, already in, where there are more tourists, an office was discovered that deals with currency exchange, but also with a rate that is beneficial to her alone.

And finally, we are in the capital of Colombia. And about a miracle! In the city center, not far from the Museum of Gold, the good old exchangers were finally found, where it says cambio! Of course, here the rate is also not the best, but it is more profitable than those at which we changed before. We went around several points and made sure that they all have the same offer for tourists.

Walking in the Ciampinero

Since we did not feel any particular danger, we decided to walk around the area where we settled. We went towards the center, walked several kilometers until we reached National Museum. It was a holiday and there were very few people on the street. Quiet and calm, no thefts and robberies, apparently crime also sometimes takes time to rest. It must be said that traffic in the central part of the city is blocked on weekends so that cyclists feel at ease. Thus, in Bogota they are trying to avoid traffic jams and give residents the opportunity to play sports. And I must say, many people take advantage of this opportunity, because it's so cool to ride a bike along a wide street.

We were stopped by one of the cyclists passing by, and carefully reported that we were taking such risks in vain and walking with a camera. We urgently need to go to the center, where it is safe, but in Ciampinero he does not advise us to walk in order to avoid robbery. Advising them to be vigilant, he drove away. But nothing happened to us.

A street in Bogotá, departing from the central one, leads towards the mountains

Day off. Free in the center today

Youth dissects on skateboards

The walls of buildings in Bogota, even on the main street, are covered with numerous graffiti

The Republic of Colombia is located in the northwest of South America. This hospitable country is ready to receive tourists throughout the year, here every tourist will find entertainment to their liking.

For a leisurely family vacation, the beaches of the islands of Rosario, San Andres or Cartagena are perfect. Fans of active eco-tourism should definitely visit the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and Los Nevados parks, the Canbo Cristales River and the ancient lost city.

A wide variety of thematic museums of Colombia are ready to tell about the history and nature of this wonderful country. Adherents of noisy entertainment will surely like the Fair in Cali, the Film Festival in Cartagena, the Flower Fair in Medellin or the El Joselito Carnival.

Most of the world's emerald production comes from Colombia, and gold and silver are relatively inexpensive here. So many tourists buy jewelry in memory of visiting this country. Sombreros and colorful hammocks are also brought from here.

The best hotels and hostels at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see in Colombia?

The most interesting and Beautiful places, photos and a short description.

The major port city of Cartagena is a popular tourist attraction Colombia. People come here to see the medieval Old city, where many attractions are located - San Felipe Castle, Plaza de la Aduana, the Palace of the Inquisition, as well as one of oldest churches city of Iglesia de Santo Domingo.

Founded in 1616, the city of Medellin is considered the second most important locality countries. The city has a botanical park, several museums and a zoo. The former estate of Pablo Escobar, a well-known local drug lord, is also popular with tourists. And in the summer in Medellin, the annual Flower Fair is held.

The capital of the state, the city of Bogotá, is the largest economic, political and cultural center of Colombia. Many buildings erected in the 17th-19th centuries have been preserved here - the Church of San Ignacio, the Palace of Justice, the National Capitol. In the Bogota Botanical Garden, you can visit the greenhouse and admire the man-made waterfall.

One of the most popular sites in Colombia is the Tayrona National Park. Here you can not only admire the amazing nature, but also stay for a few days in comfortable campsites, bungalows or eco-villages. To make it more convenient to move around Tayrona Park, you can rent bicycles right on the spot or rent peaceful sightseeing horses.

Among other attractions of Cartagena, the fortress of San Felipe de Barajas occupies a special place. The construction of the fort began in 1536, and it brilliantly performed its defensive function until the fall of 1815 after the attack of the Spaniard Pablo Morillo. Despite its impressive age, today the fortress is used for various cultural and social events.

One of the most beautiful and visited temples in Colombia is the Las Lajas Church, located on a bridge in the canyon of the Guaitara River. According to legend, in 1754, the miracle of the appearance of the Virgin Mary took place in these places, who healed a deaf-mute girl. At the end of the 18th century, the first chapel was built here, which in 1948 became a neo-Gothic fortress. The miraculous miraculous altar image of the Virgin Mary attracts believers from all over the world.

In the northwest of the country is the rock El Peñón de Guatape, which is estimated to be about 70 million years old. Since the 1940s, this attraction has been protected by the state. To get to the top of the 220-meter cliff, tourists will have to overcome about 650 steps.

The amazing Colombian river Caño Cristales is famous for its unusual color. Crystal clear water accurately conveys the yellow, green, blue, black and scarlet shades of underwater moss and algae, for which the locals call it the “river of five colors”. Swimming in Caño Cristales is considered by many tourists to be one of the must do things in Colombia.

To make a trip to Ciudad Perdida, tourists should be in good physical shape - the entrance to the famous Lost City of Colombia is preceded by a jungle-covered mountain staircase with more than 1000 steps. This is amazing place was discovered quite by accident in the 1970s and is still not fully understood.

In a mountain range in the north of the country, there is the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park of Colombia, the territory of which is divided into several climatic zones. Jaguar, puma, tapir, sloth, otter, several species of monkeys and a wide variety of birds are found here.

Since 1932, the National Bank began to buy jewelry from the pre-Columbian period from treasure seekers who plundered the ancient settlements of the Indians. In 1968, all the purchased exhibits were issued to the Museo del Oro Gold Museum. One of the most famous exhibits of the Museum is the Golden Raft, made approximately in the 2nd millennium BC.

32 km from the capital on the Bogota River is the famous Tequendama waterfall. In 1927, a villa in the style of French architecture was opened here, which was later rebuilt into an extremely popular 8-storey hotel. But since the 1970s, the waters of the waterfall have become polluted by industrial and sewage waste, and the popularity of the hotel has gradually declined. Currently, work is underway to clean up the river and parallel the reconstruction of the hotel into the Museum of Biodiversity and Culture of the Tequendama Falls.

One of the best places for eco-tourism in Colombia - the southernmost point of the country, the city of Leticia. From here, many tourist routes depart to the Amazon River and Lake Tarapoto, home to unique pink freshwater dolphins. Also not far from Leticia are the reservations of several Indian tribes.

One of the most famous archaeological sites in Colombia is the San Agustin Stone Sculpture Park. Among archaeologists, there is no consensus on who exactly created these unique sculptures from volcanic rocks, called Chinas. The sizes of the sculptures range from a couple of tens of centimeters to seven meters high.

Extraordinarily beautiful islands San Andres and Providencia are located in the southwestern part caribbean. Once this area was a haven for sea pirates, and today tourists from all over the world come here to relax on the beaches or go diving, windsurfing and yachting.

Not far from Cartagena is the Rosario archipelago, consisting mainly of coral islands. It is a popular tourist attraction for snorkelling, yachting, fishing or simply swimming in the extraordinarily clear waters. On one of the islands of the archipelago, there is a natural aquarium in which sharks and dolphins show performances for visitors.

Popular with tourists, Los Nevados National Natural Park was established in 1973. It is home to many birds, animals and about 20 species of bats. In Los Nevados, you can take an excursion to the volcanoes of the Andes, visit the lake of glacial origin Santa Isabel, ride along mountain peaks park in jeeps or spend the night in equipped guest houses.

One of the peaks located near the capital of Colombia is Mount Montserrat. A cathedral and a monastery were founded in these places in the 17th century. Today, the Basilica of the Crucified Christ is a popular tourist attraction in Montserrat. You can get here on foot along a specially paved path, on cable car or by using the funicular.

In the 1820s and 1830s, the famous Colombian figure Simon Bolivar lived in Bogota, where he established his residence in a late 17th-century house. In 1919, with the collected funds, the house of the former residence was purchased and turned into a museum. Diplomatic and cultural events are now held here, and the museum's exposition includes things and objects of the famous liberator of Colombia.

The salt mine near the city of Zipaquira is quite popular among tourists. And all thanks to the fact that at a depth of about 200 meters in the tunnels of this mine there is an amazing Catholic church, which is considered one of the most famous achievements of Colombian architecture. The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira is part of the complex of the famous Salt Park.

In the northeast of the capital in the mountains of Cudinamarca is located sacred lake one of the ancient civilizations of South America. The first conquistadors were very impressed with the stories local residents about the tradition of throwing gold items into the middle of the lake at the coronation of a new ruler. Attempts to get these treasures from the bottom of Guatavita were made until 1912. Today the lake is a popular tourist attraction.

The Cathedral is located on the central square of the capital Immaculate Conception which was first built in the 16th century. After the earthquake of the XVIII century, which destroyed the building, the cathedral began to be rebuilt only after almost 100 years. The opening of the modern version of the Cathedral of Bogotá took place in 1823.

The building of the National Capitol is located on Bolivar Square in the capital. It houses the Colombian Congress. From the inside, the rooms are decorated with beautiful frescoes by Santiago Martinez, which depict famous political figures of the country.

24. Jose Celestino Botanico Garden

In 1781, a botanical garden was opened in Bogota, which was named after the famous Spanish botanist, naturalist and physician José Celestino Mutis. On the territory of the garden there is a man-made waterfall, as well as a lush greenhouse. The José Celestino Botanical Garden has a scientific library, where some of the scientist's notes and sketches are kept.

In the city of Popayan, which attracts many tourists from all over the world, there is the famous Tierradentro National Archaeological Park. People come here to see the unique underground crypts of the pre-Columbian era, decorated with drawings using black, white and red colors.

To visit Malpelo Island, located in the eastern part Pacific Ocean must be approved by the Colombian Ministry of the Environment. However, all the difficulties with visiting are compensated by the beauty of underwater rocks and caves. Sand sharks, groupers and hammerhead sharks are found here, making Malpelo one of the most popular diving destinations.

At the beginning of the 17th century, the convent of the Convento de la Popa was founded on a hill above Cartagena. Two centuries later, a small wooden chapel was rebuilt into beautiful building, which many tourists come to admire. The pedestrian road to the monastery is quite difficult, so it is easier to take a taxi.

Most of the coffee produced in Colombia is grown in the coffee cultural landscape, which includes the departments of Caldas, Quindio and Risaralda. It houses the Colombian Coffee National Park, the Museum of Coffee Culture and national park agricultural culture.

An unusually colorful, cheerful and incendiary carnival takes place in Barranquilla every year before Lent. The carnival lasts 4 days, during which mass festivities take place in the city. Carnival in Barranquilla is popular with tourists from all over the world, so rooms in hotels should be booked in advance.

Every summer in the city of Medellin, the famous Flower Fair takes place. This event was first held on May 1, 1957. Since then, the main event of the Fair has been the parade of porters "siyeteros", on the backs of which there are large platforms with figures made of fresh flowers.

The capital of the large South American state of Colombia is the city of Bogota.(in Spanish Bogotá; at the foundation, and also in 1991-2000 - Santa Fe de Bogota, in Spanish Santafé de Bogotá).

It is also the administrative center of the department of Cundinamarca and forms an independent administrative unit - the metropolitan area, which is divided into 20 districts.

The population in 2011 was 7.4 million people(the second largest city in South America). Bogota is located in the intermountain basin of the Eastern Cardillera at an altitude of more than 2600 m, so the climate in the city is cool. The Colombian capital is prone to earthquakes.

Bogotá is the economic, political and cultural center of the country.

History of Bogotá

Bogotá was founded by the Spanish conquistadors in 1538. at the center of the Chibcha Indian civilization. From 1598 it became the capital of the Spanish captaincy general, from 1739 - the viceroyalty of New Granada.

It may be interesting for you to get acquainted with the geography, history and culture of another former colony of the Spaniards -.

By the way, did you know that Bolivia is peacefully coexisting with each other - La Paz and Sucre?

And in 1819, after the liberation of the Bolívar army from the Spaniards, Bogotá became the capital of an independent Great Colombia. At the end of the 19th century, Bogota became the center of the revolutionary movement in the country.

In 1948, during a serious armed uprising, which had the name "Bogotaso", the central part of the city was destroyed and burned; therefore, there is little historical development here.

It took many years to restore the city to its former glory. In the second half of the last century, Bogota was the center of a number of internal political conflicts.

How to get to Bogota

The capital of Colombia can only be reached by plane. You can buy air tickets to Bogota in a number of cities around the world, but the geography of flights is not too large.

This is due to the fact that today Colombia is just beginning to seriously develop tourism, so few people are still striving to visit this city, which deserves it.

The average flight duration from Moscow to Bogota is 24 hours.

Flights fly only with transfers. Even large domestic travel companies not yet ready to organize charter flights because it is very expensive.

Most of the aircraft flies to Bogota via New York. The fastest plane delivers tourists from Moscow to Bogota with a transfer in Paris for 72 thousand rubles. The duration of this trip is 17 hours.

The most inexpensive ticket will cost you 37 thousand rubles. All flights arrive at international Airport Bogotá "Eldorado", which is located fifteen kilometers west of the central part of the city.

What to ride

main view public transport in the capital of Colombia is the metrobus the TransMilenio network, for which special separate lanes are allocated on the roads.

The fare will be approximately $0.85 (1,700 Colombian pesos).

Taxis are also very popular. However, for safety reasons, tourists are advised to use the services of official taxi services.

Delivery of the car on weekdays during the day costs about 600 pesos and about 1000 pesos will need to be paid for each kilometer on the way.

On weekends and at night, passengers are charged a surcharge of 1600 pesos.

What to see in Bogota

The city is divided into four regions:

The south is the poorest part of Bogotá.
Center (El Centro) - historical area city with a number of attractions and a business district.
The El Occidente area, home to the upper class of Bogota society, is full of sports facilities and parks.
The north is the most modern part of the capital of Colombia with shopping centers, cafes, boutiques and nightclubs.

In addition to this division, Bogota is officially divided into 20 districts:

The most touristy is La Candelaria-here you can look at the colonial buildings, churches and walk along the picturesque streets.
Chapinero, located in the north of La Candelaria, represents a more modern part of Bogota with hundreds of shops, office buildings and restaurants.
Teusaquillo will appeal to sports fans because the Olympic water complex is located here, as well as the famous Bogotá stadium and Simon Bolivar Park, where all outdoor concerts are held.
And the botanical garden and many museums should appeal to the "second halves" of sports fans.
Parque de la 93 is visited only for its very trendy cafes and wild nightlife.
The bohemian Macarena district is home to art galleries and the best restaurants in the capital.
San Victorino is located in the heart of Bogotá, opposite TransMilenio's station. There are inexpensive shops where they sell everything in a row.
Usaquen - the most northern region, which is the site of all the main attractions and traditional architecture of the Colombian capital.

But it is better for tourists not to visit the following areas: Ciudad Bolívar, Antonio Nariño, Suba, Bosa, Fontibón, Sumapaz, Kennedy, Los Mártires, Engativá, Puente Aranda, Rafael Uribe Uribe, Barrios Unidos and Tunjuelito.

Sights of Bogotá

One of the main attractions of the Colombian capital is its central square is Plaza Bolivar. It was named in honor of the 1st president of the state - Simon Bolivar, who at one time led the people's struggle for independence.

There is a huge statue of Bolivar in the square, around which couples often gather at night for romantic walks.

On the square there is also one of the oldest and most beautiful Cathedrals Roman Catholic Church. The construction of the Cathedral Cathedral began in 1572, and was completed only in 1610.

Since then, he has repeatedly suffered from earthquakes and civil war. And yet, after a major restoration in 1998, the Cathedral became a symbol of faith for the entire Colombian people.

Under current conditions at the church there is a tomb - the pantheon, where the heroes of Colombia are buried, among them, for example, the head of the rebel troops Jimenez, as well as artists, poets and politicians.

On the northern side of the square there are other architectural monuments, among them the Presidential Palace. Every day, at exactly 5 pm, a huge number of tourists gather here who love to watch the solemn procession of the changing of the guard of honor.

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The whole parade lasts about 30 minutes, but it should be noted that this is a very beautiful and vibrant spectacle, which is definitely worth a visit.

Side of the Presidential there is another palace - the Palace of Justice of Colombia. The building was built in the baroque monumental style.

But most of all, it is known for the fact that earlier the headquarters of the rebels were located here, who during the civil war tried to prevent the landowners from establishing a dictatorship in the country.

The Bogota-La Candelaria area is often referred to as an ecclesiastical district. In fact, many churches and cathedrals from the medieval period have been preserved here.

One of them was erected in 1507 - this is the church of San Francisco. Little has changed here since then. Icons and frescoes, decoration and statues are fully consistent with the Spanish chic, which was demonstrated in the middle of the 16th century.

Other notable churches in the area are Santa Clara and La Conse, which were built in the 16th century. Their size is not so majestic, but appearance astonishes with its beauty.

You should definitely visit Santa Clara, because now there is a museum where you will be told in detail about the amazing history of Colombia - a country that got its name in honor of Christopher Columbus.

Useful information for tourists

Security: do not leave the city at night; avoid crowded places; avoid "gifts" from strangers in the form of cigarettes or drinks (may contain drugs to put you to sleep in order to rob); keep valuables in the hotel safe; carefully check banknotes (counterfeit banknotes are common in Colombia).

Telephone code: +57 (1)
You should also use sunscreen.
Shops are open from Monday to Saturday from 09.00 to 20.00.
Banks are open on weekdays from 09:00 to 15:00. On the last business day of the month, banks are open until 12:00.

Emergency Phones:

Police: 156
Ambulance health care: 132
Rescue Service: 112 and 119
Fire Department: 119
Electricity: Voltage - 120 Volts.

View from Montserrat

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