Bogota Tours

Bogota is not only the capital of Colombia, but also one of the most important cities in the country, due to the fact that it is the epicenter of some of the best excursions in the region and its cultural reservoir. Many of the local customs and traditions can be discovered in the city's tours, which include everything from gastronomic experiences to tours of the surrounding coffee plantations.

Among the best activities you can do in Bogota are an excursion to the El Paraiso slum in Ciudad Bolivar, a bicycle tour of the main local attractions, a visit to the breweries, a bus ride to discover the city's nightlife, a horseback ride to Guadalupe and Monserrate, and a cable car ride to 3,100 meters above sea level.

If you want to know one of the best facets of Bogota, you can not miss a gastronomic tour, a proposal that will allow you to discover the rich and varied culinary culture of the city. The tours usually include a visit to the Zona G, where you can find exclusive restaurants and cafes, but also local markets that will allow you to contemplate Bogota's street culture.

In the latter group, the Paloquemao Market is an ideal place to explore the stalls of tropical fruits, fresh vegetables and, of course, the wide variety of local products. From Colombian empanadas to the popular arepas, you will be able to sample a wide variety of typical preparations.

In addition, these experiences will usually take you to La Candelaria, Bogotá's historic neighborhood, where you will discover small fondas offering traditional dishes such as ajiaco, a thick soup of potatoes, chicken and corn. In addition, you can also try the bandeja paisa, a dish of Antioquian origin that includes meat, rice, beans, avocado and ripe plantain.

Finally, you can also discover Usaquén, a bohemian district famous for its regional desserts, such as the oblea con arequipe and handmade ice cream that you can buy at very good prices in the street stalls.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 28 euros per person.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know the local culture from a different perspective.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: they include long walks, so it is not a recommended option for people with reduced mobility.

One of the typical experiences in Bogota is to take a tour through the coffee plantations of the region, which will allow you to discover the very soul of Colombian culture. During these excursions you will be able to visit Cundinamarca, the epicenter of the surrounding mountainous landscapes that create the perfect environment for the cultivation of coffee. There you will find traditional coffee farms, where you will learn about the complete process of coffee bean production.

You can also immerse yourself in the history of Colombian coffee in the Eje Cafetero, a region that has played a fundamental role in the country's economy and development. You will visit picturesque towns such as Salento, where you can stroll through cobblestone streets and enjoy the traditional architecture, in one of the best places to visit from Bogotá.

The importance of coffee plantations in Colombian culture goes beyond the production of a simple beverage. Coffee is a symbol of national identity and pride, and these tours will allow you to understand the deep interconnection that exists between the coffee growers and their land. In addition, you will discover the laborious craftsmanship involved in each cup of coffee, from harvesting to home preparation.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 84 euros per person.
• Duration: about 9 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know the traditional and millenary coffee circuit in Colombia and you will discover the connection that exists between the local culture and its inhabitants around the production of this raw material.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: if you visit the coffee plantations during the summer there are activities in which you will not be able to participate during the visits, as is the case of the harvests, which correspond to the months of autumn and spring.

If you want to discover the very heart of Bogotá, you can't miss a visit to the El Paraíso favela, a neighborhood located in the heart of Ciudad Bolívar and one of the most densely populated areas of the capital These experiences will give you the opportunity to explore the daily life of the inhabitants of this place, discovering the cultural richness and resilience that characterize this community and its alleys full of street art.

El Paraíso has a fascinating history dating back to the early 20th century, and these tours will allow you to understand the challenges and triumphs it has faced over time. From its founding to its current evolution, every corner of this neighborhood tells a story of overcoming and solidarity among its residents. Through the guided tours of the locals, you will learn about the cultural identity of this neighborhood.

To access El Paraíso you can take a funicular that crosses the neighborhood. This means of transport not only offers a panoramic view of the favela, but when you reach the top you can also enjoy the entire skyline of Bogota.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 36 euros per person.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know one of the most striking and famous places in Bogota through the assistance of a local guide who lives in the neighborhood, so you will get a first-hand view.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are very intense tours, so they can be tiring.

If you want to discover the city from a classic perspective, you can opt for a bike tour. These experiences usually start in the National Park, a green lung in the middle of the city, where you can enjoy nature while pedaling through its tree-lined paths. From there you will continue to the historic center of La Candelaria, famous for its narrow cobblestone streets and colonial architecture.

You will also visit the Plaza Bolivar, the political and cultural heart of Bogota. There you will be able to contemplate emblematic monuments such as the Catedral Primada and the Capitolio Nacional, while you immerse yourself in the history of the city through the commentary of the expert local guide. You can also make a stop to visit the National Museum of Colombia and, if you want, the Gold Museum, which is one of the most interesting in the region.

One of the last but not least destinations of the bike tour will be Usaquén, where you can enjoy lively streets, local stores and the vibrant atmosphere of this bohemian neighborhood, which offers colorful squares and traditional markets that reflect the perfect fusion between the old and the contemporary that so well defines Bogotá's landscapes.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 19 euros per person.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to live a traditional experience to visit the main sites of the Colombian capital.
• Disadvantages of these tours: entrance fees to the sites you will visit during the stops are not included in the tour price.

One of the best things to do at night in Bogota is to embark on a tour of the city's breweries and discover the wide world of brewing in Colombia. During the tour you can visit the bohemian neighborhood of Chapinero, where you will find some of the most innovative breweries in the Colombian capital, such as the Chapinero Brewery.

In Usaquen, an old town turned into a modern cultural district, you can find some of the best bars in the city and in the colonial neighborhood of La Candelaria, you can visit the La Candelaria Brewery, a place that combines the history of the historic center with innovation in the manufacture of beverages.

You can also visit the eclectic Cervecería Fontibón, which offers a unique experience by fusing beer production with the authentic spirit of the Colombian community.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 36 euros per person.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to participate in one of the best activities to do at night in Bogota while enjoying the local bars and breweries.
• Disadvantages of these tours: beyond the walking tour, you won't have much free time to explore the neighborhoods on your own and some tastings are not included in the price of the experience.

If you want to see the nightlife profile of Bogota from a different perspective, you can opt for a bus tour that will take you through the main sites of the Colombian capital, starting at the iconic Parque de la 93, a vibrant area full of nightlife. From the bus you will be able to contemplate the illuminated skyscrapers that outline the city's skyline as well as some of its most famous monuments.

This itinerary will also include a tour of the historic center of La Candelaria, where the night lights will highlight the colonial architecture and cobblestone streets. You will also see the Plaza Bolivar and its nearby buildings, such as the Catedral Primada and the Capitolio Nacional, which take on a different atmosphere at night.

Finally, the bus will take you to the Monserrate lookout point, where you will have a panoramic view of Bogota from 3,100 meters above sea level, and to the Zona T, the epicenter of the city's nightlife, where you can explore its lively streets full of bars, restaurants and clubs.

Also, this quick tour will be ideal if you plan to visit Bogota in 3 days or less, because you will be able to contemplate the night view of the main sites of this destination in a complete tour that starts after sunset.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 72 euros per person.
• Duration: about 6 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the city in a fast and efficient way, which is ideal if you plan to visit Bogota during a short stay.
• Disadvantages of these tours: does not include intermediate stops except at Monserrate.

If you are one of those who prefer adventure tours when visiting a destination, in Bogota you can participate in a horseback ride to discover the natural trails of the Colombian capital. During these excursions you can visit Guadalupe, a sacred hill that houses the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe and is distinguished by the wide views and the rich surrounding fauna.

In addition, you can also visit Monserrate, another hill that rises above the city at one of the highest points in the region and reaches approximately 3,100 meters above sea level. Riding the trails that lead to the top will offer you the opportunity to explore the natural wealth of the region, with panoramic views that become more spectacular at higher altitudes.

Guadalupe and Monserrate, then, are two of the best places to discover the panoramic views of Bogota, and getting to know them on a horseback ride will not only give you access to a relaxing alternative, but also allow you to experience a traditional local adventure.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 104 euros per person.
• Duration: about 6 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will be able to participate in a quiet and relaxed tour in a typical Bogota adventure ride.
• Disadvantages of these tours: although you will be able to participate without riding experience, it can be a somewhat uncomfortable tour for novices.

If you want to immerse yourself in the darkness of Bogota and discover the mystery behind the most terrifying stories of the Colombian capital, you can't miss a ghost tour. For approximately 3 hours you will have the opportunity to relive the most shocking legends of the underworld while exploring the old neighborhood of La Candelaria.

These unique tours will take you through some of the city's emblematic sites, such as the Bogota Museum, the Colon Theater and the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo, where history is intertwined with the paranormal. Accompanied by an expert local guide and with the support of actors who will recreate each of the narrations, you will live an experience of suspense and mystery.

During the walk you can explore La Candelaria, visit the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo, learn about the terrifying stories hidden in the Colon Theater and combine scares with entertainment in one of the most eclectic tours in Bogota.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 14 euros per person.
• Duration: about 2 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the picturesque neighborhood of La Candelaria from a different perspective.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are not recommended experiences for children.

You can book a tour in advance online or book it once you are in the city, although if you are planning a short stay of at least 3 days in Bogota, or you plan to visit the city during the high season, which coincides with the summer, I advise you to buy the tour before your arrival in the capital to make the most of your time in this destination.

Also, if you book in advance, you will be able to put together an itinerary for the tour and even combine attractions, such as visiting the Monserrate cable car when you take part in experiences on the hill, or combine the coffee plantation tours with some of the best excursions from Bogota.

One of the main aspects to keep in mind during an excursion in Bogota is that you should prepare yourself for the altitude. This destination is located about 2,600 meters above sea level, so you might feel dizzy until you get in the weather and you should stay hydrated, especially when visiting the surrounding hills such as Monserrate or Guadalupe, two sites that raise the altitude of the tour.

Also, don't forget to explore the city's rich gastronomic scene. Don't miss the opportunity to try the local specialties offered by street stalls that will allow you to dive into the cultural diversity of the city, and be open to new experiences.

Finally, to maximize your time, plan ahead and choose the attractions that interest you most. Whether it's a walk through Monserrate, a horseback riding tour of the hills, or a night bus tour, Bogota has a variety of experiences to offer, so you'll want to make an efficient tour, especially if you plan to see the Colombian capital in 3 days or even less time.

Taking a guided tour of Bogota versus exploring the city on your own offers several advantages that can significantly enhance your experience. First, expert local guides will provide you with valuable information about the city's history, culture and points of interest, which will significantly maximize your experience.

Also, convenience is another key advantage when opting for a guided tour. The itinerary and logistics are carefully planned, allowing you to make the most of your stay and avoid worrying about organizational details. In addition, local guides know the best places to eat, the most efficient routes and the lesser-known but equally fascinating sites, giving you an authentic and complete experience.