Car Hire Bogota

Bogota Mini Guide

Isn’t Bogota Dangerous?
Bogota used to be very dangerous but now its crime rate is no worse than many US cities or London. Given that it has so much to offer, it’s worth visiting as long as you exercise common sense. It’s huge, only Mexico City and New York are bigger, but Bogota is also one of the highest altitude capitals in the world.

It’s a city of contrasts, from the sparkly new skyscrapers to the old buildings of the original city around La Candelaria. It’s vibrant and fun filled too from the upmarket restaurants and clubs of the new city to the music and shadowy clubs and bars of the old town.



OK, so how do I get There?
Many airlines fly from North America, Europe and South America, mostly scheduled, and with a lot of passengers intent on taking internal flights to other places of interest including Medellin and Cartagena. Journey time from the airport to the hotel zone is about twenty minutes and is generally safe as long as you are sensible.

What Can I See in the City?
You must see the old buildings and streets of Downtown and La Candelaria. Here, buildings dating from the late 18th century still stand in the narrow streets reminding the visitor of how the city looked in the times of revolution. Another important place to visit is the Gold Museum which houses South America’s largest collection of Pre-Columbian gold treasure. The craftsmanship in some of the pieces is amazing and you’ll be overawed by the glow of the precious metal.



I’m Going to Hire a Car, Where Should I go in It?
Visit one of the suburbs, San Diego, and climb the Cerro de Montserrate. There’s a hiking trail that has been closed because of mudslides but it’s still possible to walk to the top for an amazing view of the city. If the climb is too much for you, use the funicular railway to get you to the top.



A more contemporary view of the city can be had from the Torre Colpatria, Bogota’s tallest building. A small charge will see you whisked by high speed lift to the viewing deck. The most spectacular view is at night when the city glitters like jewels beneath you.

What Can I Do There?
Hire a bike and join a bike tour of the city. The guide will ensure that you travel through the quieter and safer streets to visit all of the city’s landmarks. They are well informed and tell fabulous tales of revolution and daring deeds by the national heroes.

How can I Spend my Colombian Pesos?
There are many handicraft stalls throughout the city, the best of which are in the Pasaje Rivas. Here you’ll be able to buy Colombian coffee, cheap silver jewellery, uncut emeralds from the Colombian mines and leather goods.

Mmm, I’m Getting Hungry
You’ve got two good choices; one is to eat in the expensive modern restaurants staffed by some of the world’s best cooks and dine in a glass tower overlooking the city. You won’t get authentic Colombian food but it will be delicious and with a view to match. For the real taste of Colombia, choose food from street vendors which are mostly snack foods for people on the go; Arepas are cheese filled pancakes, Empanadas are like our pasties being meat and veg filled pastry cases whilst Tamal is a breakfast meal of stew served in folded banana leaves.