One Week in Bogota

One week in Bogotá was the start of my journey to South America.

The month of January started off with me being overwhelmed (what else is new). I had no idea where or when I wanted to leave the US. I turned to Facebook for some help.

I met a bunch of cool people that were either already in Colombia or planning to go around the same time as I was.

After planning a trip to Mexico but then canceling it because I had Covid AND the flu, I decided to branch out a bit more south, to South America.

One week in Bogotá is definitely more than enough, in my opinion. I had read mixed feelings about it.

I was in Bogotá for about 8 days, if you count landing late at night and then spending the last day at the airport waiting to go to Cartagena. LOL.

If I had a chance to change it, 3-5 days would have been plenty.

I met one of the girls through Facebook, Uma, at the airport.

I spent the first night in Bogotá at the Four Points by Sheraton. Uma was staying there for the full week in Bogotá.

I was supposed to go to a hostel after that but I was still jetlagged the following morning and so I decided to stay the remaining days at this great hotel.

We landed pretty late and decided to take a taxi from the airport. It was around COP 50000 (USD ~13) including the tip, which is pretty cheap for late at night and we were also about 25 minutes from the airport.

The first night was a bit tough. I always get a lingering cough when I get sick, so it was difficult to sleep.

PLUS: Boston is at sea level; Bogotá’s elevation is 2,640 meters (8,612 feet). So, that itself has been an adjustment.

So, here’s my one week in Bogota itinerary:

Day 1:

On my first full day in Bogotá, Colombia, Uma and I decided to check some famous locations off the list.

We ate some breakfast at our hotel and took a stroll around our neighborhood. Since we were spending one week in Bogotá, I figured it would be smart to get to know the area.

One of the fruit stands sucked me in and I was not mad about it. For COP 3000 (less than USD 1), can you really complain??

I stopped at the Drogueria to grab some cough medicine. It was COP 25000 (USD ~6) and it worked pretty nicely.

Walking around the block made me realize that spending one week in Bogotá was going to be confusing. It wasn’t sunny, but humid. I was wearing a long sleeve shirt and started to sweat. Of course, we all know that I sweat a lot, so take that into consideration LOL.

After changing into something more suitable, we found our way to Plaza Bolivar.

30 minutes later we were posing by the famous Capitol building.

We ended up in La Candelaria, which is an old and historic part of Bogotá.

Luckily, we made it in time for the Graffiti Tour of Bogotá. It’s free but tipping is highly encouraged. Our guide was Jay and he was awesome. He was full of knowledge and made the 2.5 hours enjoyable.

If you ever go to this area, definitely check out the Graffiti Tour of Bogotá!

After the Graffiti Tour, I was starving so Uma and I went to PitaWok. It’s right near where the tour ended and started so that was convenient.

Their food was delicious and I spent COP 8100 (USD 2) on it!!

We made our way to meet one of Uma’s Facebook friends, CD, at BBC (Bogotá Beer Company). Little did we know there are THOUSANDS of them. So of course, we got lost.

After sharing a pitcher of beer and chatting, we hopped in our Uber home.

Day 2:

The day started out with eating a falafel burger for brunch, so I knew it was going to be a good day.

We went to Mesa Salvaje in Chapinero, Bogotá. One of CD’s friends owns it and it’s all vegetarian food which was wonderful.

We ended up tagging along with CD and her friends to explore the city a bit more. It took a few hours but they had beer during the middle and also at the end of their activity, so it made it worth all the sweat.

I can’t remember what we did was called. There’s an actual name for it and they happen all around the world, which is pretty interesting. It kind of reminded me of a scavenger hunt, so I guess we’ll just go with that. The people were so welcoming and genial, it was a day filled with exercise, beer, and fun.

After that, we all decided to grab some drinks. For a Saturday, many places were closed. We ended up finding El Irish and I got my fav: Jameson. Their fish and chips were tasty as well.

Day 3:

On Sundays, Bogotá shuts down some of the main roads for people to bikeride. It’s called Ciclovia. I decided to skip it cause I was exhausted. I made my way to meet Uma and CD at one of the spots that were near our hotel and saw a band playing which was nice. The band was amazing.

Later one, we met at Mercado de Las Pulgas en Usaquén (Usaquén Flea Market) and walked around for a while. They sold everything and anything. I ended up getting a mask and sunglasses holder for COP 50000, which I love.

I also got Antus, which tasted like mocha chip ice cream. It was delicious. I just don’t recommend putting it in the fridge, like I did LOL.

Lunch was a salad and pasta with alfredo. The alfredo was nice and filling.

After parting with CD, Uma and I decided to walk back to our hotel. We stopped at Parque 93 on the way because I had heard it was supposed to be nice. It was a cute little area.

La Chorrera and El Chiflón were on my Google Slides and I reaaaally wanted to see the waterfalls so after we returned to our hotel, I booked a tour for Uma and me for USD 76.

Day 4:

Cascada El Chiflón y Cascada La Chorrera

Day 5:

I found a dentist that was about a 12-minute walk from our hotel. She was super nice and also spoke fluent English, which made it easier for me. Although I do want to become fluent in Spanish, I need to take it slow LOL.

I found AMC Odontología through a Facebook group that I’m in and let me tell you how happy I was. She was very kind and helpful and even got my mouthguard to come in quicker since I was leaving Bogotá. The prices were fair and obviously cheaper than in the US. Overall, it was a great experience. She has a Facebook and Instagram as well. She also helped me with planning some of my future trips in Colombia- she was so kind.

After going to the dentist, I went to try out Tostao since I see them everywhere. I got a pan de queso, which are little round pieces of bread with cheese inside, and then I got a spinach pie sort of thing. Not too bad.

I was able to FaceTime with my cousin, mom, sister, and my baby niece, which was another highlight of the day.

For dinner, Uma and I met with yet another Facebook friend. We decided to go to Museo del Tequila. The food was satisfying and the place was nice. Museo del Tequila was only a 16-minute walk from our hotel so that was also great. So hey, if you stay in this area and are a fan of Mexican food, check it out.

We got some guacamole to share and then I got a veggie fajita.

It was there that I learned that I’m used to drinking Mexican Micheladas. I ordered one and it was just lime juice with salt on the rim.

I used to work at a Mexican restaurant so I had always thought that there was just one type of drink LOL. This Colombian Michelada was served with a refreshing corona. Delish.

Day 6:

Monserrate is a huge mountain that sits 3,152 meters (over 10,000 feet!!!) above sea level. We left our hotel pretty early and It took about 30 minutes from our hotel to the entrance. The entrance was a bit confusing but we figured it out. The ticket was only COP 22000 (USD 5.50). We were told to ride on the Teleférico (cable car), but it didn’t open until 12 pm. We rode up on the funicular since that was the only option.

We were at the top for over 2 hours. We just walked around and took in the spectacular views of the city. It was amazing.

I ended up getting some coca tea, which helps with adjusting to the elevation. I drank a cup of tea and bought a pack for COP 14000 (USD 3.50). I have to say, that stuff really helped.

We went back down around 11:30 am and it was packed. The line was super long. So happy that we decided to get an early start.

Flagging down a taxi was our only option since neither of us had phone reception. It ended up only being COP 8000 (USD 2) to get to the next stop.

We got dropped off at El Museo del Oro and walked around trying to find something to eat. Tostao was the winner and I got a Neapolitan pizza that was still frozen, but it helped curve my hunger.

We spent about one and a half hours inside the Gold Museum. It was only COP 4000 (USD 1). It was quite interesting and had countless bits of information.

After the Museo del Oro, we had to figure out Uma’s Claro SIM. We didn’t realize that Santa Fe was a not-so-decent area so once we did figure that out, we decided to just head back to our hotel LOL.

Day 7:

Packing was the only thing on my to-do list for the next trip- Cartagena!

Overall, Bogotá was just as you’d expect a city to be like.

One week in Bogotá was plenty of time to see all of the main attractions and get to know the cute places that the capital has to offer.

Between the Cascadas, Museo del Oro, and Monserrate, I’d say that one week in Bogotá is more than enough time if you want to relax a bit in between. If not, a few days will work.