Here it is, my quick dip into South America. And it truly is a quick dip, because I am currently on a Central America journey for the next few months. However, after only a few days in Costa Rica, I briefly flew to Bogotá, Colombia. But why? And is Bogotá really worth a visit? What is there to do in Bogotá Colombia?
Given how many travel blogs exist, I have read a few to see what there is to do in Bogotá. But once I started going through the typical “top 10 things to do” lists, which mostly mentioned sitting in a park and visiting the Gold Museum, it became clear that Bogotá wasn’t going to be anything like Paris – read Springtime in Paris with my cousins. So, is it really worth a visit?
Definitely! Although, interestingly I didn’t read too much about the safety of visiting Bogotá.
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Bogotá, Columbia
Located at 2160 metres above sea level, Bogotá is one of the highest capital cities in the world. And when you consider that I’ve hiked mountains in Austria and Greece – Hiking Mt Olympus – that are only slightly higher than Bogotá, you realise just how elevated it is. I guess hiking from here should be quite easy. Right?
The city itself is surprisingly amazing. I really enjoyed Bogotá. Yes, I had read that there are still a lot of drug-related issues in Colombia, but it’s not really noticeable when walking through the city. Of course, it depends where you go, so make sure you stay in the safe areas. I stayed around calle 65-71 and walked all the way to Avenida Calle 85. The streets were wide, the pedestrian path clean, and nobody bothered me. Well.. was I just lucky?
One of the most interesting and surprising things about Bogotá is its architecture. It reminded me of the red bricks of Poland. But not only the red bricks. From modern high-rises to old little houses, everything somehow worked together. The mountain backdrop also added to its unique look, stretching from Chingaza National Nature Park, with the Amazon region not far behind. How amazing is Colombia?
Visit Booking.com for the best Hotels in town!
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Is it worth a visit?
There are a few reasons to visit Bogotá in Colombia. First of all, the culinary scene is fantastic. The steaks were amazing and the bars trendy and cute. The second big reason is the emeralds. I actually didn’t know this, but Colombia emeralds are of high quality, with two large mines located just outside Bogotá. Muzo and Chivor. I might plan a trip there next time. Or at least visit a few emerald shops in Bogotá Colombia? Emeralds have always been one of my favorite stones.
Tip when visiting Bogotá: Pack a jumper and sunscreen. It can get chilly being high up, but the sun is also unbelievably strong. Even on cold sunny days.
I now had my first taste of South America and I know I will be back. Well, mainly because my Central America trip will end with a flight home from Bogotá. Hopefully, next time I can explore the wilderness and visit some local villages. For now, let’s head back to Central America. There is so much to see!
Where to stay in Bogotá Colombia?
As mentioned previously, it is very important to stay in a safe area in Bogotá. So I did not hesitate to book the Four Seasons as soon as I saw that it is located in the city. There are actually two Four Seasons hotels in Bogotá. One is more modern, the other with a historical touch. Both are very unique and exceptional.
Staying at the Four Seasons Casa Medina just added to the unique trip to Colombia. And to feeling safe and well looked after. Just as you would expect from the team at the Four Seasons. Remember my trip to Budapest only this year?
Is it safe here?
Well, as I finished writing this blog, I met with a friend of a friend who, originally from Germany, has been living in Bogotá Colombia for many years. He told us that the country, and especially this city, is very unsafe at the moment. Do NOT go hiking, do NOT take road trips into the countryside, do NOT catch a taxi and definitely do NOT walk in Bogotá. Even in daylight.
Well.. I did walk a lot on my day here, and it seemed fine. But clearly, it isn’t and I might have just been lucky.
I thought about what he said and about what the barman told me the previous night. After I walked from the Hotel to the bar, street by street, in the evening. The barman, who was born in Bogotá, spoke proudly about his country Colombia. He told me about the fresh produce, the huge variety of fruit (apparently over 1,000 types in Colombia), the ecosystem, the local products, and more. And then I hear a completely different story from someone who has lived here for many years but isn’t Colombian.
“BE SAFE and don’t leave your hotel,” he basically said. It’s interesting to hear both sides. As for me, I still believe it is worth a visit. The people are very friendly here, and always smiling. People are outdoors, exercising, walking, constructing and doing their own thing. There is generally a good vibe here in Bogotá. That’s what I felt anyway. Again, depends on where you are for sure.
And so, it looks like I won’t be going to the emerald mines, nor hike the mountains behind Bogotá. But I might fly to Medellin on my trip back. It is supposed to be beautiful and worth a visit. So my German friend says. And hopefully, one day, life here will become a little bit safer again. Adiós Bogotá!
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