It’s only appropriate that the capital of a wild and beautiful country such as Colombia would be a high-altitude, cosmopolitan city sprawled at the foot of the Andes. In Bogotá, eye-catching street art splashes across houses and industrial buildings, next to impeccably preserved colonial architecture, exciting museums, and culinary institutions. Bogotá is where Colombia’s creativity comes to play below towering, verdant mountains.
Visit Bogotá: get started
Check off the best things to do in Bogotá by starting with a stroll through Bolívar Square and the historic neighbourhood of La Candelaria, home to the famous art museum (Botero Museum) and the Gold Museum. Make the trek up Monserrate hill to visit the sanctuary at the summit and get a history lesson at the National Museum of Colombia. Kick-start your trip with our vacation packages!
Bogotá travel guide
Destination facts
Language
Spanish
What to bring back
A traditional ruana (a handwoven poncho), all types of treasures from the San Alejo flea market or the Usaquen Sunday market (like colourful bowls and vases!) and high-quality indigenous, artisanal products from the Artesanias de Colombia store.
What to eat
The city’s iconic dish ajiaco (hearty soup of herbs, potatoes and chicken), changua (a breakfast soup of milk, eggs and various garnishes), fritianga (a grilled meat feast), local cheeses like cuajada and exotic fruits native to Colombia (the maracuyá, pitaya, lulo, and so many more).
Fun fact
Bogotá derives its name from Bacatá, which was the name of the area given by its original inhabitants, the Muisca, meaning something like “end of the fields.” This indigenous tribe is behind the legend of El Dorado, because of their ritual ceremony involving covering a new ruler in gold dust. When Spanish colonialists brought tales of what they saw, it quickly grew into the myth of a golden king ruling over an empire of gold. See a scene of the original ritual appropriately displayed at the Gold Museum in Bogotá.
Important info
For more information on all necessary travel documents and more, check Air Canada’s Travel Requirements page and the Government of Canada’s Travel and Tourism website.
