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Bogotá
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Bogotá – a brief overview
It seems like only yesterday that Bogotá was one of the most dangerous places on Earth. As guerrillas, drug cartels and government struggled for dominance over Colombia during the 1990s, much of the country was inaccessible. But while problems with poverty and crime remain, Bogotá has made a staggering recovery in recent years, with security drastically improving, a thriving art scene and world-class museums opening.
There is a formidable culinary reputation and an exciting nightlife too, both in the colourful old town of La Candelaria and the trendy northern districts. While visitors used to skip the lofty, difficult-to-reach metropolis, now there is a real buzz about the Colombian capital.
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Top 10 sights in Bogotá
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La Candelaria
La Candelaria
Bogotá
Colombia
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Bogotá
Colombia
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The historical centre of Bogotá features colonial architecture dating back to 16th century and is a charming warren of pastel-coloured buildings, many of them of great historical importance. The main square, Plaza de Bolivar, is particularly impressive.
Catedral Primada
Carrera 7 No 10-80
Bogotá
Colombia
Tel: +57 (1) 341 1954
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Bogotá
Colombia
Tel: +57 (1) 341 1954
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0830-1300
Sun 0830-1400
Built on the same site as Bogotá’s first church, this 19th-century neoclassical cathedral is one of the largest in Latin America. It contains a number of important frescoes, as well as the remains of the city’s founder, Jiménez de Quesada.
The Presidential Palace
Avenida Carrera 7
Bogotá
Colombia
Tel. +57 3375890
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Bogotá
Colombia
Tel. +57 3375890
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One of Colombia’s founding fathers, Antonio Nariño, lived here, in what is now the grand Presidential Palace. Don’t miss the changing of the guard.
Museo Botero
Calle 11 No 4-41
Bogotá
Colombia
Tel: +57 (1) 343 1316
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Bogotá
Colombia
Tel: +57 (1) 343 1316
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Opening times:
Mon and Wed-Sat 0900-1900
Sun 1000-1700
With more than 100 artworks by the likes of Picasso, Dalí and Monet, this collection donated by legendary Colombian artist Fernando Botero is unmissable.
Cerro de Monserrate
Avenida Circunvalar
Bogotá
Colombia
Tel. +57 2845700
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Bogotá
Colombia
Tel. +57 2845700
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Opening times:
Wed-Mon 0500-1600 (footpath)
Mon-Sat 0700-1145
Sun 0530-1700 (funicular)
Mon-Sat 1200-2300
Sun 0900-1700 (cable car)
Offering the best views of the sprawling metropolis that is Bogotá, this verdant peak is reached by foot, funicular or cable car.
Museo del Oro del Banco de la República
Calle 16 Nr. 588
Bogotá
Colombia
Tel. +57 (1) 3432222
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Bogotá
Colombia
Tel. +57 (1) 3432222
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Opening times:
Tue-Sat 0900-1800
Sun 1000-1600
Through its thousands of gold and other artefacts, this important museum tells the story of pre-Hispanic cultures in Colombia and beyond.
Church of Santa Clara
Carrera 8 No. 8 - 91
Bogotá
Colombia
Tel. +57 3376762
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Bogotá
Colombia
Tel. +57 3376762
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Opening times:
Tue-Fri 0900-1700
Sat-Sun 1000-1600
Among the city’s oldest churches, this former convent is brimming with 17th- and 18th-century paintings and statues.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Near Cerro de Monserrate but higher still, Guadalupe is also less crowded with tourists and hosts the iconic statue of the Virgin by Gustavo Arcila Uribe.
Colección de Arte del Banco de la República
Calle 11 No 4-21
Bogotá
Colombia
Tel: +57 (1) 343 1316
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Bogotá
Colombia
Tel: +57 (1) 343 1316
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Opening times:
Mon-Sat 0900-1900
Sun 1000-1700
Taking you from colonial times through to contemporary works, this huge collection has the full story of Colombian art from Alejandro Obregón to Fernando Botero.
Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral
Carrera 6 with Calle 1
Zipaquirá
Colombia
Tel: +57 (1) 594 5959
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Zipaquirá
Colombia
Tel: +57 (1) 594 5959
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Opening times:
Daily 0900-1730
One of the most jaw-dropping churches in the world can be found 50km from Bogotá – and 200m underground, in an old salt mine.
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Good to know
Country information
Country overview
No longer a destination only for daredevils, this extraordinary country has battled decades of civil turmoil to emerge as one of South America’s hottest destinations.
Geography
Colombia is situated in South America, bordered by the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Brazil. The Andes Mountains extend into the country in three ranges running south to north, dipping finally into the lowlands of the Caribbean coast.
Along the southern Pacific coast run marshy lowlands and rugged low mountains. The southwestern coastal lowlands extend in a trough running from the port of Buenaventura to the Caribbean. East of this rise the slopes of the Western Cordillera which, with the Central Cordillera range, runs north to the Caribbean lowlands from Ecuador.
Further north lies the fertile Cauca Valley, which becomes a deep gorge running between the Cordilleras to the Caribbean lowlands.
The Eastern Cordillera, the longest range, rises north of the Ecuadorean border and runs north then northeast towards Venezuela. Flat grassy prairies in the east along with the jungles and towering rainforests of the Amazon make up over half the country’s area. Colombia also claims two small islands, San Andrés and Providencia, located 700km (430 miles) north of the coast.
General knowledge
Key facts
Population: 45745783
Population Density (per sq km): 40
Capital: Bogotá.
Language
The official language is Spanish, though there are more than 80 other languages and dialects recognised in the country, belonging to various indigenous peoples. In the San Andrés and Providence Islands, English is also an official language.
General business opening hours
Monday-Friday 0900-1200 and 1400-1800
Currency
Colombian Peso (COP; symbol Col$) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of Col$50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of Col$500, 200, 100, 50 and 20. US Dollars are sometimes accepted, but be aware that you may be viewed as a rich tourist if you try to pay with dollars and you might find that the prices go up. Also be aware that there are a large amount of counterfeit US dollars in Colombia, so if you need change, get it in Colombian Pesos.
Electricity
Mostly 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs.
Public holidays
Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2017 – December 2018 period.
2017
Año Nuevo (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2017
Día de los Reyes Magos: 9 January 2017
Día de San José (St Joseph’s Day): 20 March 2017
Jueves Santo (Maundy Thursday): 13 April 2017
Viernes Santo (Good Friday): 14 April 2017
Domingo de Pascua (Easter Sunday): 16 April 2017
Día del Trabajo (Labour Day): 1 May 2017
La Ascensión del Señor (Ascension Day): 29 May 2017
Corpus Christi (Corpus Christi): 19 June 2017
El Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Sacred Heart Day): 26 June 2017
San Pedro y San Pablo (Feast of Saints Peter and Paul): 3 July 2017
Grito de Independencia (Independence Day): 20 July 2017
Batalla de Boyacá (Battle of Boyacá): 7 August 2017
Asunción de la Virgen (Assumption Day): 21 August 2017
Día de la Raza (Columbus Day): 16 October 2017
Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day): 6 November 2017
Independencia de Cartagena (Independence of Cartagena City): 13 November 2017
Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception): 8 December 2017
Navidad (Christmas Day): 25 December 2017
2018
Año Nuevo (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2018
Día de los Reyes Magos: 8 January 2018
Día de San José (St Joseph’s Day): 19 March 2018
Jueves Santo (Maundy Thursday): 29 March 2018
Viernes Santo (Good Friday): 30 March 2018
Domingo de Pascua (Easter Sunday): 1 April 2018
Día del Trabajo (Labour Day): 1 May 2018
La Ascensión del Señor (Ascension Day): 14 May 2018
Corpus Christi (Corpus Christi): 4 June 2018
El Sagrado Corazón de Jesús (Sacred Heart Day): 11 June 2018
San Pedro y San Pablo (Feast of Saints Peter and Paul): 2 July 2018
Grito de Independencia (Independence Day): 20 July 2018
Batalla de Boyacá (Battle of Boyacá): 7 August 2018
Asunción de la Virgen (Assumption Day): 20 August 2018
Día de la Raza (Columbus Day): 15 October 2018
Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day): 6 November 2018
Independencia de Cartagena (Independence of Cartagena City): 12 November 2018
Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception): 8 December 2018
Navidad (Christmas Day): 25 December 2018
All information subject to change.
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Nightlife in Bogotá
La Candelaria has lots of bars and cafés, many of them with live music by local jazz-rock bands and the like.
The trendiest parts of the city for nightlife are in the north however, especially the hip Zona T district, and classy Chapinero.
Bogotá Beer Company
Calle 25B No. 68b00
Bogotá
Colombia
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Bogotá
Colombia
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Having revolutionised the city’s lager culture since opening as a microbrewery in 2002, this is the place to go for quality craft beer.
Armando Records
Calle 85 No. 14 - 46
Bogotá
Colombia
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Bogotá
Colombia
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This hipster nightspot sees rooftop raves and all-night parties on the weekends.
La Media Torta
Calle 18 No. 1-05 Este
Bogotá
Colombia
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Bogotá
Colombia
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Latin music, dance performances and theatre productions are hosted by this legendary venue.
Quiebra Canto
Carrera 5 No. 17-76
Bogotá
Colombia
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Bogotá
Colombia
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For salsa, head to this two-floor disco with live bands and dancing until dawn.
Billares Londres
Carrera 7 No. 21-94
Bogotá
Colombia
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Bogotá
Colombia
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This super-sexy club boasts excellent cocktails, electronica and rumba.
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Restaurants in Bogotá
Currently enjoying a gastronomic fever, Bogotá boasts a number of restaurants showing off creative takes on traditional Colombian cooking.
There is also a wide range of world-class spots serving everything from Japanese to Italian.
Harry Sasson
Carrera 9 No. 75-70
Bogotá
Colombia
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Bogotá
Colombia
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Price: Expensive
Based out of a 1930s mansion, Sasson’s legendary restaurant mixes Asian influences with Colombian flair.
Rafael
Calle 70 No 4-63, Los Rosales
Bogotá
Colombia
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Bogotá
Colombia
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Price: Expensive
For the best Peruvian food almost anywhere in Latin America, head to genius chef Rafael Osterling’s restaurant.
Gordo
Carrera 4A No. 66-84
Bogotá
Colombia
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Bogotá
Colombia
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Price: Moderate
Inspired by Brooklyn and all things New York, Gordo offers a classy take on east coast cooking.
Andrés Carnes de Res
Calle 3 No 11A-56
Chia
Colombia
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Chia
Colombia
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Price: Moderate
For a bit of a party alongside some of the most decadently huge meat dishes you can imagine, head to this local institution.
El Tambor
Autopista # Norte-60
Bogotá
Colombia
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Bogotá
Colombia
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Price: Cheap
With fine grilled meats in a country setting, this is a classic Colombian dining experience.
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Calendar of events
Bogotá Carnival
5 – 6 August 2017
Venue: Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park.
For two days and nights in August, Simón Bolívar Park will be teeming with magnificently costumed people, musicians and dancers. Puppet shows, folkloric plays, art exhibitions and storytelling sessions make a particularly exciting sideline to the main parade.
Rock al Parque
August 2017
Website
Venue: Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park.
South America’s biggest rock festival takes place every year in Bogotá – it’s open-air and it’s free. More than 100 punk, ska, metal and hardcore bands from Colombia and abroad will be playing here.
Bogotá Wine and Food Festival
August 2017
Website
Venue: Various venues.
Offering a little taste of Columbia, the annual Bogotá Wine and Food Festival encourages local cooks, celebrity chefs and international kitchen kings and queens to show off just how good Columbian cuisine can be. Expect plenty of tastings, classes and demonstrations as you get your fill of food and wine.
Christmas fairs
December 2017
Venue: Various churches.
Despite being mainly a family affair, there are a few events taking place in Bogotá in December to celebrate Christmas. Over 60 artisans make up the feria artesanal navideña, which allows them to sell their wares in Candelaria (el Parque de Los Talentos). Many concerts are also held in churches during this period too.
Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro
March 2018
Website
Venue: Various venues.
A global event that draws actors from 45 countries and includes classic, dance, avant-garde, circus, music and street theatre productions. It’s held every other year.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
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Hotels in Bogotá
There isn’t an inexhaustible list of top-notch hotels in Bogotá, but it is a fast-improving list.
The trendiest and most luxurious can be found in the north of the city, while La Candeleria has some grand old options, as well as numerous affordable guesthouses.
Bogotá Royal
Carrera 8a No. 99-55
Bogotá
Colombia
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Bogotá
Colombia
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Category: Expensive
Lying within Bogotá’s World Trade Center, this lofty hotel offers great views and swish, modern rooms.
BOG Hotel
Carrera 11 No. 86-74
Bogotá
Colombia
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Bogotá
Colombia
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Category: Expensive
Perhaps the flashiest hotel in Colombia, this sleek tower has a rooftop pool in one of the city’s most exclusive areas.
Crowne Plaza Tequendama
Carrera 10 No 26-21
Bogotá
Colombia
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Bogotá
Colombia
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Category: Moderate
Among the grande old dames of Bogotá, this downtown hotel has been spectacularly updated by the Crowne Plaza chain.
Casa Real
Calle 93A No 9A-53
110010 Bogotá
Colombia
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110010 Bogotá
Colombia
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Category: Moderate
Near the wonderful 93 Park, this cosy hotel is ideal for those looking to take it easy.
Casona del Patio
Carrera 8 No. 69-24
Bogotá
Colombia
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Bogotá
Colombia
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Category: Cheap
This pleasant English-style guesthouse with 24 rooms also has a restaurant with traditional Colombian fare.
Flight and accommodation
Good to know
Best time to visit
Today: Saturday, 22.07.2017 18:00 UTC
drizzle
temperature
16°C
wind direction
northwind speed
11.25 mph7 days forecast
Monday
24.07.2017
18°C / 13°C
Tuesday
25.07.2017
17°C / 12°C
Wednesday
26.07.2017
18°C / 12°C
Thursday
27.07.2017
18°C / 11°C
Friday
28.07.2017
18°C / 12°C
Saturday
29.07.2017
16°C / 13°C
Sunday
30.07.2017
17°C / 13°C
Climate & best time to visit Colombia
The climate is very warm and tropical on the coast and in the north, with a rainy season from May to November. Though the temperature varies little throughout the year due to Colombia’s proximity to the equator, it does vary according to altitude. It is cooler in the upland areas and cold in the mountains, and in the cooler times of the year the nights can be freezing. Bogotá is always spring-like, with cool days and crisp nights, though when the sun is shining the days can get quite hot. The Amazon region generally stays warm and wet year round.
The best time of year to visit is at either of the drier times: December to March or July and August. This is a good time for hiking, too; getting caught out in a storm is not ideal, especially if you can’t dry out for several days because you’re on a multi-day hike. Bear in mind that major religious holidays will also play a part in the best time of year to visit: Santa Semana is a stunning time to travel to Colombia due to the ostentatious celebrations, but the hotels book up fast and double their rates.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute min | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 °C | 10 °C | 30 °C | 18 °C | 78 % | 58 mm | 5 | 6.3 h |
| Feb | 31 °C | 17 °C | 30 °C | 18 °C | 78 % | 79 mm | 6 | 5.6 h |
| Mar | 31 °C | 17 °C | 30 °C | 18 °C | 82 % | 129 mm | 10 | 4.5 h |
| Apr | 32 °C | 17 °C | 31 °C | 17 °C | 82 % | 153 mm | 12 | 4.3 h |
| May | 32 °C | 17 °C | 31 °C | 18 °C | 83 % | 123 mm | 13 | 4.7 h |
| Jun | 33 °C | 17 °C | 31 °C | 18 °C | 82 % | 89 mm | 11 | 5.0 h |
| Jul | 32 °C | 17 °C | 31 °C | 18 °C | 80 % | 89 mm | 11 | 4.9 h |
| Aug | 32 °C | 17 °C | 31 °C | 17 °C | 80 % | 92 mm | 13 | 4.4 h |
| Sep | 32 °C | 17 °C | 31 °C | 18 °C | 81 % | 93 mm | 12 | 4.7 h |
| Oct | 30 °C | 15 °C | 29 °C | 17 °C | 83 % | 157 mm | 15 | 4.3 h |
| Nov | 30 °C | 17 °C | 29 °C | 17 °C | 84 % | 111 mm | 10 | 4.3 h |
| Dec | 31 °C | 16 °C | 30 °C | 17 °C | 80 % | 58 mm | 6 | 6.1 h |
| year | 33 °C | 10 °C | 30 °C | 17 °C | 81 % | 1231 mm | 123 | 4.9 h |
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Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing code: +57
Telephone
Most public telephones take phone cards, which you can buy in many shops and kiosks. Many internet cafés also have international phone booths, as well as Skype facilities.
Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with a few international mobile phone companies. Coverage is limited to urban areas. If your phone is unlocked, you can buy a Colombian SIM card from companies such as Comcel, which will make calls and texts a lot cheaper. You may need identification for this.
Internet
There are internet cafés in most towns and cities. Most hotels and hostels in bigger cities provide free Wi-Fi, and the connection is usually quite good.
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Shopping in Bogotá
© shutterstock
Key Areas
The Colombian capital is becoming a hotbed of boutiques and designer stores, with the northern area (especially near the business centre) featuring lots of upmarket options. For clothing and handicrafts made by locals, there are numerous little shops in La Candelaria and downtown.
Shopping Centres
One of the largest malls in Colombia, Unicentro (Carrera 15 No 124-30) contains boutiques and artisan shops as well as international brands.
Markets
Probably the best flea market in Bogotá (there are several) is Mercado de Pulgas San Alejo (Carrera 7 No 24-70), a bustling site for second-hand books, old leather jackets, and other odds and ends.
There’s a great arts and craft market, Pasaje Rivas, on Carrera 10 and Calle 10.
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Traveller etiquette
Social Conventions
Normal courtesies should be observed. It is customary to offer guests black Colombian coffee, well sugared, called tinto. Spanish style and culture can still be seen in parts of the country,
although in Bogotá, North American attitudes and clothes are becoming prevalent. Casual clothes can be worn in most places; formal attire will be necessary for exclusive dining rooms and social functions. Smoking is allowed except where indicated.
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Health
Food & Drink
All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated outside major cities. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should have first been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Bottled water is widely available throughout the country however, including in rural towns, so you can always make sure you have some. Milk may be unpasteurised in places and should be boiled.
Only eat well cooked meat and fish. When buying food from stalls or markets, try to ensure that the food has not been sitting there for a while, and is kept hot enough to kill germs. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. There is an abundance of fruit available throughout Colombia, which includes pre-cut fruit put into bags and sold on beaches or from stalls in tourist areas. Buying whole fruit from the markets is both cheaper and more hygienic, and will help avoid contamination.
Other Risks
Vaccination against hepatitis B is sometimes recommended, especially for those spending long periods of time in Colombia or anyone who could have sexual relations with the local population. Hepatitis C occurs. Outbreaks of dengue fever sometimes occur, particularly in areas along the Caribbean coast and in the Chocó, Antioquia, Córdoba, Sucre, Bolivar and Atlántico departments.
Take care when going from sea level to high altitude – if you’re sensitive to it, don’t go on any major hikes the first day you arrive in Bogotá. Allow several days to acclimatise to altitudes over 2,500m (8,200ft). Initial symptoms include headaches, breathlessness (especially when walking up hills), dizziness and nausea. This should pass within 72 hours.
Contractual physician of Lufthansa
Prof.Dr. Leal, CarlosCalle 134 # 7B-83
Office 1016
Bogota DC
Colombia
Tel. +571-627-4466
Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment.
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Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.