How to plan a trip to Bogota

Planning a trip to Bogotá can be an exciting adventure that will immerse you in the heart of Colombia’s culture and rich urban history. In this bustling capital, you can explore museums, historic neighbourhoods, enjoy the local cuisine and take part in its cultural events. There’s so much to do that you might not know where to start.

But don’t worry, because you’re in the right place. In this post we want to help you with the first steps of organising your trip, choosing the dates, the necessary documentation and booking airline tickets and accommodation. In addition, we have prepared for you many other travel tips that will help you get around the city and make the most of your experience. Are you ready for your trip to Bogotá?

1. Prepare your travel documents for Bogotá

The first step in planning a trip to Bogotá is to check the necessary travel documents, as in some cases, it can take a while. You’ll see that the paperwork varies depending on your country, so it’s important to check the documentation depending on where you’re travelling from. Here are the details:

• If your nationality requires a visa to enter Colombia, you will have to apply for it through the Colombian embassies or consulates in your country, or filling an online form in. The process can take a couple of weeks, so we recommend you do it in advance. Some visa categories allow multiple entries and can be valid for up to one year, although the maximum stay generally allowed is 180 days per year, which can be divided into periods of up to 90 days per entry. The fee is €40 for Europeans and Cubans and €82 for all other nationalities.
• Visa-free travellers: For citizens of many countries in Latin America, the European Union and some others, it is not necessary to obtain a visa for short tourist stays of up to 90 days. It is advisable to check the specific policy for each nationality, as in some cases, this stay can be extended up to 180 days while in the country. If this is the case, you will need to present a valid passport, a return ticket and in some cases, proof of financial solvency or a letter of invitation may be required.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Bogotá

The best time to visit Bogotá is during the dry season, between December and March. During these months, the weather is more stable and rainfall is less frequent. However, this time also coincides with the high season, which means that prices are higher in accommodation and there are more tourists at the popular attractions.

July and August are also good months to travel, and it also coincides with the Bogota Carnival in August, which celebrates the city’s cultural diversity with music, dance and colourful parades. But if you’re travelling around this time, be sure to plan your trip to Bogota well in advance.

3. Find out how to get to Bogotá

As the capital of the country, Bogotá is very well connected both nationally and internationally, and you can get there in different ways depending on where you’re travelling from. Here are all the options:

• By plane: El Dorado International Airport is the main air access to Bogotá and receives flights from major cities around the world. Airlines such as Avianca, LATAM, and American Airlines operate here.
• By car: Bogota has good national road connections. From nearby cities such as Medellin or Cali, you can access by the Medellin – Bogota Highway and the Troncal to the Caribbean Coast, respectively.
• By bus: Bogota’s Terminal de Transportes offers connections to numerous cities around the country. Companies such as Bolivariano and Copetran offer frequent services.

On arrival at El Dorado International Airport, you have several options to get to the centre:

• Taxi: this is the most direct and fastest way. Be sure to take an official taxi from the airport. The journey costs around 25,000 – 40,000 COP (6-10 USD) and takes about 20 minutes depending on the traffic.
• Bus: you can take a TransMilenio service, which is efficient and inexpensive. You must first take a free shuttle to Portal Eldorado and from there connect to the main system.

Public transport in Bogotá includes TransMilenio, an efficient BRT-type articulated bus system that covers most of the city with fares of approximately COP2,500 per trip. In addition, taxis are a safe and convenient option, especially when accessed via apps such as Easy Taxi or Tappsi, or Uber. For bicycle enthusiasts, Bogotá has an extensive network of bike lanes for the exclusive use of cyclists and pedestrians.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Bogotá

Bogota is a lively city with plenty of accommodation options to suit all types of travellers. From budget hostels to luxury hotels, the Colombian capital has something for every budget and style. The city is especially known for its mix of modernity and tradition, and this is also reflected in the contrast of its neighbourhoods.

Best neighbourhoods to stay in Bogota:

• La Candelaria: is ideal for history and culture lovers, this neighbourhood offers a colonial atmosphere and is close to many tourist attractions. Prices can be moderate depending on the type of accommodation.
• Chapinero: is known for its bohemian and cosmopolitan atmosphere, ideal for young people and students. It offers more affordable accommodation options.
• Zona Rosa and Zona T: Exclusive areas ideal for those looking for nightlife and luxury shopping. Hotels here tend to be more expensive.
• El Chicó and Parque de la 93: high-end areas with some of the most luxurious and exclusive hotels, perfect for business travellers or those looking for first-class accommodation.

If you want to find accommodation at a good price, we encourage you to start comparing options as soon as possible. We also remind you that with the Passporter App you can book your accommodation directly through Booking and always have all the information at hand.

5. Where and what to eat in Bogota?

Bogota’s gastronomy is famous for its rich mix of indigenous and Spanish influences, resulting in a wide variety of hearty and comforting dishes. Typical ingredients include corn, potatoes, yucca, plantains, and various meats such as chicken, beef and pork. They are combined in traditional recipes adapted over the centuries. We ate really well in the city, so we’ve put together this list of some recommendations. But if you’re not a fan of trying new things, you’ll also find plenty of international restaurants.

1. Ajiaco: a succulent chicken soup with three types of potato, corn and guasca grass.
2. Tamal Bogotano: corn dough stuffed with meat, wrapped in banana leaves.
3. Fritanga: a combination dish of fried meats with cassava and plantains.
4. Changua: milk soup with egg, ideal for breakfast.
5. Sancocho de gallina: thick soup with chicken, corn, yucca and potato.

In addition to the dishes, you can’t miss the hot chocolate with cheese. It is a traditional drink that reflects Bogotá’s culinary fusion. This chocolate is served hot with a piece of cheese that melts inside, offering a unique experience that warms the soul, especially on cold days in the city.

6. Choose the activities you want to do in Bogotá

This city at more than 2,600 metres above sea level is a colourful tapestry of modernity and ancient traditions, ideal for those seeking an authentic and enriching experience. We spent three days in the city. And while we had time to visit all the must-see sights, we wouldn’t mind staying a couple of days longer to explore each area.

Our stay was wonderful, and we want yours to be too. So, we encourage you to create your travel itinerary with Passporter and leave the must-sees here for you to start today:

1. Cerro de Monserrate: climbing this hill is one of the most famous activities in the city because of the incredible views from the top. It can be climbed on foot or by cable car for approximately COP 20,000.
2. La Candelaria: this is Bogota’s historic centre, perfect for walking along cobblestone streets and exploring its colonial architecture.
3. Museo del Oro (Gold Museum): houses the largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold in the world. Admission approx. COP 4,000.
4. Plaza de Bolívar: this is the main square and is surrounded by government buildings and the Catedral Primada.
5. Botero Museum: exhibits works by Fernando Botero and other artists. Admission is free.
6. National Museum: one of the oldest museums, with Colombian art and artefacts. Admission approx. COP 4,000.
7. Botanical Garden: is a pleasant green space with collections of native and exotic plants. Approximate entrance fee COP 2,500.
8. Simón Bolivar Park: this is the largest park in the city, ideal for picnics and outdoor activities. Free admission.
9. Colón Theatre: offers shows and impressive architecture.
10. Virgilio Barco Library: an architectural landmark with spaces for reading and cultural events.

In this post you can read many more details about this incredible city: Things to do in Bogota Colombia?

7. Organise a trip with friends to Bogotá

Exploring Bogotá with friends can be a memorable adventure that will allow you to discover its streets, museums, local markets, and enjoy the city’s lively nightlife together. Travelling in a group has its advantages, such as sharing expenses and always being accompanied, but it also presents challenges, such as coordinating and balancing everyone’s interests.

Our recommendation for travelling with friends is that you create a collaborative itinerary with the Passporter App, so that you can organise your trip together, adjusting to the pace and interests of each member. You can also get inspired by the itineraries of other travellers and share photos of your trip. We tell you how to do it in this post: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Bogotá

• The currency of Colombia is the Colombian peso (COP).
• Although many establishments accept credit cards, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in rural areas.
• In Colombia, the A and B plug type is used, with a voltage of 110V and a frequency of 60Hz. Be sure to bring an adaptor if your devices have different specifications.
• The official language is Spanish. Learning some basic Spanish phrases can improve your travel experience, especially outside of the big cities.
• It’s advisable to book flights and accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak tourist season (December-January and Easter).
• Find out about local festivals or special events that may coincide with your visit, such as Bogota’s Carnival.
• If you decide to hire a car, remember to always check local traffic regulations and road conditions, especially in rural areas.
• As in any tourist destination, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places and on public transport. Avoid displaying valuables.
• The climate in Colombia can vary significantly depending on region and altitude. Wear clothing suitable for warmer climates on the coast and cooler climates in the mountainous areas.
• Due to the city’s altitude, you may need a couple of days to acclimatise.
• If you want mobile internet during your stay we recommend getting a Holafly eSIM with unlimited data.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as Mondo.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Bogota

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that interest you the most, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app to always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documents…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan a trip to Bogotá.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Bogotá