Travel the World Report : Colombia

One of the 2016 goals was to visit South-America and if possible do some horse riding there. At the start of each year in Our Goals page, I describe what travel plans we have in mind.

As I was learning Spanish too, it was my goal to improve and practice my Spanish as much as possible.

I chose Colombia as this country is now safe to visit and the people speak the cleanest Spanish in the world. At least that is what my Spanish teacher told me…and I can confirm it now.

I booked a trip for 10 days to Bogota, Colombia.

The location of my stay

The location that I booked was the following Airbnb location. It is a flat in the North of Bogota. It had security guards and was in a very nice neighborhood with restaurants and cafes in walking distance. It has reference 7384497.

Click on the URL to book with our reference and get a rebate.

URL : https://www.airbnb.com

Bogotá, the capital and largest city of Colombia, with more than 10 million residents. It is home to a vibrant restaurant scene, world-class museums, surprising wild nightlife and a charming colonial quarter with classical and progressive architecture that makes it one of the greatest and most beautiful cities on earth. More than everything, Bogotá is all about its people; warm, charming, sophisticated and stylish.

Here is our Top 5 list to visit.

1. Cerro de Monserrate

High upon the Andes Mountains, watching over the city, is Cerro de Monserrate a 3,152 meter (10,341 ft) mountain in the middle of the city. It offers one of the most magnificent and panoramic views of the city of Bogotá. Get there by taking the cable car ride. There is a church with a shrine up there, restaurants and a market for souvenirs and local delicacies such as coca tea.

 

 

 

2. Gold Museum

The renovated Gold Museum is the most popular and most rewarding museum in Colombia. Here you will discover how metals, especially gold, were used in the prehispanic societies that used to live in the area which today is Colombia. There are 3 floors filled with more than 6,600 pieces on display from archeological sites across Colombia including masks, breastplates, crowns, bowls, jewelry, offerings and armor. it’s a dramatic walk through Colombia’s rich and fascinating history with gold production.

 

3. Plaza de Bolivar

Plaza de Bolivar is the main square in the La Candelaria neighborhood, the heart of the historical and political area of Bogotá, filled with vendors, tourists, and friendly pigeons. The square features the National Capitol building, the city mayor’s office, Palace of Justice and the Cathedral of Bogota. On the square stands a statue of Simón Bolivar. The statue was created in 1846 by Italian Pietro Tenerani. It is the first public monument in Bogota.

4. The Botero Museum

Situated in a renovated colonial house in the heart of Bogota’s historical center, the Botero Museum houses one of Latin America’s most important international art collections. It showcases the paintings and sculptures of Colombia’s famed artist, Fernando Botero, known for his depictions of exaggeratedly overweight subjects and fruits.

5. Zona Rosa

Zona Rosa has become one of Bogota’s trendiest and most upscale neighborhoods. With so many high-end restaurants, malls, boutique stores, European-style bars, luxurious lounges and exclusive nightclubs, Zona Rosa is Bogota’s major nightlife district. If you like clubbing, you will find many options from mixes of western music and Colombian music to techno and electronic pop. The Zona Rosa is also home to the Chapinero, an LGBT-friendly area with a large concentration of gay and lesbian bars and clubs. A recommendation to visit is the restaurant Andres. Here you can eat a good meal and dance salsa…

Besides the tourist locations in Bogota, you definitely need to travel outside Bogota and relax in the nature there.

If you want to have some additional fun, play a game of tejo. Hit one of the arrows and see what happens. It is definitely fun!

 

My first time in South America was definitely a great experience and I will go back soon!