Bogota Andes
5
Day Itinerary •
Colombia
Five days in Bogota and the Colombian Andes gives you the full extraordinary depth of Colombia's cultural and natural capital, from the pre-Columbian gold of the Museo del Oro and the underground salt cathedral of Zipaquira to the extraordinary Boyaca highlands with their remarkable colonial towns of Villa de Leyva and Raquira, the sacred El Dorado lake of Guatavita, and the finest contemporary Colombian cuisine in Latin America. This extended route covers Bogota and the Andes completely. Two full days in Bogota including Monserrate, La Candelaria, the Paloquemao market and the Usaquen Sunday market, then a two-day extension into the extraordinary Boyaca highlands visiting Villa de Leyva, the Raquira pottery village, the Ecce Homo monastery, and the extraordinary high-altitude Laguna de la Plaza in the Iguaque sanctuary.
Best Time To Visit
December to March or July to August, dry seasons
Getting There
Fly into El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Getting Around
Uber in Bogota, hired car with driver for Boyaca highlands
Budget Per Day
Approx 60 to 150 USD per person per day
Difficulity
Easy to moderate, some highland walks at altitude
DAY 1
BOGOTA
MORNING
MUSEO DEL ORO AND LA CANDELARIA
The most extraordinary pre-Columbian gold collection on earth, with over 55,000 pieces from Colombia's ancient cultures. The extraordinary Muisca gold raft in the centrepiece Offering Room is the object that inspired the El Dorado legend, a tiny golden chief with attendants performing a lake ritual in extraordinary detail. The museum's presentation is the finest of any gold museum in the Americas. Entry approx 4,000 COP. Then explore the extraordinary colonial La Candelaria neighbourhood. 20 min taxi
MIDDAY
CERRO DE MONSERRATE SUMMIT
The extraordinary 3,152-metre peak rising directly above Bogota with a pilgrimage church on the summit, reached by cable car in 10 minutes from the base station at the foot of the eastern hills. The extraordinary panoramic view over the entire Bogota savanna, eight million people spread across the Andean plateau with the mountains on every horizon, is the finest urban viewpoint in Colombia. Cable car approx 24,000 COP return. Go before midday cloud builds. 30 min taxi
AFTERNOON
LA CANDELARIA STREET ART AND EVENING CULTURE
The extraordinary La Candelaria and adjacent Santa Fe street art district, where a programme of large-scale murals by Colombian and international artists transformed the city's global reputation after 2011. The extraordinary works range from political murals to intricate portrait series covering entire facades. The Museo Botero in La Candelaria offers the finest free art experience in Colombia, with Botero's own work alongside his remarkable Picasso and Monet collection. Free entry.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Laguna de Guatavita, 75km northeast of Bogota at 3,100 metres, is the actual sacred lake of the Muisca where the El Dorado ceremony was performed. The extraordinary circular volcanic crater lake surrounded by cloud forest is one of the most atmospheric sacred sites in South America. Entry approx 22,000 COP. Best visited on the way to Zipaquira.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Azahar Cafe, Bogota Outstanding Colombian specialty coffee and arepas near the Museo del Oro. Finest single-origin coffee in the city. | Lunch: La Puerta Falsa, La Candelaria The oldest restaurant in Bogota, open since 1816. Extraordinary ajiaco santafereno, the finest soup in Colombia. | Dinner: El Chato, Chapinero The finest contemporary Colombian restaurant in Bogota. Extraordinary tasting menu of Andean ingredients.
DAY 2
ZIPAQUIRA AND MARKETS
MORNING
PALOQUEMAO FLOWER AND FOOD MARKET
The most extraordinary market in Bogota, a vast wholesale and retail market where the extraordinary flower hall at dawn is the finest sight in the city. Colombia is the world's second largest flower exporter and the Paloquemao flower section contains an extraordinary abundance of roses, orchids, bird of paradise and exotic tropical blooms. The extraordinary fruit hall with Andean and tropical produce is equally remarkable. Arrive before 8am. 1 hour bus
MIDDAY
CATEDRAL DE SAL DE ZIPAQUIRA
The most extraordinary underground structure in Latin America, a cathedral carved entirely inside an active salt mine 200 metres below Zipaquira. The extraordinary nave is 75 metres long and 18 metres high, carved from halite salt rock with stations of the cross in dramatic indirect illumination. The cross at the far end is the largest underground cross in the world. The extraordinary engineering and spiritual atmosphere combine to make this one of the finest sites in Colombia. Entry approx 80,000 COP. 1 hour bus back
AFTERNOON
USAQUEN SUNDAY MARKET AND COLONIAL VILLAGE
The extraordinary Usaquen neighbourhood, a former colonial village absorbed by Bogota but preserving its remarkable central plaza and colonial church, where the Sunday flea market fills the surrounding streets with antique dealers, artisan craft sellers, Colombian emerald jewellers and street food stalls. The finest Sunday afternoon experience in Bogota. The extraordinary cafe terrace on the Usaquen plaza is the finest place for a final Bogota coffee. Free to browse.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Zipaquira colonial town centre above the salt cathedral is largely overlooked by tourists who arrive only for the cathedral. The remarkable Plaza de los Comuneros, the extraordinary salt market and the finest 18th-century church facade in Cundinamarca are all within walking distance. The best local ajiaco outside Bogota is served at a simple comedor on the Zipaquira main square for under 15,000 COP.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Fresh juice at Paloquemao Extraordinary fresh tropical juice and arepas at the market before 7am. | Lunch: Restaurante el Virrey, Zipaquira Extraordinary traditional Cundinamarca cuisine in Zipaquira's colonial plaza. Outstanding cocido boyacense. | Dinner: Leo Cocina y Cava The most celebrated chef in Bogota. Leonor Espinosa's extraordinary modern Colombian restaurant. Book ahead.
DAY 3
GUATAVITA AND VILLA DE LEYVA
MORNING
LAGUNA DE GUATAVITA, THE SACRED EL DORADO LAKE
The extraordinary sacred lake of the Muisca people and the genuine origin of the El Dorado legend, a perfectly circular volcanic crater lake at 3,100 metres surrounded by extraordinary cloud forest. The Muisca chief covered himself in gold dust and made offerings to the lake deity here for centuries before the Spanish arrived. The extraordinary 1-hour walk around the crater rim gives views over the lake and the surrounding Andean landscape. Entry approx 22,000 COP. 2 hours drive
MIDDAY
DRIVE TO VILLA DE LEYVA THROUGH THE BOYACA HIGHLANDS
The extraordinary drive from Bogota north through the Boyaca highlands, one of the finest road journeys in Colombia, crossing the extraordinary Altiplano Cundiboyacense at 2,600 metres through extraordinary paramo grassland, potato and maize fields, traditional Muisca-descendant communities and remarkable colonial villages. The extraordinary emerald mines of Muzo are visible from the road. Arrive in Villa de Leyva for the extraordinary colonial plaza. 30 min walk
AFTERNOON
VILLA DE LEYVA PLAZA MAYOR AND COLONIAL STREETS
The most extraordinary colonial town in Colombia, a remarkably intact 16th-century Spanish settlement declared a National Monument in 1954 to protect its extraordinary cobblestone streets, whitewashed colonial mansions and the finest Plaza Mayor in the country. The Plaza Mayor is the largest unpaved colonial plaza in Latin America, covering 14,000 square metres of extraordinary cobblestone. The extraordinary Saturday market fills the plaza and surrounding streets.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Puente de Boyaca monument 25km south of Tunja, where Simon Bolivar's decisive victory over Spanish forces on August 7, 1819 secured Colombian independence, is a remarkable national shrine with an extraordinary triumphal arch and the flags of all nations. Almost no foreign tourists visit despite being one of the most important historical sites in South America. Entry free.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast, Bogota Good breakfast before the drive north. The Guatavita road takes 1.5 hours from Bogota. | Lunch: On the road near Guatavita Simple Andean lunch at a roadside finca. Extraordinary locally grown potatoes and fresh trout. | Dinner: El Matico, Villa de Leyva Outstanding farm-to-table restaurant in the colonial town. Extraordinary local Boyaca ingredients.
DAY 4
BOYACA HIGHLANDS
MORNING
CONVENTO DEL SANTO ECCE HOMO
The extraordinary 17th-century Augustinian monastery 14km from Villa de Leyva, set in an extraordinary landscape of eroded clay badlands unique in Colombia. The monastery courtyard with its remarkable star mosaic floor built from local ammonite fossils embedded in the stone is extraordinary. The surrounding badlands, called the Desierto de la Candelaria, are the finest high-altitude desert landscape in Colombia. Entry approx 8,000 COP. 30 min drive
MIDDAY
RAQUIRA, THE POTTERY VILLAGE OF COLOMBIA
The most extraordinary ceramic village in Colombia, where every shop on the extraordinary main street sells remarkable hand-thrown and hand-painted pottery using techniques brought from pre-Columbian traditions. The vivid colours of Raquira pottery, the extraordinary concentration of craft workshops and the remarkable colonial church above the village make this the finest artisan village in the Boyaca highlands. Buy direct from the potters for fair prices. Free to explore. 45 min drive back
AFTERNOON
VILLA DE LEYVA FOSSIL MUSEUM AND PALAEONTOLOGY TRAIL
The extraordinary El Fossil Museum outside Villa de Leyva, containing the finest display of marine fossils in Colombia including the remarkable 120-million-year-old kronosaurus skeleton found on a nearby farm in 1977. The extraordinary Palaeontology Trail through the surrounding hillsides reveals marine fossils embedded in the rock face, evidence that this Andean plateau was once an extraordinary sea floor. Entry approx 5,000 COP.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Pozos Azules, a series of bright blue mineral pools in the clay badlands 4km from Villa de Leyva, are one of the finest hidden natural phenomena in Boyaca, almost entirely unknown to international visitors. The extraordinary turquoise colour of the mineral water against the red clay desert is remarkable. Hire a horse from Villa de Leyva's plaza for the 30-minute ride through the extraordinary landscape. Free entry.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast, Villa de Leyva Good breakfast before the Ecce Homo drive. The early morning light on the plaza is extraordinary. | Lunch: Casa Quintero, Raquira Outstanding regional lunch in the pottery village. Extraordinary Boyaca ajiaco and fresh chicha. | Dinner: Savia, Villa de Leyva Outstanding modern Colombian restaurant in the colonial town. Extraordinary Andean tasting menu.
DAY 5
IGUAQUE AND RETURN
MORNING
SANTUARIO DE IGUAQUE TREK TO THE SACRED LAKE
The most extraordinary trek accessible from Villa de Leyva, a 7km round-trip through extraordinary Andean cloud forest and paramo grassland to the Laguna de la Plaza at 3,800 metres, the sacred lake of the Muisca creation myth where the goddess Bachue emerged from the water carrying humanity's first ancestor. The extraordinary high-altitude wetland teeming with Andean condors, spectacled bears and remarkable paramo vegetation is one of the finest trekking destinations in Colombia. Entry approx 23,000 COP. 2.5 hours drive
MIDDAY
PUENTE DE BOYACA AND INDEPENDENCE MONUMENT
The extraordinary site of Colombia's decisive independence battle of August 7, 1819, where Simon Bolivar's forces crossed this small stone bridge and routed the Spanish royalists in under two hours, securing Colombian independence. The extraordinary national monument with its triumphal arch and flags of all nations is one of the most important historical sites in South America, almost entirely overlooked by international tourism. Free entry. 2 hours drive
AFTERNOON
RETURN TO BOGOTA AND FAREWELL DINNER
RETURN TO BOGOTA AND FAREWELL DINNER Evening The extraordinary drive back south through the Boyaca highlands to Bogota, arriving as the afternoon light turns golden over the Andean savanna. The city of eight million people spread across the plateau at 2,600 metres, ringed by the extraordinary eastern cordillera, is one of the finest urban approaches in South America. A final extraordinary evening in Bogota's Zona Rosa or Chapinero restaurant district completes the Colombian Andes experience.
💎 HIDDEN GEM
The extraordinary Barichara colonial village 3 hours north of Bogota on the Santander road, declared Colombia's most beautiful colonial town by the government, has an extraordinary cliff-edge location above the Chicamocha Canyon with remarkable stone-paved streets, extraordinary whitewashed colonial architecture and the finest artisan hammock makers in Colombia. An extraordinary detour if returning to Bogota from the north.
🍽 WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast: Hotel breakfast before trek Full breakfast before the Iguaque ascent. The 3,800m altitude requires energy. | Lunch: Picnic on the paramo Packed lunch from the hotel eaten beside the extraordinary sacred lagoon at 3,800 metres. | Dinner: Criterio, Zona Rosa, Bogota Outstanding modern Colombian fine dining for a final extraordinary night in the capital.
Where To Stay
Bogota, Nights 1 to 2 Hotel Casa Medina or Hyatt Place Bogota. Zona Rosa location. Approx 80 to 200 USD per night. Villa de Leyva, Nights 3 to 4 Hotel El Marques de San Jorge or Hospederia Duruelo. Colonial plaza. Approx 60 to 150 USD. Budget Option Masaya Bogota Hostel or Hotel Renacer in Villa de Leyva. Approx 15 to 50 USD per night.
Top Tips
1. Stay in Zona Rosa or Chapinero rather than La Candelaria. Better safety and transport access.
2. Monserrate cable car opens at 5:30am. Go at dawn for the extraordinary city view before cloud.
3. Book the Zipaquira salt cathedral online ahead. Entry approx 80,000 COP per person.
4. Villa de Leyva Saturday market is the finest in Boyaca. Plan your visit to coincide with it.
5. The Iguaque lagoon trek starts at 3,000m and climbs to 3,800m. Take it slowly and bring layers.
6. Paloquemao market is best before 9am. The flower hall at dawn is the finest sight in Bogota.
Total Budget
40 to 320 USD/day