Bogota Colombia 5 Day Itinerary

Bogota, Colombia: 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring La Candelaria

  • Morning: Arrive at El Dorado International Airport (BOG). Check-in at a centrally located hotel such as Casa Decor or Hotel Bizarro, both in the historic district of La Candelaria.

  • Afternoon: Grab lunch at Andres DC, a popular spot offering Colombian and international dishes. Afterward, explore the colorful streets of La Candelaria, visiting landmarks like Plaza de Bolivar, Monserrate Church, and Museo Botero.

  • Evening: Dine at El Corral for traditional Colombian cuisine. Take a stroll around Parque Simón Bolívar in the evening.

Day 2: Art & Culture

  • Morning: Visit Museo de Oro, home to an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts. Next, explore the Gold Museum’s sister institution, Museo de Arte Moderno (MAM).

  • Afternoon: Head to Zona T (T for Tegaldo, an indigenous word meaning “artist”) and explore galleries like Galería La Otra y La Primera. Enjoy a casual lunch at Bogotá Beer Company, which offers delicious craft beers and food.

  • Evening: Visit Parque Nacional (National Park) to see the stunning Monumento a la Independencia (Monument to Independence). Dine at Restaurante Aburráe for a fusion of Colombian, Peruvian, and Japanese cuisines.

Day 3: Exploring Salt Cathedral & Usaquen

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Zipaquirá (about an hour away) to visit the famous Salt Cathedral. Marvel at the architectural wonder carved into a salt mine.

  • Afternoon: Return to Bogota and head to Usaquen, where you can explore Plaza de Usaquen and its vibrant market. Grab lunch at Café de la Luna for delicious arepas.

  • Evening: Dine at El Cielo, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving innovative Colombian cuisine. Explore the area’s bars, such as La Vitrola.

Day 4: Museums & Street Art

  • Morning: Visit Museo del Chico (Children’s Museum) or Parque de los Periodistas (Journalists Park). For lunch, try local fast food at Comida Rápida y Buenísima.

  • Afternoon: Explore Bogota’s vibrant street art scene in the districts of Chapinero and La Flora. Check out Graffiti Tours Colombia for guided tours.

  • Evening: Dine at Leonor for contemporary Colombian cuisine with a focus on seafood. Head to Andres Carne de Res, a lively restaurant and nightlife spot in Chia (approximately 30 minutes from Bogota).

Day 5: Day Trip to Guatavita or Zipaquira

  • Morning: Take a day trip to either Lake Guatavita, where the Legend of El Dorado originates, or back to Zipaquirá for a second visit (this time exploring the town and its surroundings).

  • Afternoon: Return to Bogota and explore the local neighborhoods like La Macarena or Chicó. For your final dinner, dine at Restaurante El Corral de la Vaca to taste some of Bogota’s finest beef dishes.

Transportation: Taxi, Uber, TransMilenio (bus rapid transit system), and walking are common means of transportation in Bogota. Be sure to download the Cabify or Tappsi apps for a more affordable alternative to taxis. Wear a face mask, carry small bills, and avoid traveling alone at night.

Things to Know: Bogota’s weather can be chilly, so pack layers, including a waterproof jacket. English is not widely spoken in Colombia, so learning some Spanish phrases will be helpful. Cash is still king in Colombia, so have plenty of local currency on hand. Enjoy your trip to Bogota, Colombia!