Flight
Bogotá airport (BOG) is connected to Europe via direct flights to Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris and other major European cities. Alternatively you can look into a layover in Panama which is fairly well connected as well (e.g. with direct flights to Amsterdam) or the US (but beware that you'll need to go through immigration so you should allocate some time between flights if stopping at a US airport).
Rental Car
Some of you might be tempted to rent a car. Bogotá's traffic is infamously governed by the law of the jungle and all the rules of respectable behaviour seem to be forgotten as soon as people get behind the wheel. Unless you want to travel outside of the city to the nearby towns and really really want to be independent Uber, Cabify and other ride-hailing apps will be all you need to move around (plus a local sim - which we can arrange for if you prefer not to incur roaming charges). Avoid hailing cabs off the street, ask the hotel or restaurant to call one for you or use tappsi, cabify or another app. Taxis take cash only. When using Uber choose Uber black over UberX, and on Cabify choose Easy Taxi over Cabify Lite.
Hotel
We recommend the Bioxury Hotel, located in a safe neighbourhood not too far from our house and close to plenty of restaurants and shopping. Two of the coolest restaurants of the moment are right in this hotel (Salvaje and Gitane). Let us know if you plan to stay here so we can help make your stay more comfortable!
Travel Note
We’re sorry to break it to you, but this is the tropics at 2600 meters high, meaning Bogota can get cold! Bogotá's weather can only be described as bipolar: sunny mornings can lead to rainy afternoons, 17 degrees in the afternoon can lead to chilly 7 degree evenings, and you’ll find that your phone’s weather app essentially predicts 9 to 20 degrees every day with 30% chance of rain (not too useful). The bottom line: 1. Wear layers - think fall weather. 2. A light jacket or trench coat is a must – it’s a free country but we advise against wearing shorts and flip flips on the street: your toes will likely freeze and it’s the equivalent of walking around with a “gringo” neon sign. 3. Bring an umbrella just in case. 4. If your plans include traveling to other places in Colombia, please let us know. Each region has its own particular weather depending on the altitude, and in that case you’ll probably need to pack summer clothes as well. 5. WEAR SUNSCREEN even if its not super sunny!
Travel Note
There’s plenty to do in Bogota! - If you’re going to the old city center (La Candelaria) do that in the mornings or early afternoons, the area can be a little seedy in the evenings. - The Salt Cathedral is worth a visit - If you want to go to Monserrate you can bundle that with your visit to La Candelaria, they are fairly close to each other. Monserrate is the highest point in the city so beware of any signs if altitude sickness.
Travel Note
Most restaurants and hotels will take debit and credit cards if they are linked to one of the major networks (Maestro, Mastercard, Visa etc.). You will, however, need cash to pay taxis, entrance to some museums and to pay in more informal settings. The easiest way to get your Colombian pesos might be an ATM machine, there are some at the airport (on the second floor) and throughout the city. You can also exchange your euros or US dollars at the airport (first floor, towards the right after you emerge from customs), at Centro Comercial Andino (very close to the hotel) or at exchange bureaus at La Candelaria. We recommend exchanging smaller amounts of money - the big ticket items you can pay with your card. Confusingly the Colombian central bank decided to change the actual notes a couple of years ago. The old and the new notes are both legal tender for the time being and, annoyingly, the same denomination of the old and new notes have different colours, so take care!
Travel Note
- A popular Colombian saying states that the 11th commandment is to "not give papaya" (literally: no dar papaya). What is that? Avoid putting yourself in a situation where someone can take advantage of you. What do you need to stay safe in Bogota? As in any big city: use your common sense, don't give papaya and don't flaunt your wealth (remember the minimum wage is less than 250 euros). - Tap water is safe to drink in Bogota and Bogota only. To be safe you might want to stick to bottled water. - La Candelaria, the old town is nice during the day but avoid it at night since it can get seedy. Don't venture west of the Plaza de Bolivar. - As in many LatinAmerican cities one block can be nice and the rest can be dodgy. Follow your instincts :). - Avoid hailing taxis off the streets - Ladies: place your purse in the hooks under the table provided at every restaunrat and cafe, not on the chair behind you