FAQs

Question

What airport should I travel to?

Answer

Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado. Bogotá, Colombia. www.eldorado.aero

Question

How far is Villa de Leyva from Bogotá?

Answer

Villa de Leyva is 165 Km (102 miles) from Bogotá. It usually takes around 3 hours by car. Since you will be traveling through the mountain ranges of the Andes, and if you happen to be one of those unfortunate folks who gets carsick, seasick, airsick or experience any type of motion sickness, we recommend you take medication before you hit the road. The Colombian brand is MAREOL in case you forget to bring some from home.

Question

How soon should I arrive in Colombia?

Answer

We recommend arriving at least 1 full day or ideally 2 days ahead of the celebration. Bogotá is 2,640 meters (8,660 ft) above sea level and Villa de Leyva is 2,149 m (7,051 ft) asl. It will take your body at least 24 hours to get adjusted to the altitude. You may suffer of "soroche" or 'altitude sickness' due to low inspired oxygen pressure that is characterized by nausea, headache, dyspnea, and insomnia. You will feel lightheaded, you may have difficulty breathing normally, and feel tired by walking at a normal pace (your brain and lungs are adjusting). We recommend you start taking coca-leaf tea a few days before your trip and make sure you have some upon your arrival in Bogotá. Take it easy, do not walk fast/run, and try avoiding going up hill or up stairs too fast. It will take your brain and your lungs a few days to get adjusted.

Question

Cómo me debo vestir para el foforro? What's the dresscode for the celebration?

Answer

El código de vestido para la celebración es: "Pispo" adj. Colombiano: Muy guapo, bonito, elegante, llamativo, vistoso. Se puede aplicar a personas y/o cosas. Ejemplos de uso: "es un nene muy pispo", "el vestido quedó muy pispo", "tu casa es muy pispa", "¡cómo estás de pispo!". Vistanse para que se vean bien PISPOS en las fotos y que luzcan sus pintas preferidas que combinen (o no) con zapatos muy cómodos, porque la rumba va pa'largo. Ruanas, alpargatas, sombreros vueltiaos, croydon, converse, y hasta botas machita, etc. son bienvenidos. No necesita un traje o vestido especial, a menos de que ya tenga uno o quiera chicanear una pinta nueva para el gran evento. Carito, Carlos Vives Que importa la raza Tampoco el idioma Si al fin lo que cuenta Es lo buena persona Si es del altiplano O de tierra caliente Si al fin lo que vale Es que sea buena gente Que importa su credo Si es hombre influyente Si al fin lo que cuenta Es la gente decente No importa si es blanco Si es pobre o famoso Si al fin lo que vale Es que cante [y baile] sabroso [https://www.letras.com/vives-carlos/6978/] The dress code for the Foforro is: PISPO "Pispo" is an adjective that in Colombian slang means: handsome, pretty, elegant, flashy, colorful. "Pispo" can be used to describe people or things. For example: "your baby is very pispo", "the dress is super pispo", "your house is very pispa", "You are so pispo!". All we ask is that you look PISPOS in the photos. For that, we want you to look gorgeous with your favorite outfits and wear comfortable shoes, even if they don't match, as the fiesta will be long and fun! Ruanas, alpargatas, sombreros vueltiaos, converse, etc. are encouraged. You won't need a special dress or outfit, unless you already have one or you want to show off your latest shopping find. Fuente: https://www.definiciones-de.com/Definicion/Colombia/pispo.php © Definiciones-de.com

Question

What kind of clothing should I bring?

Answer

Bogotá's weather is crazy nowadays. As you know, there are no 'seasons' there. The temperature tends to be the same year round, with a few rainy seasons, dry season, windy season, etc. The temperature oscillates between 47° and 65° F [10°-18° C]. However, you should not be surprised to wake up to 35° F, experience a sunny 78° F midday, get soaking wet in 50° weather in the late afternoon, and freeze at night in some balmy 37° F. Yes, it's crazy! We recommend you pack layers, a raincoat, a small umbrella, and a hat. Good walking shoes are a must. Similarly, Villa de Leyva's temperature oscillates between 49°F to 72°F (15° a 23° C). The climate in Villa de Leyva is comfortable and overcast, it rarely rains since it is a desert, and it is nice and warm during the day and cold at night. We recommend a good sweater or ruana and a scarf. But please bring your bathing suit if you plan to get in the pool or the sauna! swimming caps are required despite their sexyless appeal :(

Question

What's best to get Colombian currency?

Answer

There are many currency exchange businesses in Bogotá and Villa de Leyva and they tend to charge extravagant commissions and not a very good exchange rate. We recommend using the local ATM's since you will be charged the official price for the US dollar/Euro. There is a Banco de Occidente ATM by the baggage claim area in the airport and few other ATMs on the second floor by Juan Valdez, the coffee shop. We recommend using any ATM serving banks from Grupo Aval (Banco de Bogotá, Banco de Occidente, Banco Popular, Banco AV Villas. BAC) as they allow you to take more cash per transaction and they charge the cheapest fee (COL$14.000 per transaction ~ US$3.50) compared to other banks. We recommend you take a large amount (typically COL$1'500.000.00 to COL$2'000.000.00 depending of your bank ~US$420.00- US$510.00)-to avoid being charged multiple times and steer away from Banco de Colombia. Keep in mind that your bank in the US/Europe may charge additional fees per transaction, including purchases made with your debit card. Robberies near ATMs are common in Colombia. We recommend you are accompanied by at least one other person when withdrawing money out of an ATM. Avoid ATMs on the street. It's best to use ATMs in malls or located inside a storefront. Make sure you cover your PIN and NEVER let anyone offer to help you. Most ATMs will give you the option to complete your transactions in English. And don't forget to let your banking institution know you will be traveling to Colombia. Otherwise your ATM card may get blocked or you may not be able to use it while you are there.

Question

What about local transportation?

Answer

We recommend you use Uber or Cabify. When arriving in the airport, make sure you hire an "offical" taxi cab from the cabin inside the airport. They may charge you an additional fee but it is totally worth it. Please be aware that Uber is illegal in Colombia. Therefore, you may have to sit in the front passenger seat to avoid getting pulled over or fined. Also, Ubers in Colombia only offer their service as long as there is an actual address to and from where you are going. Avoid taking taxis on the street and keep an eye on the taximetro (a digital number that dictates how much you have to pay). Tourists are known for being taken advantage of by locals. An Uber or Cabify ride within the city should never be more that COL$30.000 (US$8.00) and always have small change. Avoid using COL$50.000 or COL$100.000 bills if you can. If you feel adventurous (and courageous enough) you may want to try using Transmilenio, which is the equivalent of a metro but avoid using it during rush hours. You can purchase a Transmilenio rechargeable card (tullave) in the airport for COL$6.000 (~US$1.50) and add more money; each ride is COL$2,450 to COL$2,650 (~US$0.70). If you end up taking the "TransMi" keep an eye on your belongings as pickpocketers are very common; also try not to flash your fancy cellphones, especially iPhones, as the "TransMi" is well known for it's highly skilled phone robbers. For more information go to https://www.transmilenio.gov.co/

Question

What's the best way to get to Villa de Leyva from Bogotá?

Answer

1. The Backpacker way | Cheaper but longer Around 35 000 COP (US$9.00) There are two terminals in Bogota where you can catch a bus to Villa de Leyva: -The main Terminal: Salitre - Terminal Satelite Del Norte The Terminal Salitre is located in the center of Bogota. Hence, it takes more time to get to Villa De Leyva. However, there are more bus options that leave frequently and it’s closer to Chapinero and La Candelaria. The direct buses from Bogotá to Villa de Leyva that pass through Chiquinquirá or Arcabuco can take up to 6 hours. Avoid them. The two fastest bus companies are Valle de Tenza and Reina 2. The Fastest Way – Take a private vehicle Around 600.000 COP (US$ 150.00) A taxi or an Uber will accept to drive you to Villa de Leyva, but they won’t wait for you all day – Except if you pay them. It could be a good option if you land in Bogota but you don’t want to stay in the capital. Order a private vehicle from the airport El Dorado to Villa de Leyva. Uber or Taxi Bogota – Villa de Leyva: 3 hours 3. The Comfortable Way – Book a tour. Can be as expensive as US$500.00/person Yikes! not worth it! Villa de Leyva is one of the most well-known colonial towns. Colombians love to get there for the weekends, especially if Mondays or Fridays are a public holiday. Hence, there are many tours organizing expeditions from Bogota. Some tours offer the possibility to stop at the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá or/and in Ráquira for buying Handicrafts. But be aware that these tours may be a rip-off. Either case, we will try to help you arrange transportation to and from Villa de Leyva, including arranging rides with other guests or hiring a van.

Question

What else should I keep in mind while I am in the most beautiful country in the world?

Answer

- Partying and heavy drinking are part of daily life. Yes, you read that correctly: daily. Rumbas tend to end by 6:00 am followed by a delicious breakfast before heading home to sleep (or to get ready to go to work/school). Also, keep in mind that the legal age to consume alcohol is 18, so, if you go partying you may feel like you are chaperoning a high school dance, but MUCH, MUCH better. - Make sure you try Aguardiente (Yarima loves the green Nectar) and, if you can, add some limón mandarina. - Try "changua" for breakfast, tamal boyacense for supper, and have some chocolate con queso (hot chocolate with cheese inside) at least once. And, if you are not vegan or vegetarian, try some fritanga with morcilla (blood sausage), chunchullo (a piece of heaven in the form of intestines), papa criolla, chorizo, empanadas (criollas are the best, stuffed with potato and meat, but try the hawaiian or queso-con-bocadillo ones), arepa'e huevo (arepa de huevo or "egg arepa" which is closely related to a corn tortilla), and ajiaco bogotano (Yarima's absolute favorite meal). You won't regret it! Also, while you are in the tropics, you better try the fruits you'll only find there including feijoa, anón, granadilla, uchuva, lulo y gulupa. If you go to La Plaza de Andrés, you may delight yourself with a salpicón de frutas (fruit salad, kinda... but much better) or a "lulada". You'll thank us later. -

Question

What places should I visit while I am in La Sabana de Bogotá?

Answer

Here are some great ideas: https://www.thecrazytourist.com/25-best-things-to-do-in-bogota-colombia/

Question

What should I fear while traveling through Colombia?

Answer

That you will fall in love with the most beautiful and diverse country in the world (we are not biased btw) since you may end up quitting your job and stay there forever. That would be amazing, since Astolfo and Yarima, and their whole family will be able to call you vecino/vecina (neighbor). We are not kidding. It happens more often than you think!

Question

What's the best place to buy souvenirs or Colombian crafts?

Answer

There are many local fairs around the city where you can find local crafts. If you want top of the line stuff we recommend Artesanías de Colombia. Objects there are beautiful with a well curated selection of crafts from different regions. There are four stores, 2 in Bogotá (Las Aguas -downtown and Calle de los Anticuarios -northside in El Retiro neighborhood); and Cartagena (Centro Histórico and Plaza La Serrezuela). https://artesaniasdecolombia.com.co/PortalAC/General/template_index.jsf

Question

What should I avoid?

Answer

- Asking if we sell or have coke or maryjane. Not cool... - Asking about the drug cartels or about Pablo Escobar. Watch Narcos instead. It's more fun, we guarantee it! - Accept drinks from strangers. You may end up in a 'viaje millonario' and you don't want to know what that is. - If you end up renting a car (not recommended), pay close attention to the "pico y placa" regulation in major cities as you will be limited to drive on even or odd days, depending on the last digit of the plate of your rental car. It kinda sucks! - Flashing your cellphone in public, specially on the street and around touristy places. Same goes for your cameras. - Wearing fancy jewelry, especially gold, except at the foforro, of course! - Accepting help at an ATM. That's a no, no... - Walking alone at night. - Taking a taxi on the street, unless you are with other folks. And watch the "taximetro" so you are not overcharged simply because you are a "gringo" (our special way to call foreigners). - Buying food on the street, unless you have a stomach made of iron! - Drinking water out of the faucet. Despite how damaging and bad it is to buy bottled water, this time would be the only exception. Your body will thank us later. -

Question

What should I learn about or do in preparation for my trip to paradise: COLOMBIA?

Answer

- Read anything by Gabriel García Marquez, really. - Learn about Jesús Abad Colorado and his photojournalist work. This is a MUST! If you are planning to spend time in Bogotá, we highly recommend that you see his exhibit: El testigo, at the Claustro de San Agustín de la Universidad Nacional de Colombia (Carrera 8 # 7-21 ) http://patrimoniocultural.bogota.unal.edu.co/internas-claustro/2018/el-testigo.html and also watch El Testigo in Netflix. - Learn about artists such as Doris Salcedo, Beatriz Salcedo, Oscar Muñoz (https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-10-colombian-artists-shaping-contemporary-art) - Ask your doctor if they recommend getting vaccinated against the yellow fever, malaria, hepatitis, and typhoid prior to traveling to the tropics. - Watch some Colombian cinema. We recommend: ENCANTO, Embrace of the Serpent (El Abrazo de la Serpiente), The Wind Journeys (Viajes de viento), The Rose Seller (La vendedora de rosas), The Strategy of the Snail (La estrategia del caracol), Colombia: Wild Magic (Colombia: magia salvaje), Rodrigo D: No Future (Rodrigo D: no futuro), Memories of my Father (El Olvido que seremos), https://theculturetrip.com/south-america/colombia/articles/10-films-to-watch-before-visiting-colombia/ -Listen to some amazing Colombian music other than our beloved Shakira. Some artists include Carlos Vives, Grupo Niche, Fruko y los Tesos, Joe Arroyo, ChocQuibTown, Herencia de Timbiquí, Totó la Momposina, Bomba Estereo, Fonseca, Lido Pimienta (https://www.yout-ube.com/watch?v=2azy1D-yyWc) Maluma, Sebastian Yatra and J Balvin. https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/colombia-top-20-artists-colombian-independence-day-7873819/ -Practice rolling the rrrrrrr. Repeat: Erre con Erre cigarro, erre con erre barril, rápido ruedan los carros cargados de azúcar del ferrocarril. - Take some salsa dancing lessons and add some merengue, bachata and REGGAETÓN to the mix. Be prepared to shake your body so "your hips don't lie" Shakira's style.

Question

How much is US$1.00 in Colombian pesos?

Answer

1 US Dollar is the equivalent to approximately COL$3,700.00 Colombian Pesos. http://hikersbay.com/prices/colombia?lang=en