The intensity of Colombia and its essence is truly unique. The bright-colored buildings, rich culture, and amiable locals make not only Bogota but Colombia as a whole the perfect travel destination.

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Colombia has always been on my bucket list, so it’s no surprise I finally went. Colombia was part of a four-country Latin America trip where I visited Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Colombia. It was going to the sixth continent I have visited, South America.

Official Stamp by Sarah Iddison Personal Archive

I arrived from San Jose, Costa Rica, on Wingo Airlines. Wingo Airlines is a Bogota-based budget airline with cheap options in Latin America. When I landed in Bogota (BOG), it was almost midnight. Immigration was a breeze, and I got my first South American stamp! It was both blue and red with a cool design. Getting that official stamp made me even more excited that I was finally here.

I was impressed by the airport itself. It was massive and very modern. Bogota’s El Dorado International Airport is considered a „hub” or perhaps a vital link connecting Colombia with the rest of the world. It is also the third largest airport in all of South America. With its modern amenities and top-notch services, the airport ensures a comfortable stay for tourists and locals.

When I walked out of the airport, I was surprised at how cold it was. I could almost see my breath. I always assumed all of Colombia was a tropical rainforest. My T-shirt and shorts weren’t going to cut it. I grabbed a taxi straight from the airport, which is not something I usually do, but it was late and the only option in the city. The great part of Bogota’s taxi system is it’s regulated by the government and 100% metered. So, the likelihood of getting scammed was very low.

Bogota’s downtown (Centro) from above Calle 26 by

I was sure to get into a yellow taxi, the safest option. The ride was quick and cheap. I was pleasantly surprised. The taxi driver was very friendly and welcoming, too. After helping me with my bags, he dropped me off at my hostel. The area seemed dead. All the lights were out, and everything was dark. No nightlife anywhere close by. Which seemed odd because the hostel I chose happened to be on one of the most popular streets of Bogota, La Candelaria.

La Candelaria is simply beautiful. The buildings were each painted brightly with graffiti-type artwork within the alleyways. The streets were also spotless and well taken care of. It was a genuinely lovely area. La Candelaria is considered the charming and culturally rich historic center of Bogota. Its winding cobblestone streets and stunningly vibrant buildings studded with beautiful art create an enchanting atmosphere. This dynamic district, home to numerous museums, galleries, and theaters, is an interesting blend of history and creativity within Bogota’s heart.

City of urban Bogota with high rise buildings, Colombia by

It was officially my first night in South America, and I couldn’t be happier. I walked into the hostel, where a lot was going on. Some were having a few beers, others were playing pool. It was a nice place to stay. Upon checking in, I was met with kindness yet again. The receptionist was very friendly and helped me to my room.

I knew it would be a fun day when I woke up in the morning. I got ready and went to reception. I was still determining what I wanted to do while I was in Bogota, so I wanted to get some advice from reception. They handed me a little pamphlet with different things to do. I started my day by exploring the city and then visited Mount Montserrat.

Street art Bogota by

I walked out of the hostel to those brightly colored buildings again. Lights were hanging from each side of the street with flags representing many countries around the world. It was an interesting and inclusive design. The whole city was also on an incline, so almost every street was hilly. As I descended into the town, I started noticing more street art. It became obvious to me that Colombians were huge fans of color.

As I descended into the city, I noticed many modern-day buildings. I really enjoyed the combination of the unique, colorful Spanish architecture with the modern buildings. The town is studded with many beautiful churches, and I visited many of them while exploring the city. Once I did my little exploration walk, I decided to go to Mount Monserrat.

Nestled within Bogota’s bustling cityscape, the majestic peak of Montserrat looks over the city with its unparalleled views of the bustling city below. Perched upon this iconic landmark lies the Sanctuary of the Fallen Lord of Monserrate and many religious monuments depicting Jesus Christ and other figures from the bible.

The peak holds great significance, so this attraction can be exciting for cultural enthusiasts and religious devotees. The mountain attracts tourists and serves as a market for locals to display their traditional crafts, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the local culture. With its spiritual and cultural importance, Montserrat is a physical feature of Bogota’s landscape and a cherished monument that watches over the city each day of the year.

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As I walked up, I saw stands upon stands selling various goods, including traditional food, fruit juices, souvenirs, and other small items. As I got closer, I saw the beautiful white church atop the mountain. As soon as I arrived, I wished I bought my tickets online. The line to purchase tickets was incredibly long. Though I walked all this way, I wouldn’t turn back now.

by Sarah Iddison

Personal Archive

When it was finally my turn, I purchased my ticket. I decided to buy a ticket for the cable car, too. The other option would be to walk to the top, which can take at least two hours. There was no way I was going to do that. Once I made my way to the cable car, I got inside. It was a blue and white cable car with many windows in the front and along the sides. I decided to sit in the front to snap pictures of the view.

The greenery, in combination with the modern skyscrapers and buildings, made the view a truly breathtaking experience. I walked right up to the first viewing point when I reached the top. I could see the entire city of Bogota and more from up there. It was time to take my picture. Say Cheese!

Monserrate , Bogotá, Colômbia by

From there, I decided to explore the area. I admired the beautiful church and the many statues and monuments on the mountain. It was a religious site rich in monuments of Jesus Christ, big or small. While up there, I also noticed many people praying and worshipping, so I tried to be as respectful as possible.

Bogota, Colombia 🇨🇴 in 4K ULTRA HD 60FPS Video by Drone

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After spending nearly two hours up there, due to the height of the mountain, altitude sickness was starting to affect me, so my only choice was to descend to the ground snapping pictures on the way down.

Exhausted by all the walking and exploring, I quickly began to feel hungry. It was time to feast on some of the local cuisine. I wanted to find something quick but hardy. Something simple. As I was walking down the descent back to where all the little shops were, I noticed a young woman cooking. She was making Chorizo sausage on a stick with your choice of either some juicy yellow corn on top or a creamy potato. I decided to opt for a Chorizo sausage on a stick with a potato on top. The potato was cooked perfectly and seasoned well. The sausage was super flavorful, and the meat was so tender it almost melted in my mouth. It is even, to this day, one of the best street foods I’ve ever tried.

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I made my way back, but I took a different route. This time, the street art was even more intense. Intense shades of blue paired with jungle-like greens and bright pinks. As I walked by, all these beautiful colors worked together to create masterpiece after masterpiece. I was indeed in awe at the talent of the Colombian people.

When I made it back to my hostel, I was approached by the receptionist. They were offering a free food tour and had one more slot available. I love spontaneous adventure, so of course, I agreed. I met with my guide and some other travelers who were super friendly. It was time to experience a different side of Bogota, one I had yet to see.

Bandeja paisa by

– Own work

Colombia’s diverse regions and rich cultural heritage are evident in its cuisine. The country’s staple dish, arepas, is thick corn pancakes often served with butter, cheese, or meat. Another beloved favorite is Bandeja paisa, a hearty platter featuring rice, beans, ground pork, chorizo, plantains, avocado, and a fried egg.

However, Colombians also express their love for soup with Ajiaco, a chicken and potato soup infused with the unique herb guess. This chicken soup is also a favorite of mine and is great for a cold day. Colombian cuisine goes beyond just a feast for the taste buds. It is a cultural link, connecting the country with every delicious bite.

Paloquemao Market, Bogota, Colombia by

We started our tour with a walk to one of the local markets. The market was a bustling place for locals looking to purchase weekly groceries. Walking us through the massive and tall building, our guide passed around pieces of some of the local fruit. Granadillas and different local fruits were on display and were quite delicious.

After we visited the local market, the guide took us to one of the local restaurants. We stopped at a traditional restaurant with a tiny entrance, and a small door. We almost had to crawl in. Once inside, the walls were lined with traditional Colombian decor and a wood stove. There I had the opportunity to try out plantains, which was a new food for me. I was handed a piece of fried plantain with tomatoes, onions, and other assorted vegetables on top. I didn’t like the dish, but I appreciated what was being served.

The last stop on the food tour included a stop at one of the local fine dining restaurants. I was surprised. When we walked in, it almost looked like a mansion from the 1920s. The white banisters, in combination with the dull color scheme and scattered antiques, made me feel underdressed. The waiter came to our table dressed in a white shirt, black pants, and a silky red tie. This was going to be a fancy experience. We all got our choice of drink. I opted for my usual Coke, while the others opted for water. The waiter brought tamales, a classic Latin American delicacy, made with spiced meat, usually chicken or pork, wrapped in corn dough and steam-cooked. He also brought out various vegetables and even capybara. I had a packed plate full of delicious local cuisine. The capybara tasted like chicken and was seasoned with multiple flavors, including garlic and onion.

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Bogota is often considered a dangerous city that tourists should avoid, but I say the exact opposite. Bogota is full of life and has many unique things to see. I never once felt unsafe while I was there, and I’m hoping one day in the future, I’ll return to this beautiful city.

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