‘Let’s go to Bogota, Colombia’, I said. And with that, we were off. I must confess though, that some bad thoughts were going through my mind when I booked. Kidnappings, bombings, drugs and the Netflix movie ‘Narcos’. ‘Why not just holiday on a nice beach in some tropical paradise?’, I thought. Well, we needn’t have worried.
Back in the late 1990’s, some colleagues had travelled to Bogota for business at the height of Pablo Escobar’s reign and the Colombian drug cartels. They survived – so I thought it can’t be too bad. Can it?
Bogota City
Arriving at Bogota’s main El Dorado Airport, being welcomed by smiling, non-zealous immigration officials and clearing customs in record time, we headed to our accommodation in the old part of the city, just off Bolivar Square.
There we encountered hoards of local university students and a well guarded Ministry of Defence building. In the event of any unfortunate event, at least we could call on well armed reinforcements.
Walking around the vicinity was very safe during the day. In the early evenings, we ventured out to the burbs for the night life and cafe scene.
Of course there are elements of danger in the city, like there are in any big city around the world. However, Bogota is an incredible city, very vibrant and a culturally fascinating city. In our time there, we never experienced anything that would be classed as dangerous or scary.
I couldn’t recommend the country highly enough. The people are so inviting, so hospitable and so eager to rid the country of the stereotypes that they’ll really go out of their way to make sure you enjoy your stay. Even four star generals stop you in the street, smile and say ‘Buenos Dias’.
History and surrounds
One of the most appealing aspects of visiting Colombia was its history.
Firstly, Bogota’s Gold Museum – which is the largest of its kind in South America. Then there is Pablo Escobar’s famous art collection which he collected over the years.
There is a very unusual salt cathedral of Zipaquirá, an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 metres underground in a halite mountain near the town of Zipaquirá.
You can also take the cable car (funicular) to the top of Monserrate. Monserrate is a mountain that dominates the city centre of Bogota, rising to 3,152 metres (10,341 ft), with commanding views of Bogota and surrounds.
Beyond the food, there are incredible beaches (on both the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans), the ancient ruins of the Lost City, coffee farms, and the country is the second-most biodiverse country in the world, so you’re likely to see some incredible flora and fauna while you’re there.
In a country troubled by its past, I can’t wait to return.
Onwards and upwards.
Trevor
Insights
- Taking a taxi is safe and relatively cheap by Western standards, though make sure you book a radio taxi to play it safe, rather than flag one down off the street.
- Beware of the altitude. Bogota is situated at an altitude of 2,640 m (8,660 ft), so you may feel a tad disoriented with slight altitude sickness for a couple of days.
- Word to the wise: Try the arepas — delicious corn cakes served at breakfast time.
- Try the local coca tea or chew the leaves – good for altitude. Also, the coffee is pretty good too.
- Avoid areas close to the borders of Ecuador and Venezuela.
- Make sure you check out your local Foreign Affairs and Trade website or equivalent for the latest updated travel advice and for any warnings.
