10 Days in Bogota, Colombia on a Shoestring Budget

  • Day 1: Monserrate Hill
    20 minutes (100ft) from La Candelaria

    Start your trip with a hike to the top of Monserrate Hill, where you'll have a stunning view of the city. The hike is free, and there are also options to take a cable car or funicular (both for a fee). At the top, you can visit the church and souvenir shops.

  • Day 2: Gold Museum and Bolivar Square
    10 minutes (0.5 miles) from La Candelaria

    Visit the famous Gold Museum, showcasing Pre-Columbian art and history. Admission is free on Sundays. Then, head over to Bolivar Square, the heart of the city, home to the city hall and Congress. Enjoy the street performers and vendors selling snacks and souvenirs.

  • Day 3: La Candelaria and Botero Museum
    5 minutes (0.2 miles) from Botero Museum

    Explore the colorful streets of La Candelaria, known for its colonial architecture and graffiti art. Then, visit the Botero Museum featuring the works of Colombian artist Fernando Botero, known for his plump art style. Admission is free.

  • Day 4: Torre Colpatria and Teatro Colón
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from La Candelaria

    Take a panoramic view of the city from the observation deck of Torre Colpatria, the tallest building in Colombia. Next, visit the luxurious Teatro Colón, which has hosted world-renowned performances for over a century. Be sure to check the schedule for daily tours.

  • Day 5: Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
    1 hour (31 miles) from Bogota

    Take a day trip outside the city to see the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira, a unique underground church built inside a salt mine. Admission fees are low and include a guided tour.

  • Day 6: Usaquen Sunday Market and Parque 93
    45 minutes (7 miles) from La Candelaria

    Experience the vibrant Usaquen Sunday Market, featuring local crafts, food, live music, and street performers. In the afternoon, head over to Parque 93, an upscale area containing various restaurants, bars, and boutiques.

  • Day 7: Simon Bolivar Park and National Museum of Colombia
    15 minutes (3 miles) from La Candelaria

    Spend the morning at Simon Bolivar Park, the largest urban park in Colombia. You can rent a bike or an electric scooter to explore the park further. Afterward, visit the National Museum of Colombia, which has a large collection of Colombian art, history, and culture. Admission is free on Sundays.

  • Day 8: La Chorrera Waterfall
    2 hours (31 miles) from Bogota

    Take another day trip to La Chorrera Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Colombia. The hike to the waterfall is moderate to challenging but worth it. Admission fees are reasonable, and there are restaurants and souvenir shops nearby.

  • Day 9: Paloquemao Market and Coffee Tasting
    15 minutes (1.5 miles) from La Candelaria

    Experience the authentic Colombian market at Paloquemao, famous for its fresh produce, flowers, and local food. In the afternoon, visit a coffee tasting shop to try some of the best coffee in Colombia. As an optional distillery tour is available but with extra charges.

  • Day 10: Street Art Tour and Local Food
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from La Candelaria

    End your trip with a walking tour of Bogota's graffiti art and murals. These tours are reasonably priced, and they showcase the various street art styles and the stories behind them. Afterward, taste some of the most authentic local cuisine at a nearby restaurant.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Monserrate Hill (free)
  • Gold Museum (free on Sundays)
  • Botero Museum (free)
  • Torre Colpatria ($5, Mon-Sat; $3, Sun)
  • Teatro Colón (entrance fees vary)
  • Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira ($15, guided tour included)
  • Usaquen Sunday Market (free)
  • Parque 93 (free)
  • Simon Bolivar Park (free)
  • National Museum of Colombia (free on Sundays)
  • La Chorrera Waterfall ($7, entrance fee)
  • Paloquemao Market (free)
  • Coffee Tasting ($15)
  • Street Art Tour ($5)
  • Local Food ($10-15)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $80-85

Transportation

During your stay in Bogota, consider using taxis, buses, or the TransMilenio system, which is a low-cost public transportation network. Taxi fares are reasonable, but be sure to avoid hailing taxis on the street and instead use a taxi app like EasyTaxi or Uber. Duration times between each location will vary depending on traffic and the chosen mode of transportation. There are also bike rentals available from various points around Bogota.

Useful Tips

If you have a few more days, you can consider going on a coffee farm tour or visiting the Salt Mines of Nemocón. If you have less time, prioritize the must-see sights like Monserrate Hill, Gold Museum, Botero Museum, La Candelaria, and Teatro Colón. Also, be sure to pack warm clothing as the altitude in Bogota can make it chilly, even if the sun is shining.

Airports

The main airport in Bogota is El Dorado International Airport (BOG), located about 9 miles from the city center. It's one of the busiest airports in South America, but it offers excellent facilities and services to travelers. The airport is well-connected to the city by buses and taxis which will take 30 to 60 minutes with prices ranging from $10 to $30.

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