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Join us on a city tour to some of the most iconic places in Bogota's historic centre and learn about the origins and culture of this incredible capital city, and amaze yourself with the world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold at the Gold Museum, the impressive collection of Colombia's most famous painter and sculptor, Fernando Botero, the remarkable diversity of architectural styles present in the historic neighbourhood of La Candelaria, and the spectacular views of the city from atop Cerro de Monserrate.
Duration: 7 hours Departure time: 9 am
Detailed Itinerary
Our Bogota city tour begins at the Plaza del Chorro de Quevedo, where Bogota was possibly founded in 1538, by Don Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada. At this small plaza, our guide will tell us the story of when and how Bogota was founded and how the city developed from that moment to become what it is today. From the plaza, we will head off on foot to the historic heart of Bogota, La Candelaria. In La Candelaria we will see churches, buildings, and houses constructed during different historical periods of the city and exhibiting a diversity of architecture.
Our next stop is the Museo Botero, dedicated to the works Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous painter and sculptor. Botero's work is recognised around the world, particularly for his representations of exaggerated curvaceous figures—«the chubby ones.» You have probably seen some of his sculptures exhibited in public spaces in other cities around the world (e.g. London, New York, Madrid, and Berlin). The museum also includes several works by Picasso, Chagall, Renoir, Monet, Pissarro and Miró.
From the Museo Botero, we walk to the Plaza de Bolivar, the largest square in Bogota. This plaza is noted for its bronze statue of Simon Bolivar, the Catedral Primada and the diversity of architectural styles exhibited by the buildings surrounding the square. While we explore the plaza, our guide will talk about some of the most important historic events that have taken place here, as well as Simon Bolivar's struggle to liberate the modern day countries of Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Panama from the Spanish crown.
After visiting the Plaza de Bolivar, we will have a traditional Colombian Lunch at a very cosy and picturesque restaurant in La Candelaria. Then, we will continue our journey towards the Cerro Monserrate, the mountain that dominates the skyline of Bogota. The mountain rises to 3,152 metres above sea level. The white church on the summit houses the shrine dedicated to El Señor Caido (The Fallen Lord) dated from 1650s.
Our last stop on the tour is the famous Museo del Oro, which houses the largest collection of gold pieces from the pre-Hispanic civilizations that once inhabited Colombia. After leaving the Museo del Oro, you will have the opportunity to visit two artisan shops that sell handicrafts before we say goodbye.
