Archive for the ‘Bogota Travel and Tourism’ Category

Known as “the land of light and shadow”, Colombia’s dynamics are best exemplified by its capital in Bogota – in how its modern architecture, stately museums and churches contrast sharply with its slums and utter poverty that exist in its shantytowns. Do visit the cultural offerings, but also don’t miss the hustle and bustle of Bogota daily life with a visit to Plaza de Santander, or a Sunday afternoon stroll through the colorful flea market at Mercado de las Pulgas.

On weekends a sightseeing train, popular with Bogotá residents, runs to outlying towns Zipaquirá, Cajicá and Nemocón along the lines of the former Ferrocarril de la Sabana. The route to Zipaquirá (famous for its salt cathedral) is 53 km long. Another line goes towards the north for 47 km and ends at Briceño. Trains are operated by Turistrén S.A..

Bogota from Brandon Kuzma on Vimeo.

Bogota Colombia Time-Lapse from Carlos Williams on Vimeo.

Maloka

Bogotá Travel and Tourism

“Colombia – the only risk is wanting to stay longer” is the country’s official tourism slogan.

Bogotá, the mountain capital of Colombia is a busy city with spectacular colonial churches, museums and a vibrant cultural life. This modern and multicultural city has excellent opportunities for entertainment and shopping in Bogotá. There is a very vibrant nightlife in Bogotá and many festivals are held in the green parks of the city. The magnificent Andean Mountains offer excellent climbing and trekking around Bogota.

With a population of about 8 million people, Bogotá sits approximately 8,660 feet (2640 meters) above sea level in the Andean Highlands. Orientation is relatively easy, as the mountains to the east are generally visible from most parts of the city.   Bogotá is a city of contrasts, and as such it offers a unique experience to its visitors. Prepare to find a hectic balance between the new and the old; the peaceful and the frantic. Encounter century-old plazas and churches shadowed by towering skyscrapers. Find peaceful tree lined bicycle routes cut through by wild-traffic avenues.

Bogotá is a city with many layers. From internationally recognized universities to regional offices for multinational companies, Bogotá is Colombia’s capital for official business dealings. It is a city that caters to a population that has been exposed to European and North American influences, which ensures that anything from traditional dishes (Ajiaco) to sushi or fast food restaurants can be found. It’s one of the most modern and metropolitan cities of South, Central America and the world. Bogota is divided by 4 sections: The south which is mainly the poorer section of the city , El Centro, which translates “Center” in english is where the main financial headquarters are established, it’s pretty similar with downtown found in North American cities. El Occidente which is where Bogotá’s main middle and some upper class lives, and The North which is where most of the affluent live and where you will find many upscale boutiques, cafes, nightclubs, and many new multinational headquarters.

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Districts

North Bogota

Santa Barbara, La Carolina, El Chico, Contador, El Retiro, El Nogal, Los Rosales, Lisboa Antigua, La Calleja, La Bella Suiza, El Lago, Cedritos, Usaquen country

Central Bogota

Chapinero, La Candelaria, www.lacandelaria.info El Centro, Barrio Egipto, Teausaquillo

Occidente

El Salitre, Alamos Norte, Modelia, Normandia, Los Heroes, Centenario, Tintal, Fontibon

Sur

Restrepo, Ciudad Kennedy, Americas, Galan, Ciudad Bolivar, Claret, Ciudad Tunal,

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Get in By Plane

The city is served by El Dorado International Airport (~20 minutes from downtown in a taxi), that receives several flights daily from New York, Atlanta, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Newark, Paris, Sao Paolo, Madrid, Mexico City, San Jose, Lima, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Panama City, Quito, Guayaquil, Oranjestad (Aruba), Willemstad (Curaçao) among others. Tourists can also take advantage of the convenient connections and direct flights from Los Angeles, Washington, Toronto, Santo Domingo, San Juan, Punta Cana, Valencia (Venezuela), Manaos, Havana, Montego Bay, Rio De Janiero, Santiago de Chile, Santa Cruz, La Paz, and London, Frankfurt and Orlando will count so soon with direct and frequent flights from Bogota other South and Central American cities. Many international airlines such as Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, Air France, Air Canada, American Airlines, Iberia, LAN, Mexicana Airlines, Varig, Copa Airlines, Aerolineas Argentinas, Spirit Airlines, TACA, Aerogal, Air Comet among others and from soon JetBlue, Santa Barbara Airlines, US Airways, among others, serve El Dorado. Domestic flights are served by many airlines including Avianca (main Colombia airline), AeroRepublica (an Continental-owned domestic airline) and Aires. Domestic flights of Avianca are served from the Puente Aereo terminal, next to El Dorado terminal, and features WiFi access to the Internet from almost every location. Taxis are regulated, reasonably priced and safe from the airport. El Dorado Airport is under a complete makeup, which will end in 2012 and will make it bigger and more comfortable. El Dorado is also the third busiest airport in Latin America and the largest by cargo movement. A taxi ride from the airport to the center takes approximately 15 minutes.

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By Bus

The safety of bus travel in Colombia has greatly improved in recent years. However, foreigners should take precaution of not traveling to areas of unrest and travel only during the day. Do not carry large amounts of cash with you as robberies are known to occur along some routes. Service in the ‘upscale’ buses is very good and they are very comfortable. Pick the most expensive service (just a couple of dollars extra) as these buses tend to be newer and better mechanical condition. Bogotá is also building 2 new terminals, one located far south and one on the north corner to serve buses going on those directions.

Currently buses run in and out of Bogotá’s main station, El Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá. The station is clean and has standard amenities. Located at Calle 33 B, No 69-59, Multiple bus companies have regular routes to destinations around the country. To get there from the airport you can take a short taxi ride.

The Terminal is divided in several color-coded areas that indicate the destinations to which companies in that area travel to. Yellow= South Blue=East and West Red= North Purple=Packages

Search Engine by Destination Destino=Destination Empresa=Bus Company. Simply enter destination and a list of companies serving that route will return along with average prices.

Some common bus companies in Colombia that are found in this Terminal are:

Expreso Bolivariano – This company has one of the most extensive networks. Some international destinations as well.

Coomotor Mostly destinations in Southern Colombia

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Get around

The city of Bogotá is built on a grid system. Carreras (streets) are abbreviated as Cr, K and Crs and run parallel to the mountains from South to North.

The Calles (also streets) cross the Carreras and run from East to West. Calles are abbreviated as C, Cll and Cl.

Avenidas, abbreviated as Av, are usually larger and main streets. The numerical system for the Avenidas is used but some have names that are more commonly used such as Avenida Jimenez. Each address consists of a series of numbers, for example: Calle 16 # 2-43. This indicates that the building on Calle 16 is 43 meters from the corner of Carrera 2 towards Carrera 3.

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By Transmilenio

Transmilenio is the most important massive transport system, as of June 2007, the system runs throughout 8 lines, covering Av. Caracas, Calle 80, Autopista Norte, Av. Jiménez, Avenida NQS , Calle 13, Av. de las Américas, and Av. Suba.

“It’s hard to believe until you’ve seen it for yourself, but the city bus can, in fact, be a sleek,  fast,  efficient, and first-class way to get around town. Unfortunately, you can’t find that kind of bus service in any U.S. city. You’ve got to travel down to Bogotá, Colombia, and ride the TransMilenio bus-rapid-transit system.”

“As you step aboard your first TransMilenio vehicle, it hits you pretty quickly. “

The vehicles used in that systems are articulated buses,those are fast and safe but could be full in afternoon times, the system uses different kinds of stations, the simples offers bus services at the right and left sides (north-south;east-west), the intermediate stations, which are located usually in middle points and have complete services as elevators, station libraries, bikes parks, restrooms, and alimentadores services (buses that reach zones the articulated buses don’t) and the portals, there’re 7 in the city, and are the arrive and deparure place of the buses, are located near the entrances to the city. In addition to feeders and articulated buses, intercity buses from the metropolitan area also arrive at these stations. The portals also offers the alimentadores service.

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By Taxi

Taxi cabs are ubiquitous and affordable. They can be flagged down anywhere. They can also be called by phone, you can call 311-1111 or 411-1111. If calling for a taxi, the driver will want to confirm that it is you who called by asking for a “clave” (key), which is always the last two digits of the phone from which you called to request the taxi. Each taxi has a meter which increments one tick every 1/10 kilometer or 30 seconds and starts at 25 ticks. The rate chart is printed on a card in the taxi. Nearly all taxi drivers are honest, but be sure the taxi meter is started when you begin your trip. Tipping is not necessary. There are surcharges for the airport, holidays, etc. (Details are printed on the fare card.) Surcharge for ordering a taxi arriving at your house is currently 600 pesos, surcharge after 8 pm is 1.500 pesos, even if you are starting your trip before that time. Holidays and Sundays are also charged with 1.500 pesos. Lock the doors of the taxi, especially after dark.

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By Bus

Bogota’s new Transmilenio rapid bus service is extremely affordable, clean and efficient and carries commuters to numerous corners of the city. There are some main routes that are not yet reached by Transmilenio.

Privately owned buses cruise all the main thoroughfares and many side streets, and are the principal form of transport for the working class and student class. Though they do follow specific routes, they do not have bus “stops”; you merely call to them like taxis and they will stop for you where you are standing. Placards in the large front windows list destinations, either neighborhoods or main street names. Upon entering you will be asked for the fare; if you are not traveling alone you may be asked “Para ambos?”, for example, meaning “For both?”, to see if you are paying for just yourself or for your companion. Then you pass through a turnstile to the seating areas. The buses come in three sizes, usually, long (like a school bus), medium and small (called busetas). All have turnstiles. To exit these buses you go to the back door and either push a button located usually on one of the hand rails or next to the exit, or simply call out “Aqui, por favor!” or “Pare!” (Stop!). Passengers are often expected to embark and disembark even from the middle of the street.

Sometimes vendors are allowed to enter the buses to sell candy or small gift items (occasionally donating one to the driver for the privilege). Or, you may find entertainers such as singers or guitar players, and even the more creative of the street beggars who will regale you with a long, poetic story of their sad situation before asking for donations. Even in the smallest buses, cramped full of people standing and sitting, it is a common sight. Interestingly, a recent Grammy-nominated singer named Ilona got her start performing on buses around Bogota.

The cost for riding on a private bus ranges from 1000 to 1200 Colombian pesos.

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By Colectivo

Colectivos cover practically every major route of the city, and can generally be flagged down at any point on a main road. Watch these small buses for lists of destinations displayed on their windshields, or ask the driver (in Spanish) if he passes the neighborhood or intersection you are going to. Not very comfortable, but they are faster than a common bus and it’s also used as a shuttle for routes that don’t have so much affluence, it can take you almost anywhere.

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By Bicycle

Renting a bike and having a ride on Bogota’s modern Ciclo-Ruta is a very exciting and healthy way to get to know the city and get closer to the people. There are certain rules that must be followed: Helmet must be worn when riding, also a reflective vest must be worn. The bicycle must have reflective panels in the wheels and back. On sundays and public holidays many main and secondary roads are closed to serve ciclovia from 7AM to 2PM, a special feature of Bogota, where people can walk, ride bicycle, enjoy inline skating or just dance.

Bogotá has a modern transportation system. Which includes an international airport, bus lines, taxis, the TransMilenio bus rapid transit system, and even a train that serves as transportation for the outskirts of the city? Buses are the main means of mass transportation. There are two bus systems: the traditional system and the trasmilenio. The traditional system runs a variety of bus types, operated by several companies on normal streets and avenues:

•    bus: large buses.
•    Buseta: medium size buses.
•    microbus or colectivo: vans or minivans.

The buses are divided into two categories:

Ejecutivo which is supposed to be a deluxe service and is not supposed to carry standing passengers.

Corriente or normal service.

Bus fares range, as of March 2006, from COP 900 to 1250 (US$ .40 aprox.) In addition, Bogotá has several types of taxis. Yellow taxis (cabs) are by far the most common. People often use them in order to get to their destination faster, although they are more expensive. Bogotá also has white taxis, used mostly as shuttles between hotels and the El Dorado airport.

Airports

The principal airport in Bogotá is El Dorado International Airport. Some national airlines (Avianca, AeroRepública, AIRESSATENA), and international airlines (such as Iberia, American Airlines, Varig, Copa, Continental, Delta, Air Canada, TACA) operate from El Dorado. Bogotá’s airport is one of the largest and most expensive in Latin America. Because of its central location in Colombia and America, it is preferred by national land transportation providers, as well as national and international air transportation providers. Currently, a major expansion of El Dorado airport is in the planning stage.

Bus Terminals

Bogotá has two bus systems, the traditional system and Trasmilenio. The traditional system runs a variety of bus types, operated by some companies on normal streets and avenues: Bus (large buses), Buseta (medium size buses) and Colectivo (vans or minivans).Bogotá has terminals for national and international bus routes, this terminal serves routes to the majority of cities and towns in Colombia (1) and is the largest in the country. International services are provided to Ecuador and Venezuela by certain bus companies.

TransMilenio

TransMilenio is a bus fast transit system, a network combining modern articulated buses that operate on exclusive roads (busways) and smaller buses (feeders) that operate in residential areas, bringing passengers to the main grid. TransMilenio’s main routes are: Caracas Avenue, 80th Street, Avenue of the Americas, Northern Highway (Autopista Norte), Jiménez Avenue, and 30th Avenue (also referred to as Norte Quito Sur or N.Q.S. for short). The Suba Avenue routes and the southern leg of the 30th Avenue route were opened in April 2006. The third phase of the system will cover 7th Avenue, 10th Avenue, and 26th Street (or Avenida El Dorado). The system is expected to cover the entire city by 2030. The Transmilenio rapid bus service is extremely cheap, clean and efficient and carries commuters to numerous corners of the city. While the Transmilenio is expansive, there are some main routes that are not yet reached.

Security on Transmilenio

As in any other highly crowded area, users of TransMilenio must be aware that when riding the system they are exposed to pickpockets. Isolated instances of people getting mugged have been reported as well. Security on buses and in stations is handled by police officers employed by the city. However, most of the time the officers assigned are recently graduated highschool students serving their mandatory year with the armed forces (’Policía Bachiller’). Higher ranking officers are assigned as supervisors and respond when a Policía Bachiller requests assistance.

Bike Paths Network

Bogotá’s network of bike paths, also called ciclorutas, is one of the most extensive dedicated bike path networks of any city in the world, with a total extension of 303 km. It extends from the north of the city, 170th Street, to the south, 27th Street, and from Monserrate on the east, to the Bogotá River on the west. The cicloruta was started by the Antanas Mockus administration (1995-1998), and considerably extended during the administration of Mayor Enrique Peñalosa. On Sundays, many people ride a popular tourist train with their family. On weekends, the train runs from Bogotá to Zipaquirá and Nemocón, towns on the outskirts of Bogotá. A lack of security on bike paths has caused many would-be riders to search for more traditional means of transportation.