Bogotá aka: Bogotá, D.C., Santa Fe de Bogota

Having been to Bogota a few times now (for 2 months overall) I can say that the stereotypical view of Colombia is totally wrong. When I was walking around in the evenings there were parks with children juggling and playing games, and friendly people all around. Taxis are safe and Yellow cabs are a lot cheaper than the white cabs usually parked outside hotels.

For food and drink, I would recommend the steaks and a chicken restaurant called Los Pollitos. Yuka fries are particularly nice and fresh fruit drinks are available everywhere, ‘Lulo con Leche’ is particularly nice (Lulo is a fruit unique to Colombia).

Several of my friends from College were from South America. Bogota is where I would like to go and re-locate them again. Syliva., Maria, Tony., Olga., they were brother and sisters.

well this is my beautifull country were i grew till the age of 11 i love this city i would give anything to go back

I spent a year in Bogota in 1993-1994. I lived with a host family and worked as a volunteer at a hospital, and later in a national park. It was intense, it was fun, and it changed me forever.

I didn’t get to do many touristy things while I was here. But I liked the gold museum. And I don’t usually like museums. If you are stuck in Colombia for a while and craving American food, they have a McDonald’s in the city. (There aren’t too many McDonald’s in Colombia. In fact, I think the only one there is in Bogota. They even do delivery. haha.) Oh, and they have this place called Crepes and Waffles. Bogota isn’t really my favorite place in Colombia because the weather is so cold and they have terrible smog, especially right around the city. (You wouldn’t want to go right around the city because it is slums, but you drive past it or through it when you are going into or out of the city.) Also, the people are a little more reserved than in the rest of Colombia.

it was under a state of siege…the police chief had been murdered by the narco traffikers, and the government locked down the city and arrested everyone who didn’t look like they belonged there…including gringos. I spent three days in a jail before the American Embassy sprung me

Bogota is a fun place to be

Bogota (and Colombia in general) does not deserve its reputation. One of the most wonderful places to visit in South America.

Very friendly and educated, open minded people, and much safer than you’d think.

I wish I had spent more than just a few days there.

whoot i am leaving for Bogotá on the 26th

Take the teleferrico (cablecar) up the mountain above Bogotá for about $5 USD. Great view of the city!