If you’re arriving into Colombia by plane, there’s a high probability you are connecting through the country’s capital city, Bogota. In this case, you’re probably wondering if it’s possible to explore Bogota during a layover. The simple answer: YES!
El Dorado Bogota Airport handles 120 flights per day and connects to over 40 international destinations.
But don’t write this city off as merely a transport hub.
Whether you plan to explore Bogota in a layover, or you have more days to explore, there is plenty in Bogota worth leaving the Departure Lounge for.
I spent two nights in Bogota and had one full day to explore. I stayed in an airport hotel to make the late night arrival/early morning departure smoother. It also meant avoiding long taxi rides alone late at night. As a bonus, I got to research how to see Bogota in a layover.
A One Day Bogota Layover Itinerary
Minimum layover required: 8 hours
- 1 hour taxi each way from BOG -> City.
- 2 hours at Monserrate.
- 1 – 2 hours in Candelaria.
- Returning 3 hours before departure.
Things to note:
- ATMs can be found in the airport and you will need to pay taxis in cash. Use the yellow taxis at the official rank. Uber is a grey area here and not worth the risk.
- Traffic here is BAD. Aim to be back at the airport 3 hours before your flight.
- The weather is unpredictable. If you’re bags are checked through to your final destination, be sure to have an umbrella or hood in your carry on.
- Bogota is 8000ft above sea level, take care not to over exert yourself and drink lots of liquid to avoid altitude sickness.
2 hours: Summit Up Monserrate
Catch a taxi to Monserrate. This is Bogota’s biggest attraction. If you only see one thing, it should be this stunning view of the city from 10,000 ft above sea level.
To summit Monserrate you’ll need to wait in 2 queues.
- The first is on the left for the ticket booth.
- Once you have your ticket, you can join either the funicular train or cable car line (Teleférico).
The ticket you buy is valid on either option. Ask how long the wait time is. The cable car offers a better view, but the wait was 1 hr vs. 10 mins for the funicular. Since time is precious on a one day tour, I opted for the funicular.
When you reach the top, take time to wander around and admire the views. There are an abundance of food stalls, some with breath taking views of the mountainside, and many opportunities to buy a souvenir or 10.
The centerpiece of the summit is Santuario de Monserrate. I went on a Sunday, and while I’m not religious myself, it was incredible to see the place packed out of the doors with people celebrating their faith together.
*There is also the chance to walk, which would usually be my go-to, but given the altitude & lack of time I skipped that on this occasion. There are also warnings online to avoid this during quiet weekdays to avoid risk of theft on the quiet path.
1 Hour: Enjoy Lunch and A Walk
If you didn’t grab lunch on the mountain, stop at one of the many street food stalls or cafes as your walk from the base of the fenicular towards the Candelaria area.
2 Hours: Meander Around La Candelaria
Spend the rest of your time exploring the historic streets of the Candelaria area. The old buildings are beautiful and the main Plaza Bolivar is a must.
Wander around the cobbled streets until you catch a taxi back to the airport.
*Allow 1 hour to get from Candelaria to BOG Airport. Traffic and travel times aren’t always as google maps suggests.
Got A Longer Bogota Layover?
One place I didn’t make it to that I’d hoped was the El Jardín Botánico de Bogotá which is apparently also wonderful. If you have another day or a late night departure, this is where you should head. Let me now how it is!
And there you have it, the perfect way to see Bogota in a layover. Safe travels!
