Bogotá: New guide highlights “100 essential experiences” in the Colombian capital

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Bogotá Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán during the opening of the Bogotá stand at the travel and tourism fair Vitrina Túristica. Photo: Richard Emblin

Bogotá’s District Institute of Tourism (IDT) has just dropped the ultimate guide for anyone setting foot in the vibrant Colombian capital, and on opening day of Vitrina Turística, the country’s travel fair extravaganza, the institute unveiled its latest must do “bucket list” titled “100 Experiences You Should Live in Bogotá at Least Once in Your Life.” With an illustrated booklet and virtual edition, the district has spilled the beans on all the cool stuff you can’t afford to miss in Bogotá.

This guide categorizes the 100 must-have experiences by location – starting with the center (centro), moving through the north (norte), south (sur), west (occidente), and then hitting you with the greater metropolitan region. It’s like a geographical treasure map, leading you to iconic landmarks, cultural hotspots, wild recreational activities, places to party until the roosters crow, and even tips on where to play the ever-so-Colombian game of Tejo.

But hold on, it gets better. They’ve designed this booklet to be the holy grail of travel albums. It’s not just pages of information; it’s a sticker bonanza! Each sticker represents a unique experience you can have in the city. The brilliant idea? Stick a sticker on the corresponding page for every adventure you’ve conquered. It’s like creating your very own Bogotá scrapbook – the kind you’ll show off to your grandkids one day.

In the prologue, Bogotá is not just a city; it’s a multicultural fiesta where global citizens converge. In Fact, Trip Advisor has ranked the Colombian capital the number sixth place to visit worldwide in 2024. But it is also a place where dreams come true, and you can elevate your quality of life just by being there. Oh, did we mention it’s also a surprising city? A rising star among Latin American metropolises, with challenges, but hey, who doesn’t love a city that keeps you on your toes?

Now, with almost 10 million residents, Bogotá is as surprising as Forest Gump’s famous box of chocolates…”you never know what you’re going to get.” Diverse, full of contrasts, and each district with a story to tell. And we’re not just talking about rumba and gastronomy. This city has it all – sophisticated business venues, pristine wetlands, majestic Eastern Hills, and more cultural, religious, sporty, social, rural, architectural, and eventful plans than you can shake a stick at.

This book, created by experts and insiders at the District Institute of Tourism (IDT), isn’t just another travel guide; it’s an invitation to broaden your Bogotá horizons. They’ve dished out 100 experiences, curated after months of investigation. It’s your golden ticket to discovering new adventures – because who doesn’t want a bit of spice in their life?

The introduction boasts about Bogotá welcoming 1.4 million foreign visitors each year. Can you imagine the city rolling out the red carpet? “Where to next? Who’s joining the adventure? What experiences are waiting for you?” they write. It’s like the city is playing matchmaker for your next unforgettable rendezvous.

So, you start with the classic moves – stroll through the colonial streets of the historic center La Candelaria, feast on Colombian delicacies and snacks at a bustling market square, hike up Monserrate, and maybe make a promise at the shrine on top. Of course, no trip is complete without hitting a Zona T nightclub, grabbing a quirky souvenir from the local markets, and thinking, “Wow, this has been amazing.” But then, you ponder, “What else does Bogotá have up its sleeve?” That’s when you decide to explore every nook and cranny of this quirky city.

Visitors to Bogotá are encouraged to fill the book with stickers. Photo: IDT

This book aims to be your sidekick – a necessary travel tool for those who refuse to settle for the ordinary. They’re throwing 100 experiences your way, each a pathway to understanding Bogotá. These aren’t just random ideas; they’re the result of surveys from locals and tourism pros who’ve literally walked the walk. They’ve sipped coffee, watched shows, explored ecological paths, and even boosted tourism in every nook and cranny of Bogotá. In short, they know their stuff, and they’re spilling the beans so you can navigate Bogotá like a pro.

With brief reviews, they’re giving you reasons to dive into these experiences. They explain the traditions, spill the coffee beans on what makes each adventure tick, and share tips to squeeze the absolute maximum fun out of your time. The directory is your map, providing basic info on the places mentioned. And here’s the kicker – they’ve gone artsy with the photos, black and white for that classic touch, and thrown in 100 colorful stickers.

Once you’ve got in your hands on more than a book you are ready to have the time of your life in Bogotá. Stick a sticker, have a laugh, and let this book be your companion as you unravel the 100 and more wonders of the Colombian capital.

The launch of “100 Experiences You Should Live in Bogotá at Least Once in Your Life” was presided over by Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, the director of the tourism institute Andrés Santamaria, as well as representatives of the Economic Development Secretariat.

For more information on the book and to browse the digital edition visit: www.visitbogota.co