Bogotá

Plaza Bolívar
Plaza Bolívar is the central square in the historic centre and is also an important symbol of Bogotá’s history and culture. It is regarded as the political and cultural heart of the city. The square is named after Simón Bolívar, in tribute to his legacy. Simón Bolívar was a key figure in the Latin American struggle for independence, which is why a large statue of him stands in the square. The square has a rich history and has been the scene of countless political and cultural events. The square is surrounded by various neoclassical government buildings, such as the Casa de Nariño (Presidential Palace), the Palacio de Justicia (Palace of Justice), the Capitolio Nacional (Parliament) and Bogotá Cathedral.
For many street performers and vendors, it is the ideal place to sell their wares, as there are always plenty of people and a buzz of activity in and around the square.

Cerro Monserrate
This iconic mountain, situated to the east of the city centre, towers above Bogotá’s skyline. From here, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the entire city and the Andes Mountains. Monserrate can be reached by cable car, by mini-train or on foot via a dedicated footpath. From the foot of the mountain, the cable car and mini-train take you to the top. As well as being popular for its breathtaking views of the city, Monserrate also holds religious significance. The Basilica of Our Lady of Monserrate stands on the mountain and is a place of pilgrimage for many Catholics in Colombia. Pilgrims often climb the mountain as a sign of devotion and to pray at the sanctuary. On the mountain, alongside the Basilica, you will also find a few restaurants, souvenir shops and several viewing points overlooking various parts of the city.

Botero Museum
This colonial house is filled with works of art created and donated by Fernando Botero. Fernando Botero is renowned for his distinctive style characterised by exaggerated proportions. The museum’s collection comprises paintings, sculptures and other works of art by Botero. In addition, his personal collection includes works by international masters such as Picasso, Monet, Renoir, Matisse, Dalí and Giacometti. He has donated these to the Botero Museum.

Museo del Oro
The Gold Museum houses one of the world’s largest collections of pre-Hispanic gold artefacts and is managed by the Banco de la República. All these artefacts were crafted by various indigenous cultures that once inhabited what is now Colombian territory. Peoples such as the Muisca, the Quimbaya and the Tairona were highly skilled in working with gold and creating works of art from it. During a visit to the Gold Museum, you will therefore learn more about Colombia’s ancient cultures and civilisations and the use of gold in their rituals and art. It is a modern museum with interactive displays, multimedia experiences and information available in several languages.

Zipaquirá

The historic town of Zipaquirá lies about 50 km north of Bogotá. It is best known for its salt mine, which has been converted into a church. This ‘Catedral de Sal’ (Salt Cathedral) is an underground structure built within the tunnels of the salt mine. As the Salt Cathedral has no bishop, it is not strictly speaking a cathedral.
Aside from the Salt Cathedral, Zipaquirá is a charming little town with a rich cultural heritage, featuring colonial buildings, a lively colonial market and museums. The views of the Andes surrounding Zipaquirá are stunning!

Villa de Leyva

A visit to the charming town of Villa de Leyva is like a romantic journey back in time. It is renowned for its colonial architecture, with cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and historic churches. The central square, Plaza Mayor, covers 14,000 m² and is one of the largest squares in South America. The church situated on this square dates back to the 17th century and is certainly worth a visit.
Just outside the centre of Villa de Leyva is the Fossil Museum, where you can admire fossils of prehistoric creatures.

Guatavita

Guatavita is a picturesque little town best known for the nearby Laguna de Guatavita. This crater lake, situated at around 3,000 metres above sea level, holds historical, spiritual and cultural significance. It was the homeland of the Muisca people and is also the setting for the local legend of El Dorado. According to this legend, the indigenous tribes would cover themselves in gold dust, then dive into the lake and throw golden objects into it as offerings to their gods. This has given rise to an obsession with finding the mythical city of ‘El Dorado’, where it is believed that immeasurable riches lie. To this day, the city has never been found, but it remains an important part of Colombian history. Many visitors come to the lake every year because of the mystery surrounding it. It is also a nature reserve home to many bird species, such as hawks and various types of hummingbirds. There are also many native tree species to be found, such as the Mano de Oso, Uvos de Monte and Té de Bogotá.
The little town of Guatavita itself is charming, with its colonial architecture and craft shops selling local art and handicrafts.