Bogota and La Candelaria

Bogota, the sprawling capital of Colombia, sits high on an Andean plateau at 2,600 metres, a huge, energetic and cool-climate city beneath green mountains. Its historic heart, La Candelaria, is a characterful quarter of steep colonial streets, grand plazas, universities and vivid street art, and home to the dazzling Gold Museum, one of the finest in the Americas, alongside the works of Botero and, above the city, the hilltop shrine of Monserrate.

History

Teusaquillo, today's Chorro de Quevedo, was a resting place of the Muisca ruler, the Zipa, and it is believed that Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada founded Bogotá here on 6 August 1538, the formal foundation following in April 1539 on today's Plaza de Bolívar. The quarter takes its name from the colonial church of Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria; in the 1970s a corporation was set up to preserve its old neighbourhoods, and in 1991 La Candelaria became one of the 20 localities of the capital (Wikipedia, La Candelaria, Bogotá).

What you'll find

• The Gold Museum - the dazzling collection of pre-Columbian gold.
• La Candelaria - the colonial old quarter and its street art.
• Monserrate - the hilltop shrine and view over the vast city.
• The Botero Museum - the works of the famous Colombian artist.

When to go

December to March for the driest weather, though Bogota is cool and can be rainy year-round at its high altitude, so bring layers and a rain jacket any time. The Sunday ciclovia, when major roads close to cars for cyclists, is a lively local tradition.

Before you go

At 2,600 metres it is cool, often grey and rainy, quite unlike the tropical image of Colombia, so pack layers. It is a huge city with areas that call for real caution, so stick to the well-visited zones, keep valuables hidden and take advice, especially at night. It is a gritty, energetic city best appreciated with a little street sense.

Nearby

The Zipaquira Salt Cathedral and the town of Villa de Leyva are within reach.

Key facts