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Meridiela.

Parque Simon Bolivar

Bogota's central park, larger than New York's Central Park, built round an artificial lake and used for the city's biggest concerts.

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Typepark
WhereBogota
Nearest cityBogota, in the centre-west
Best seasonYear round
Time to allowTwo to three hours
Getting thereCalle 63 with Carrera 48; TransMilenio to El Campin or Salitre
EntryFree

The metropolitan park covers around four hundred hectares across its linked sections, which makes the whole complex larger than Central Park, though the core park people mean is smaller. It was developed from the 1960s onward round an artificial lake with paths, lawns and a plaza de eventos that holds tens of thousands - Rock al Parque, a free rock festival running since 1995, is held here and is among the largest free festivals in Latin America, alongside similar free events for salsa, jazz and hip hop that the city funds deliberately as public programming. On ordinary days it is joggers, cyclists, families and boat hire on the lake. The botanical garden, the sports complex and a science museum adjoin it.

What you actually see

  • Around four hundred hectares - across the linked park complex.
  • An artificial lake - with paths and boat hire.
  • Rock al Parque - a free festival running since 1995.
  • City-funded free music programming - salsa, jazz and hip hop too.

When to go

Year round; festival dates are published. Two to three hours.

Honest expectations

Bogota weather is cool and often drizzling. Festival weekends fill the park completely and change its character. Some sections are separately gated and ticketed. It is large - pick a section.

Nearby

The botanical garden is west; El Campin stadium is east.

What to pack for Parque Simon Bolivar

Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.

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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.

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