Bogota

A fascinating blend of old and new where colonial architecture meets modern skyscrapers, Santafé de Bogota is Colombia’s largest city and capital, generously dubbed the “Athens of South America” for its history ans culture.

Surrounded by lush hills, Bogotá sits at 2600m above sea-level on a plateau high in the country’s central Andes. Famed throughout the continent for its libraries and universities, Bogotá was founded by the conquistador Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada in 1538 and is a wonderful introduction to Colombia.

At its heart, the historic old town of La Candelaria teems with beautiful architecture, colonial facades and churches awash with old-world charm. The magnificent cathedral looms high over the impressive Plaza Bolivar bound by the imposing buildings of the Palace of Justice, National Congress and Liévano Town Hall. From the plaza, cobbled streets radiate out and house some of the country’s finest museums and galleries including the “Casa de la Moneda” Mint, the Gold Museum and Museo Botero art collection. By contrast, the buzzing suburbs of Zona T, Zona G and La Macarena capture the dynamic energy of modern Colombia and are renowned for their fine dining and vibrant nightlife. Escaping the bustle of central Bogota, a funicular railway and cable car lead up Monserrate Hill for breathtaking views over the city, beautifully lit up at night.

Bogota Hotels

Hotel de la Opera$$$

The Hotel de la Opera is a colonial gem at the heart of Bogota. Loving converted into a charming boutique property, the Hotel de la Opera encompasses two historic townhouses and is perched next to the Colon theatre. Behind the elegant, republican façade, the Opera offers a rich slice of colonial history and is awash with wooden balconies, parquet floors, antique furniture and classic works of art. From the upper reaches of the hotel, fabulous views look out across the terracotta tiled roofto...