Most visitors begin their trip to Colombia in the capital: Bogota. Also known as Santa Fe de Bogota the city is set at an altitude of 2500 meter (over 8000 feet) with high ranges of the Cordillera to the east and it can happen that you need some time to adjust to this altitude, if you are coming from lower parts of the country or flying in.

Most of the bogota,sights:Sights of the city are in the historic central neighborhood of La Candelaria.

The Plaza Bolivar is the principle square and is where the seat of government is. The buildings around it are built in colonial style with wide-eaved balconies. Nearby is the cathedral which is worth a visit.

Bogota’s best museum is the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum). For more information on this museum and others visit our bogota,museums:museum section. Downtown Bogota with shops, offices and bank is also an interesting area to stroll around. Most of the best hotels are located in the North of the city. The same aplies for the better restaurants. Take the funicular to the top of Monserrate (3,210 m high) for a spectacular view of the city.

Possible day trips from Bogota include a trip to the salt mines of Zipaquira. Another pleasant excursion from Bogota is Villa de Leyva. If you want to leave Bogota you can continue your trip by bus or plane to other interesting places in Colombia, for example, to Cali, Cartagena or Santa Marta.