Bogotá

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Bogota is the capital city of Colombia.

Contents 1 Understand 2 Districts of Bogota 2.1 North Bogota 2.2 Central Bogota 2.3 Occidente 2.4 Sur 3 Get in 3.1 By plane 3.2 By bus 4 Get around 4.1 By taxi 4.2 By bus 4.3 By 'colectivo' 4.4 By Bicycle 5 See 6 Do 6.1 Nightclubs and other cool spots 6.2 Other Spots 7 Learn 8 Speak 9 Work 10 Buy 11 Eat & Drink 12 Zona G 13 Zona T and Zona Rosa 14 Sleep 14.1 Backpackers 14.2 Mid-range 14.3 Upscale 15 Stay Safe 16 Stay Healthy 17 Get out

[edit] Understand

With a population of about 8 million people, Bogota sits approximately 8,660 feet (2640 meters) above the sea level in the Andean Highlands. Orientation is relatively easy, as the mountains to the east are generally visible from most parts of the city.

Bogota is a city with many layers. From internationally recognized universities to regional offices for multinational companies, Bogota is Colombia's capital for official business dealings. It is a city that caters to a population that has been exposed to European and North American influences, which ensures that anything from traditional dishes (Ajiaco) to sushi or fast food restaurants can be found. It's one of the most modern and metropolitan cities of South and Central America. Bogota is divided by 4 sections: The south which is mainly the poorer section of the city , El Centro where the main financial headquarters are established, El Occidente which is where Bogota's main middle and some upper class lives, and The North which is where most of the affluent live and where you will find many upscale boutiques, cafes, nightclubs, and many new multinational headquarters.

[edit] Districts of Bogota

[edit] North Bogota

Santa Barbara, La Carolina, El Chico, Contador, El Retiro, El Nogal, Los Rosales, Lisboa Antigua, La Calleja, La Bella Suiza, El Lago, Cedritos, Usaquen country

[edit] Central Bogota

Chapinero, La Candelaria, El Centro, Barrio Egipto, Teausaquillo

[edit] Occidente

El Salitre, Alamos Norte, Modelia, Normandia, Los Heroes

[edit] Sur

Restrepo, Ciudad Kennedy, Americas, Galan Ciudad Bolivar

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

The city is served by El Dorado International Airport (IATA: BOG) (ICAO: SKBO) (~20 minutes from downtown in a taxi), that receives several flights daily from New York, Atlanta, Toronto, Miami, Los Angeles, Houston, Paris, Barcelona, Buenos Aires, Havana, Panama City, Caracas, Curacao, Fort Lauderdale, Alicante, Madrid, Mexico City, Lima, San Jose, Montego Bay, Quito, Sao Paulo, Rio De Janiero, Santiago de Chile, La Paz, Aruba, and other South and Central American cities. Domestic flights of Avianca are served from the Puente Aereo terminal, next to El Dorado terminal, and features WiFi access to the Internet from almost every location. Taxis are regulated, reasonably priced and safe from the airport. A taxi ride from the airport to the center takes approximately 20 minutes.

[edit] By bus

The safety of bus travel in Colombia has greatly improved in recent years. However, foreigners should take precaution of not traveling to areas of unrest and travel only during the day. Do not carry large amounts of cash with you as robberies are known to occur along some routes. Service in the 'upscale' buses is very good and they are very comfortable. Pick the most expensive service (just a couple of dollars extra) as these buses tend to be newer and better mechanical condition.

Currently buses run in and out of Bogota's main station, El Terminal de Transporte de Bogota. The station is clean and has standard amenities. Located at Calle 33 B, No 69-59, Multiple bus companies have regular routes to destinations around the country. To get there from the airport you can take a short taxi ride. Terminal's Website

The Terminal is divided in several color-coded areas that indicate the destinations to which comapanies in that area travel to. Yellow= South Blue=East and West Red= North Purple=Packages

Search Engine by Destination Destino=Destination Empresa=Bus Company. Simply enter destination and a list of companies serving that route will return along with average prices.

Some common bus companies in Colombia that are found in this Terminal are:

• Expreso Bolivariano Expreso Bolivariano- This company has one of the most extensive networks. Some international destinations as well.
• Coomotor [1] Mostly destinations in Southern Colombia

[edit] Get around

The city of Bogota is built on a grid system. Carreras (streets) are abbreviated as Cr, K and Crs and run parallel to the mountains from South to North.

The calles (also streets) cross the Carreras and run from East to West. Calles are abbreviated as C, Cll and Cl.

Avenidas, abbreviated as Av, are usually larger and main streets. The numerical system for the Avenidas is used but some have names that are more commonly used such as Avenida Jimenez. Each address consists of a series of numbers, for example: Calle 16 # 2-43. This indicates that the building on Calle 16 is 43 meters from the corner of Carrera 2 towards Carrera 3.

[edit] By taxi

Taxi cabs are ubiquitous and affordable. They can be flagged down anywhere. Also they can be called by phone, at no extra charge. For security reasons, be sure to order taxis by telephone and only catch them in the street if you are in a group.

[edit] By bus

Bogota's new Transmilenio rapid bus service is extremely affordable, clean and efficient and carries commuters to numerous corners of the city. While the Transmilenio is expansive, there are some main routes that are not yet reached.

Privately owned buses cruise all the main thoroughfares and many side streets, and are the principal form of transport for the working class and student class. Though they do follow specific routes, they do not have bus "stops"; you merely call to them like taxis and they will stop for you where you are standing. Placards in the large front windows list destinations, either neighborhoods or main street names. Upon entering you will be asked for the fare; if you are not traveling alone you may be asked "Para ambos?", for example, meaning "For both?", to see if you are paying for just yourself or for your companion. Then you pass through a turnstile to the seating areas. The buses come in three sizes, usually, long (like a school bus), medium and small (called busetas). All have turnstiles. To exit these buses you go to the back door and either push a button located usually on one of the hand rails or next to the exit, or simply call out "Aqui, por favor!" or "Pare!" (Stop!). Passengers are often expected to embark and disembark even from the middle of the street.

Sometimes vendors are allowed to enter the buses to sell candy or small gift items (occasionally donating one to the driver for the privilege). Or, you may find entertainers such as singers or guitar players, and even the more creative of the street beggars who will regale you with a long, poetic story of their sad situation before asking for donations. Even in the smallest buses, cramped full of people standing and sitting, it is a common sight. Interestingly, a recent Grammy-nominated singer named Ilona got her start performing on buses around Bogota.

The cost for riding on a private bus ranges from 900 to 1200 Colombian pesos.

[edit] By 'colectivo'

Colectivos cover practically every major route of the city, and can generally be flagged down at any point on a main road. Watch these small buses for lists of destinations displayed on their windshields, or ask the driver (in Spanish) if he passes the neighborhood or intersection you are going to. Not very comfortable, but cheap and can take you almost anywhere.

[edit] By Bicycle

Renting a bike and having a ride on Bogota's modern Ciclo-Ruta is a very exciting and healthy way to get to know the city and get closer to the people. There are certain rules that must be followed: Helmet must be worn when riding, also a reflective vest must be worn. The bicycle must have reflective panels in the wheels and back.

[edit] See

• Gold Museum El Museo del Oro, [2], Calle 16 #5-41, Tel:(571)2847450, Fax:(571)3432222, [3]. Impressive collection of gold en precolumbian artifacts. Don't miss this museum. Open: Tu to Sa 9AM-7PM and Su/holidays 10am-5pm. Entrance is free on Sunday.
• Donación Botero, Calle 11 #4-41, Tel: 1-343-1331. Collection of paintings donated by Botero to Bogota. Besides work of Botero the collection contains work from Picasso, Renoir, Monet, Dali and others. Entrance free. Open: Mo & We-Fr 10am-8pm, Sa 10am-7pm and Su 10am-4pm.
• Casa de Moneda, next to Museo Botero. Has a collection of Colombian coins and the history of moneymaking.
• Museo Nacional Carrera 7 No. 28-66. Phone: 334 8366 Website: www.museonacional.gov.co E-mail: info@museonacional.gov.co/Tue: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Wed and Sat: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Sun: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The National Museum is the oldest in the country and one of the oldest in the continent, built in 1823. Its fortress architecture is built in stone and brick. The plant includes arches, domes and columns forming a sort of Greek cross over which 104 prison cells are distributed, with solid wall façade. The museum houses a collection of over 20,000 pieces including works of art and objects representing different national history periods. Permanent exhibitions present archeology and ethnography samples from most antique Colombian men vestiges, 10,000 years BC, up to XX century indigenous and afro- Colombian art and culture. Founders and New Kingdom of Granada room houses rich Liberators and other Spanish authorities iconography; the round room exhibits a series of oleos synthesizing Colombia painting history. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:MN_Bogota.JPG

• Museum of modern art of Bogota (MamBo) · Calle 24 No. 6-00 /Tue to Sat: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sun from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Exhibits a complete collection of modern art work basically consisting of drawing, paintings, engraved work, sculpture and assembly. Houses work of Colombian masters Fernando Botero, Alejandro Obregón, Enrique Grau and Édgar Negret, among many other together with important Latin American artists pinacotheca. The moderns building, designed by architect Rogelio Salmona, achieves optimum space and natural light management.

• Banco de la Republica Art Collection Calle 11 No. 4-41 Tue to Sat:10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunand holydays 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. · Closed on Mon, including holiday Mondays.

Exhibits Permanent Banco de la República Art Collection consisting of nearly 3,000 paintings, sculptures and assembly of Colombian and Latin American masters from the XVI century to our days. Visitors may appreciate a selection of Colombian painters works, for instance Gregorio Vázquez de Arce y Ceballos, the most important Colony painter, Alejandro Obregón, Enrique Grau, Latin American as Rufino Tamayo, David Alfaro Siqueiros and many other globally renowned.

• Museum of Colonial Art Calle 24 No. 6-00 · Tue to Sat: 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Sun from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Under Eduardo Santos administration on August 6, 1942 the Colonial Museum containing Viceroy-ship art, silver plates, the Virgin of the Light and the most characteristic Gregorio Vásquez de Arce y Ceballos collection, among other valuable Colombian culture treasures opened its doors. Declared National Monument National in 1975, Las Aulas Cloister is one of the oldest buildings in Bogotá.

• Hacienda Santa Bárbara, Carrera 7 No. 116 - 05. A 19th century house that belonged to Pepe Sierra, one of the wealthiest Colombians in that time, that became a mall in late 80's. Famous for its cafés (some of them nationally renowned), is not as crowded as other malls.
• Usaquén a rather new "cool" section of Bogota. The main square is the meeting point of the area where you can find pretty nice restaurants and bars. But walk around and find more great places to eat and drink.
• La Candelaria, the historical neighborhood in Bogota.
• La Macarena (Bullfight ring area) is a bohemian neighborhood full of artsy cafes, art galleries and great restaurants.
• Unicentro, a very modern mall with many western retail shops.
• Parque de la 93 which is a trendy section of Bogota with nightclubs, and cafes frequently visited by Bogotas "jet set". Highly recommended El Salto del Angel restaurant.
• La Zona T which is another chic area of Bogota which is surrounded by the upscale malls of Centro Andino, Atlantis Plaza and El Retiro which holds various upscale boutiques such as Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Bally, Cartier and much more.
• Maloka Situated in the Upper/Middle Class neighborhood of El Salitre is Maloka which is a science museum one of the only ones built in South America.
• Monserrate a true beautiful panoramic view of the city its only a funicular ride away which will cost about 11,000 pesos round trip.
• Torre Colpatria Bogota's tallest building and one of South Americas tallest buildings is located in El Centro. You can visit the panoramic deck on the top of building on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays make it a must see.
• Catedral de Sal is located in nearby Zipaquira. This is a MUST. You will not regret it. About an hour away from the city, you can grab a bus to nearby Zipaquira and go to see the amazing church carved into the mountain. Several artists participated in the conversion of this former salt mine into a Catholic church. The town is small but has at least a few restaurants and many taxis to take you back to the city.

[edit] Do

Iberoamerican Theater Festival, the biggest theater festival in the world (occurs every two years in April).

Take a cab or Transmilenio to a working class neighborhood in the southside (ask someone in the front desk where to go, most likely they live in the southside themselves and can tell you of a good place to go). Sit down in a 'panaderia' (bakery), order a colombiana (soda) and some good bread...sit down and breathe the environment of the regular Colombian...don't narrow yourself to the upscale Norte.

[edit] Nightclubs and other cool spots

CHA-CHA:One of the most exclusive night clubs, located on the 7th avenue with 33rd Street on the 41st floor of what once was The Hilton Hotel, today just and abandoned building. It is located in the "Ball Room" of the old hotel, and keeps the traditional elegant decoration. Crystal Chandeliers meet Electronic music. Frequently visited by world famous DJs. Cover:$15.000=

Salto del Angel:One of the coolest spots in Bogota, located in the Park at 93rd Street, it is the place to see all the futbol matches with your buddies, beers and really, really good food on Sundays, and on Saturdays, Fridays and Thursdays it is the place to see all the beautiful people dancing salsa and vallenato music on the tables. Great environment but get there early or make a reservation!! Cover:$10.000

Andres Carne de Res: Andres Carne de Res is actually a little out of town in the Chia district, but the trip is well worth the effort. Movers, shakers and the beautiful people descend on the sprawling bar, grill and restaurant nightly. The decor is unique, the vibe amazing, and once you are done eating the dancing goes on until the wee hours. Make sure you have someone to take you home again. The website will give you a better idea of the style of the place than anything I can tell you. www.andrescarnederes.com. Cover: $10.000

Lola:Located on the 15 Avenue with 92nd Street. Frequented mostly by students and people looking to have fun, on a well located spot for lower prices as those found on the "Zona T" or the Park on 93rd St. Cover: $10.000=

Kukaramakara:Located on the 15 Avenue with 93rd Street (Near Lola)The environment and decoration of this place has the perfect combination of modern club elements and traditional artesanal environment from Colombia´s ancestors. Also features a local band every Friday and Saturday night that performs Latinamerican singer´s songs.Cover: $15.000=

Gnoveva: very cheap..lower prices, the music and the people are great, no cover and a bottle of aguardiente is $35.000 pesos.

"Scirocco": Without doubt the most "chic" place in Bogota, at the moment. Serves its unique watermelon martinis, while listening to House music. Concurred by Bogota's elite. Cover is $15.000, and drinks are pricey.

Also visit other local nightclubs where most North residents go like Gavanna, Danzatoria, Velvet, Amatista, Barbarosa, Salome Pagana (Salsa Dancing club) or Nabu (Most located in the "Zona Rosa" one of the trendiest parts of Bogotá.)

[edit] Other Spots

Bogota Beer Company: Bogota´s very own brewery! you can find one in almost every corner! Some of the locations are: Parque de Usaquén, Park at 93rd Street, Zona T (In front of the Andino Mall) and 122 Street with 19th Avenue. Try the "Jirafa" (giraffe) wich is a 1 yard long glass full of the Beer of your choice, also recomended the "Campín Calamari" and the "Cedritos Chips" ( All dishes are named after Bogota´s most famous neighborhoods).

Pravda:Best Martinis in town, also a little pricey. Recomended the Lychee Martini. Located in the "Zona T".

[edit] Learn

Bogota has numerous educational institutions. Some of the better known universities include: National University (www.unal.edu.co), Universidad de America (www.uamerica.edu.co), Los Andes University (www.uniandes.edu.co), Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (www.javeriana.edu.co) and Externado (www.uexternado.edu.co), Sabana University (www.unisabana.edu.co), however there are many privately and publicly funded universities and Schools.

If you want to learn Spanish, Universities are a good option since they have all inclusive plans. They not only offer spanish courses but also Mandarin, Japanese, French, German, Italian, etc.

[edit] Speak

The Spanish spoken in Bogotá is considered the most neutral and clear, if you know the basics you'll probably be fine. Bogotá is full with English academies and bilingual schools so English is spoken by young people. The most "turisty" areas are full of young students who go to bilingual schools, generally they will always help you translate. This piece of advice isn't only for language but for you to have a better stay, travel with locals, no matter if they are your cousin's coworker's niece, Colombians love to show the country to reduce the bad propaganda it has abroad.

[edit] Work

Officially it is not legal to work in Colombia without a proper working visa. Visas can be obtained by employers on your behalf.

There is also a significant market for English and other language teachers. Employment doing translation or English editing is possible to find under the table.

[edit] Buy

• Inexpensive handicrafts and jewelry from vendors
• Coffee-based products
• Leather handbags, shoes, and wallets.
• Uncut and cut emeralds brought in from the world's best emerald mines
• Inexpensive silver jewelry
• Dress suits and shoes

• Upscale Shopping Malls

Unicentro, Centro Andino , El Retiro, Atlantis Plaza, Hacienda Santa Barbara, Santa Ana, Palatino, Portal de la 80, Salitre Plaza, Santa Fé

• More Affordable Shopping Malls

Plaza de las Americas - outdoor, Ciudad Tunal, If you can use common sense, but definately worth the experience - shopping in the streets of El Restrepo

[edit] Eat & Drink

Plenty of options. These are only a few and are divided by areas

[edit] Zona G

• Bagatelle Crepes, Sandwiches, Salads, Breakfast, Cafes, Brunch

Calle 70 A No. 4-99. Tel: 3213475

• Lina's Crepes, Sandwiches/Salads, Breakfast/Brunch, Cafes

Calle 69 A No. 6-51 Tel: 2101294

• Harry's Steaks and much more!!

Calle 70 No. 5-57 Tel:321 3940

• Alice?s Chinese

Calle 69A No. 5-18 Tel: 217-0242, 249-1960, 217-0841

• Gostinos 69 Seafood

Carrera 5 No. 69A-30 Tel: 3130612, 3130601

• La Barra Spanish

Calle 69 A No. 5-08

• Tony Roma's American BBQ

Carrera 6 No. 69 A-20 Tel: 2487727

• La table de Michel French

Calle 69A No. 4-15 Tel: 248-1136, 347-7939

• Criterion Gourmet

Calle 69A No. 5-75  Tel: 310-1377

• 'Distrito International Fusion

Calle 69A No. 5-61 Tel: 345 6189, 345 6190

• Circa Fusion

Calle 69A No. 5-09 Tel: 217 1123

• Astrid y Gaston Peruvian Fusion

Carrera 7 No 67-64 Tel: 211-1400

• La hamburgueseria Burgers (Note: As the restaurant says extensively, it is not fastfood)

Calle 70 No. 4-69 Tel: 321-3350

• Michel Patisserie Pastry, Desserts

Calle 69 A No. 5-79 Tel: 236 9168

• Nazca Peruvian

Calle 74 No 5-28 Tel: 321-3459

• Oliveto Pizza Gourmet Pizza

Carrera 5 No. 70-26 Tel: 212-6570, 212-0807

• Clowns Deli Sandwiches/Salads

Calle 69 A No. 4-28 Tel: 248 0254

• Clarooscuro International

Calle 69 A No. 5-59 Tel: 249 0940, 249 0118

• Osaki Japanese (Sushi)

[edit] Zona T and Zona Rosa

• Taurus Grill, International, Argentina

Calle 83 No. 12-29 Tel: 256 3040, 618 0577

• Cafe Tostion Coffee

Carrera 12 No. 83-80, local1 Tel: 610 5154

• Balzac Crepes, French

Calle 83 No. 12-19 Tel: 610 5210, 610 6206

• 1492

Latin Fusion,Grill, International Carrera 12 No 83-11 Tel: 257-2853, 257-2874

• Crepes & Waffles Crepes, Waffles, Salads, Desserts (cheap and good! Has had an unbelievable success, check for long lines)

Carrera 12A No. 83-40 Tel:256 4683

• Il Pomeriggio Saldads,Sandwiches, Wine, Dessert,Coffe

Carrera 11 N. 82-01. Loc. 158 Centro Comercial Andino Tel: 616 8616

• Club Colombia

Colombian Food Avenida 82 No 9-16 Tel: 249-5681, 321-0704

• H. Sasson Wok & Satay Bar From one of the best chefs in Colombia!! If you like a juicy steak ask for "Chuleton"

Calle 83 # 12-49 Tel:616-4520

• Di Lucca Italian (great italian!!)

Carrera 13 No. 85-32 Tel:611 5614

• Teriyaki Thai, Sushi, Japanese

Carrera 13 No 83-66 Tel: 617-0254, 617-0437

• Takami PanAsian

Calle 85 No 12-86 Tel: 257-3656, 236-8437

• Casa mexicana Real Mexican (No Tex-mex stuff)

Calle 80 No. 14-08, esquina Tel: 218-2874, 257-3407

• Bellini Trattoria Pizza, Italiana

Carrera13 No. 83-52 Tel: 239-4401, 636-9003

• Hard Rock Cafe Bogota (Same as Everywhere) American

Calle 81 No. 13-05  Tel: 530 2200

• Food Terrace in Andino A more gourmet foodcourt, still has a great variety and more affordable prices

Centro Comercial Andino

[edit] Sleep

If you are going to stay in Bogota, keep in mind the location. You'll find several hotels in the "fashion" district(i.e. Zone "T", Park of 93rd Street, etc). Always keep in mind that those hotels would be always a little bit pricey. Nevertheless you won't have any problem hailing a taxi at 6am in the morning because your hotel would be just around the corner from the nightclub. On the other hand you can find low to medium price hotels around downtown or near universities (i.e. Chapinero Neighborhood).

[edit] Backpackers

A very special surrounding for low-budget visitors is La Candelaria, the colonial neighborhood in the center of the city. There are many cheap, nice hostels where you can meet travelers from all around the world. It is a great place for socializing if you are travelling alone. The odd part is that it might be a dangerous zone to walk around at night. The best known hostel is Platypus.

• Anandamayi Hostel, Calle 9 No. 2 - 81, La Candelaria, Centro, anandamayihostel@yahoo.com [4].Tel: 571-3417208 Anandamayi is a very comfortable and inexpensive hostel in the most beautiful colonial house in la Candelaria old town. Hostel Prices 9-14 USD
• Platypus Hostel, C 16 No. 2 - 43, La Candelaria, [5]. Located in the old Candelaria district, it is owned and run by an extremely friendly and helpful Colombian named German (pronunced 'Herman'). The hostel offers free coffee, internet facilities and hot showers. A dorm bed costs COP$13.000. (US$ 5 Approx.). Included in the Platypus portfolio are Platypus 2 and 3, where those wishing to stay for longer can take advantage of having their own room at discounted rates. Make sure you book for Platypus in advance as they very seldom have availability on arrival.
• Hotel Aragon, Carrera 3 No. 14-13, 571 342-52-39, 571 284-83-25, fax 571 342-63-87. If the platypus is full you can try this hotel a few blocks down. A room costs COP$15.000 per person. The place is basic and a little dated but the rooms are fairly clean and there's hot water all the time. You're very unlikely to meet other travellers here.

[edit] Mid-range

• Hotel Casa Real, Calle 93A No. 9A-53, Tel: +57-1-530-4884 (casareal@etb.net.co) [6]. Only 2 blocks from the 93rd St Park and restaurants, this lovely hotel has very spacious suites, excellent service and great breakfasts. Rooms COP$230,000 plus tax.

[edit] Upscale

Charleston Hotel, Hotel Casa Medina, Sofitel Victoria Regia

[edit] Stay Safe

Bogotá is less safe than US or European cities but it isn't as dangerous as what is thought. It is very difficult to find drugs or being forced to buy them unless you go looking for them. Be very vigilant with street beggars especially in the city center, usually a few coind will deter any possible thief. Desplazados, people forced to emigrate by the guerrilla, are found begging but it is extremely weird for them to rob, and are by far the nicest and most grateful beggars in Bogotá. Unless you are the owner of an oil company or are yelling outloud that the 24 karat necklace you're wearing was given to you by George Bush, the chances you are kidnap are zero. Do be careful outside the city especially at night. Common sense prevails and note that driving a Mercedes through a poor neighborhood may be unpleasant for both you and the locals.

[edit] Stay Healthy

Bogotás water is potable and of great quality but foreigners may want to mix bottle and tap water for the first few days. Bogotá has no tropical diseases like malaria because of its altitude. Altitude is the largest health problem affecting foreigners, generally a few days without hard physical activity or some days in a mid-altitude city like Medellín will do the trick. If you have heart disese or a respiratory condition, talk to your doctor, Eldorado provides weelchairs for travelers with special needs. Be very careful with bollards and high sidewalks as they can cause some problems. Private hospitals have good healthcare.

[edit] Get out

• Catedral de la Sal is an impressive Cathedral hewn out of a salt mine in Zipaquira. A visit is by guided tour. The entrance fee is COP$12,000 or half that when you buy your ticket on Wednesdays. To get there take the Transmilenio to Portal del Norte, from there take a bus to Zipaquira and ask the bus driver for directions to the cathedral. The total journey takes about 1 hour. The current cathedral is the 2nd construction, as the first one collapsed after many years.

• Andrés Carne de Res (Restaurant and dance) Amazing steak and a great place to party. Do not miss it if you wanna see how important food and dancing is for Colombians!!!! Calle 3 # 11A -56 Phone: 863-7880 (Chía) Live music is one the best "rumbiaderos" (nightclubs). It is located about 15 mins north of Bogotá.