Magical Bogota- The Amazing Capital Of Colombia

Bogota is the capital city of Colombia. It has a population of more than seven million people and is one among the 30 biggest cities in the world. Bogota’s altitude is quite high measuring more than 2500 meters above sea level. It is a city steeped in culture. Bogota has many educational institutions and is aptly named “the Athens of South America”.

The earliest inhabitants of the area called it ‘Bacata’, meaning ‘planted fields’. The Europeans arrived in the country in the mid 16th century and called it ‘Santa Fe de Bogota’, after the place they had come from in Spain. Finally, the city was named ‘Bogota’.

Bogota is built on a high plateau, west of the savannah grasslands. It enjoys a sub-tropical climate with temperatures averaging 14 centigrade degrees. It has a dry spell, which runs from December through to March, and a rainy season from April to November. Hailstorms are common especially in the rainy season around October.
Bogota is divided into 20 localities, the oldest being La Candelaria. The affluent residents of Bogota live on the northern side of the city while the poor folks generally live on the southern side of the town. The middle-income families live on the western part of the city.

Bogota being the capital city is also the seat of the national government. It hosts the national assembly, judiciary and the executive at the Bolivar square, within the La Candelaria district. Bogota has a strong financial system, ranked the fourth largest in South America. Unemployment in the city is at 11%. Most households have electricity and water. However, at least 30% of the population lives below the poverty line.

Tourism is now one of the country’s top income earners. The government has worked hard to rid the country of the bad image brought about by violence of the 1980’s and 1990’s. It formed the Bogota district of tourism and charged it with the responsibility of creating a sustainable environment for the tourism industry. This organization is a good source of information for those who wish to visit the city.

Bogota has a variety of accommodation options to fit every visitor’s budget. There are back-packer lodges, hotels and even 5-star accommodation for those who can afford it. Many world-class hotel chains have also set up establishments in Bogota. Whatever your choice, it is advisable to book your accommodation online to avoid disappointment when you arrive.

Lovers of art and theater will find accommodation options in La Candelari a quite convenient. Most theaters are located within walking distance of this district. Those who have limited time will want to stay in a location close to the airport such as Ciudad Salitre.

There are many entertainment options in Bogota. Important landmarks and tourist attractions dot the city’s landscape. They include botanical gardens, the national observatory, the planetarium and the monument of American flags among many others.

Public transport in Bogota is also quite reliable. At least 25% of the population uses their own private means to move around the city. Many taxis also operate within the city. Those who rely on public transport travel on buses and minivans. Others travel on the ‘Trans-Milenio’ service, which is a rapid transit bus running a long a devoted bus route. They are the equivalent of a subway system or a rail system.

Bogota is a city of amazing contrasts. The old and the new blend naturally. Your visit to Bogota will create unforgettable memories that you will cherish the rest of your life.