TRAVEL MOTIVATION TO BOGOTÁ

TRAVEL MOTIVATION TO BOGOTÁ

• Colombia is one of the best destinations to visit in 2017. Travelers come from everywhere to try Colombian coffee, have fun on the white sandy beaches and enjoy delicious cuisine. But Bogotá, the capital, is often overlooked, as visitors often head directly to the colonial city of Cartagena or the beaches of Tayrona. And thanks to the popup of shows like Narcos, travelers who want to see a big city here often head for Medellín. While I suggest visiting several places if you plan to visit Colombia, do not skip Bogota. The city, which is now more secure than ever, has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine, culture, history, sports and art, within its many contrasting neighborhoods.

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• Bildunterschrift: BOGOTÁ D.C

1. It is a safe starting point

• Bogotá is the perfect starting point to start your trip to Colombia. You can fly nonstop from many cities in the US UU., And once there, the rest of the country is within reach. The city is a safe place with easy access to comfortable hotels and safe taxis: be sure to study the special pricing system on the laminated sheet behind the front passenger seat. While you should take precautions with your belongings and at night as you would when you travel to any city, most of the neighborhoods in which you would like to spend are safe for tourists.
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• Bildunterschrift: The Cathedral in the Plaza de Bolívar. Image courtesy of Wolfgang Kaehler / LightRocket through Getty Images.

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• Bildunterschrift: BOGOTÁ D.C

2. Delight in delicious filling lunches

• The gastronomic scene of Bogotá is known for its cheap and delicious lunch menus, which can start from just a couple of dollars for a full meal that includes a drink, often a freshly squeezed juice. The city, which has several vegan and vegetarian places, has any style of food for any budget, and some of the best places can be found in the funky neighborhood of Candelaria. Plant consumers can enjoy the vegetarian / vegan lunch menu in Nativa or Quinua and Amaranth, while carnivores should go to María Candelaria, where the specialty is stuffed chicken breasts, which can be ordered in several ways: basil and the tomato dried in the sun is the best, covered with melted cheese. If you are looking for an environment, dine in the picturesque Domestic Garden. These places also use fresh local ingredients such as corn and quinoa.
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• Bildunterschrift: Colombian corn soup.

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• Bildunterschrift: EMPANADA, COB

3. Free art and architecture

• Fernando Botero is one of the most famous artists in Colombia, known for his large-scale interpretation of people, fruits and animals. Although the museum that presents many of its works in Medellín has a small fee to enter, the Botero Museum in Bogotá is free. The collection includes some of his most popular pieces, such as his interpretations of the Mona Lisa and Adam and Eve, as well as many of his voluminous unique statues. The museum also houses art by other famous artists such as Pierre Renoir and Claude Monet.The museum is located in the Candelaria neighborhood, one of the most colorful areas of the city. From buildings of one and two floors, bright and bold to Spanish colonial squares such as Plaza Bolívar, this area is full of photos worthy of Instagram. In addition, the street art that covers many of the walls of this neighborhood is one of the best free art you will find.
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• Bildunterschrift: The Botero Museum. Photo by Wolfgang Kaehler / LightRocket / Getty Images.

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• Bildunterschrift: La Candelaria is the colorful and historic district of Bogotá.

4. Yew and beer

• Fans of sports and beer should head to a yew bar, a place where you can play the famous "sport" of the yew. Although the origins are not entirely clear, many suggest that the game was created by the Chibchas, an indigenous tribe in Colombia. Tejo is played by throwing metal discs on a target board. The targets have gunpowder in them, and when you make a hit, the target makes a small explosion: points for you! The game is almost always combined with beer and the atmosphere of a yew bar, similar to that of an American billiard room, is usually fed by local people who drink and, in general, have fun.
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• Bildunterschrift: A local Tejo brewery in Bogotá.

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• Bildunterschrift: BOGOTA D.C

5. Local fruit markets

• If you're not in the mood for a day full of games and beer, there are other ways to experience the culture with the locals. One of the most appetizing ways is to visit a fruit market. Colombia is home to some of the most exotic and tropical fruits in the world, so you will discover a completely new palette of flavors. Most locals are delighted with the opportunity to explain these unique items, and if workers see them shopping, they are often happy to give you free samples.
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• Bildunterschrift: Local fruit in the market

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• Bildunterschrift: MARKET

6. COFFE 101

• Jet-lag visitors can also participate in one of Colombia's most famous traditions: coffee. Not only can you relax at a local café, but it will also offer you a tour or explain how Colombian coffee is made. Relax in Varietale, located in what was once a convent, or head to the Cultor Café, which will give you a bit of history about the coffee trade. Earnings here are used to help coffee plantations located in troubled areas of the country. Catación Pública is for serious coffee aficionados, and even offers courses for those who want to take the quality exam of the Coffee Institute.
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• Bildunterschrift: Coffee beans in a cafeteria in Bogota.

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• Bildunterschrift: COFFEE

7. You can explore the city by bicycle

• Bogota has one of the worst traffics, and that is precisely why Sundays are dedicated to cycling, which gives locals and tourists the chance to tour the city on two wheels without worrying about cars. Called the Ciclovía, the program means that many streets are closed to cars on Sundays and holidays from 7:00 a.m. at 2:00 p.m. If you like to ride, you can rent bicycles during this time or arrange to participate in a bicycle tour. However, you will not be alone, since approximately one million people leave on their bicycles to enjoy the streets free of traffic.
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• Bildunterschrift: The Ciclovía

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• Bildunterschrift: THE CICLOVÍA

8. There is always a great view

• The best views of Bogotá's urban expansion can be seen from the heights of nearby Montserrate, 10,300 feet above sea level, located right on the edge of the bustling city center. You can easily reach the top by funicular or cable car, or those who want a steep hike can walk straight up. Once you reach the top, you will find a church, a restaurant, a snack bar, a complex of small shops and souvenir stands and, of course, epic views of Bogotá and beyond.
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• Bildunterschrift: Bogotá, as seen from Monserrate.

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• Bildunterschrift: VIEW OF BOGOTA AT NIGHT.

9. It is easy to use points and miles

• It is very easy to fly to Bogota, since many of the main airlines fly from the USA. UU To the Colombian capital, offering opportunities to use those points and miles. Avianca, member of Star Alliance, flies from New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX). American Airlines, LAN and Avianca fly nonstop from Miami (MIA) and Spirit Airlines' favorite low-cost airline flies nonstop from Fort Lauderdale (FLL). Delta also offers nonstop flights from Atlanta (ATL). As for the hotels, W Bogotá is an impressive property of SPG where you can use those Starpoints, although it is a bit far from the historical center of the city. In general, the city is definitely not hurt by the properties of the points: here you will also find a Grand Hyatt Bogotá, several Marriotts, a Hilton and some Holiday Inns, part of IHG.
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• Bildunterschrift: A room in the W Bogotá.

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