Essential Route of the Capital: Tour of Authentic Bogotá

About this tour

This tour combines two ways to experience Bogotá in a single morning: a scenic bus tour through the modern areas of the city and a guided walk through its historic center.

The full tour begins at 9:00 am in Parque de la 93, a business and nightlife district in the north of the city. From there, the bus travels south, offering glimpses of some of the landmarks that define contemporary Bogotá : El Campín Stadium, home to the most important matches in Colombian soccer and international concerts; Simón Bolívar Park, the city`s largest green space; and the Salitre Mágico theme park, before skirting Corferias , the convention center where Bogotá hosts international trade fairs and events. At this point, the bus makes a brief stop for passengers joining the tour as a "stopover ," with a view of Monserrate Hill from the window.

The bus continues to Bogotá`s Historic Center , where the second part of the experience begins: a 2.5-hour guided walk through La Candelaria , the colonial neighborhood that holds the city`s founding history. Around 10:30 am, you`ll get off the bus to begin the walking portion of the tour at Plaza de la Concordia , a traditional market where the day`s sensory experience kicks off with a tasting of exotic and tropical fruits —lulo, granadilla, feijoa, and other varieties found only in this part of the world. From there, you`ll walk along the cobblestone streets of La Candelaria to Chorro de Quevedo , the site where Bogotá was founded in 1538, now one of the most photographed spots in the city center thanks to its street art and student atmosphere.

The rest of the walk combines history and flavor: between streets, you`ll sample traditional Colombian snacks and a cup of specialty coffee , while the guide recounts how this area transformed from the administrative heart of the colonial era into the cultural epicenter it is today. The walk culminates at Plaza de Bolívar , the political and historical heart of the country, surrounded by the National Capitol, the Primatial Cathedral, and the Palace of Justice. The historical portion concludes with a visit to a Colombian emerald workshop, where you`ll learn why these stones are world-renowned for their color and geological origin.

Those who book the extension to Monserrate Hill ascend accompanied by a guide, who stays with the group for approximately an hour, sharing the history and significance of this hill, one of the most beloved symbols for Bogota residents. The activity ends at the top: travelers can stay and have lunch or explore on their own (with a return ticket provided by the guide), or descend with the guide, in which case the tour concludes at the ticket office below.

Those who do not add the extension to the hill continue on the panoramic bus, with audio guide and music, back to Parque de la 93 or Zona T.

Duration and Start Point Options

• Option 1 — Full tour (5 hours): starts at 9:00 am at Parque de la 93, in front of Juan Valdez. Includes the scenic bus ride, the walk through La Candelaria, and the scenic return to Zona T.

• Option 2 — Full tour with extension to Monserrate (6.5 hours): starts at 9:00 am at Parque de la 93, in front of Juan Valdez. Includes the scenic bus ride, the walk through La Candelaria, and the visit to Monserrate Hill with a tour guide.

• Option 3 — Stopover Tour (4 hours): Starts at 10:00 am, with pickup at the Fairfield Hotel Embajada. Includes the scenic drive to the city center and a walk through La Candelaria.

• Option 4 — Stopover Tour with extension to Monserrate (5.5 hours): starts at 10:00 am, with pickup at the Fairfield Hotel Embajada. Includes the panoramic tour to the city center, the guided walk through La Candelaria and the visit to Monserrate Hill with a tour guide.