Bogota (Spanish: Bogota) officially named Bogota D.C. (D.C. for “Capital District”), is the capital of Colombia, as well as the largest and most populous city in the country with a population of roughly 7.8 million people (about 8.5 million in the metropolitan area). It is also the capital of the department of Cundinamarca.

Geography

Bogota is located at an altitude of 2640 m (8660 ft) above sea level on the Cordillera Oriental of the Northern Andean Mountains. The city is situated at the base of two mountains, Guadalupe and Monserrate. On the summits of these mountains, which are over 3200 m (10,500 ft) high, stand two small churches which are widely visited by tourists and locals.

The population of Bogota is currently increasing at a rate close to 5% per year, mostly due to people coming from rural areas of Colombia. The city is constantly expanding in size to meet this influx of people. Currently the urban area covers 384.3 km² and the more mountainous outlying regions extend 1222.5 km².

Several rivers, one of which, the San Francisco, passes through the city, converge near the southwestern edge of the Cundinamarca-Boyaca plateau and form the Funza River (Rio Funza), also known as the Bogota River (Rio Bogota). This river flows all the way to Tequendama Falls (Salto del Tequendama), a vertical waterfall 145 metres (475 feet) high. Currently, most of the river’s water is used to power a hydroelectric project.

Bogota’s climate is mild and temperate, the average annual temperature is about 14 °C (57 ° F), with about 1100 mm (44 inches) of rainfall.

The city is planned on a grid, with numbered carreras (avenues), from south to north, intersecting numbered calles (streets) going east-west. Among the city’s squares is the Plaza de Bolivar, where many important government buildings and churches are located. Bogota is connected by road to the Atlantic coast to the north and to the Pacific coast to the west, as well as to all other major cities in Colombia. The Pan-American Highway and the Simon Bolivar Highway both pass through the city.

The city is served by El Dorado International Airport. The TransMilenio bus rapid transit system is the most modern form of public transit serving the city. It was opened to the public in November 2000.

History

Bogota, originally called Bacata by the Muiscas, was the center of their civilization before the Spanish conquest, and sustained a large population. The European settlement was founded in August 6, 1538, by Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada and was named “Santa Fe de Bacata” after his birthplace Santa Fe and the local name. “Bacata” had become the modern “Bogota” by the time it was made the capital of the vice-royalty of New Granada, and the city soon became one of the centers of Spanish colonial power and civilization in South America.

In 1810-11 its citizens revolted against Spanish rule and set up a government of their own, but had to contend with Spanish military loyalists, who controlled the city until 1819, when Simon Bolivar captured the city after his victory at Boyaca. Bogota was then made the capital of Gran Colombia, a federation combining the territories of modern Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, and Ecuador. When that republic was dissolved into its constituent parts, Bogota remained the capital of New Granada, which later became the Republic of Colombia. See History of Colombia.

In 1956, the municipality of Bogota was joined to other neighboring municipalities forming a “Special District” (Spanish: Distrito Especial). With the Constitution of 1991, Bogota was confirmed as the Capital of Colombia acquiring the name “Santa Fe de Bogota”, and changing the category from Special District to “Capital District” (Spanish: Distrito Capital).

In August 2000 the capital’s name was officially changed back from “Santa Fe de Bogota” to the more usual “Bogota”. The local government consists in a Capital District, the current chief of government is Luis Eduardo Garzon.

Flag

The Flag of Bogota originates from the insurgency movement against the colonial authorities which began on July 20, 1810. During this insurgency, the rebels wore armbands with yellow and red bands, as these colours were the ones in the Spanish flag which was the one used as the flag for the New Kingdom of Granada.

In October 9, 1952, exactly 142 years after these events, decree 555 of 1952 (available at [1]) officially and definitively adopted the patriotic armband as the flag of Bogota.

The flag itself is divided vertically in two, the top half being yellow and the bottom half being red. The yellow colour denotes the virtues of justice, clemency, benevolence, the so-called “mundane qualities” (defined as nobility, excellence, richness, generosity, splendour, health, steadfastness, joy and prosperity), long life, eternity, power and constancy. The red colour denotes the virtue of charity, as well as the qualities of bravery, nobility, values, audacity, victory, honour and furor.

Activities in Colombia

Watersports
Water-skiing, boating, sailing and skindiving can all be practiced on the coast (check with authorities before diving, as sharks and barracudas have caused fatalities). Fishing is excellent all year round; a license is required.

Other
Football is Colombia’s main sport, with major league games played throughout the year. Tennis is popular; most hotels have facilities. Mountain climbing begins 48km (30 miles) east of Santa Marta, with peaks of up to nearly 6000m (19,000ft). A major cycle race, the Tour of Colombia, takes place every March and April.

Boxing and bullfighting (the latter at Bogota, Cali, Medellin, Manizales and Cartagena) are popular sports. Golf clubs allow visitors to use their facilities. Good skiing can be found on the slopes of Nevado del Ruiz (5400m/ 17,700ft), 48km (30 miles) from Manizales.

Tourist Attractions in Colombia

Bogota
The capital and largest city is situated almost in the center of the country at an altitude of 2600m (8600ft). Bogota reflects a blend of Colombian tradition and Spanish colonial influences. Many historical landmarks have been preserved, such as the Capitol Municipal Palace and the cathedral on the main square, the Plaza Bolivar.

Bogota also contains the Gold Museum, with its unique collection of over 100,000 pre-Colombian artworks. Around 50km (32 miles) south of Bogota lies Zipaquira, an area well-known for its many salt mines, one of which contains the famous Salt Cathedral (capable of accommodating 8400 people). Guatavita, a two-hour bus drive from Bogota, is best known for its Laguna de Guatavita, the ritual center and sacred lake of the Muisca Indians.

Climate of Colombia

The climate is very warm and tropical on the coast and in the north, with a rainy season from May to November.

This varies according to altitude. It is cooler in the upland areas and cold in the mountains. Bogota is always spring-like, with cool days and crisp nights.

Required clothing
Lightweight cottons and linens with waterproofing during rainy season in coastal and northern areas. Medium- to heavyweights are needed in upland and mountainous areas.

Food and Dining in Colombia

Restaurants offering international cuisine and table service is the norm. Local dishes are varied and tasty, with a touch of Spanish influence. Recommended dishes are ajiaco (chicken stew with potatoes, served with cream, corn on the cob and capers); arepas (corn pancakes made without salt, eaten in place of bread); bandeja paisa (meat dish accompanied by cassava, rice, fried plantain and red beans), served in the area of Medellin. Seafood (mariscos) is plentiful on the Caribbean coast -lobsters in particular are renowned for their flavor. It is safest to drink

bottled water. Colombians rarely drink alcohol with meals. Gaseosa is the name given to non-alcoholic, carbonated drinks. For a small black coffee, you should ask for a tinto, but this term is also used to describe red wine or vino tinto. Colombian wines are generally of poor quality.

Chilean and Argentinian wines are available in restaurants at reasonable prices. Colombia produces many different types of rum (ron). Canelazo, a rum-based cocktail taken hot or cold, is recommended. There are no licensing hours.

Shopping in Colombia

Special purchases include local handicrafts, cotton, wood and leather goods, woolen blankets, ruana, and traveling bags. Hotel shops carry excellent gold reproductions of ancient Colombian jewelry. Colombia produces first-grade stones, and the emeralds are among the most perfect in the world.

Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0900-1200 and 1400-1830.

Currency Information:

Currency
Colombian Peso (peso) = 100 centavos. Notes are in denominations of peso50,000, 20,000, 10,000 and 5000. Coins are in denominations of peso1000,

500, 200, 100 and 50.

Currency exchange
The exchange rate tends to be lower on the Caribbean coast than in Bogota, Medellin and Cali. The US Dollar is the easiest currency to exchange at hotels, banks, shops and travel agencies, but all establishments charge an exchange fee.

Credit and debit cards
All major cards are accepted, but check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.

Travelers cheques
These are not always easy to change in the smaller towns, except at branches of the Banco de la Republica. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in US Dollars.

Currency restrictions
The import and export of local currency is unlimited. The import of foreign currency is unlimited subject to declaration on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to USUSD 25,000.

Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Colombian Peso against Sterling and the US Dollar

Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1500.

Festivals in Colombia

Carnival of Blacks and Whites (Spanish: Carnaval de Negros y Blancos) held from January 4th to January 6th in Pasto. Its origins date back to the Spanish rule times when slaves were allowed to celebrate on 5th and their masters showed their approval on 6th by painting their faces black.

Pubenza Festivities (Spanish: Fiestas de Pubenza), in Popayan, known for its competition of Chirimias (folkloric musical groups).

Manizales Fair (Spanish: Feria de Manizales) celebrated in the city of Manizales the first weeks of the year. Costume groups in fancy dress take over the city. A congeniality coffee queen is elected and bullfighting (Spanish:faenas) takes place.

Barranquilla’s Carnival (Spanish: Carnaval de Barranquilla), with a century long recorded history it holds the second largest carnival parades on earth after Rio de Janeiro’s.

Bambuco y Sanjuanero Festivals in Neiva held on June 28th and June 29th for Saint Peter’s and Saint Paul’s days.

Colombian Folklore Festival (Spanish: Festival Folklorico Colombiano) in Ibague

Medellin’s Tango Street (Spanish: Tangovia) on Carlos Gardel Avenue in the suburb of Manrique. The Flowers Fair, in Agust with its flowers parade called Desfile de Silleteros.

Bogota’s Carnival (Spanish:Carnaval de Bogota) in August 6th for the city’s centenary of hispanic foundation, includes masquerades, krewes and dances parades.

Joropo National Festival (Spanish: Festival Nacional del Joropo) in Villavicencio in December.

Candles and Lanterns Festival (Spanish: Fiesta de Velas y Faroles) is held in Quimbaya, Quindio on December 7 and 8. Each of the barrios in the township compete to produce the most spectacular lighting arrangements.

Carnival in Colombia

The carnival in Colombia was introduced by the Spaniards. The Colombian carnival has incorporated elements from the European cultures, it has managed to syncretise or to re-interpret traditions that belonged to the African and Amerindian cultures of Colombia.

There is documentary evidence that the carnival existed in Colombia in the XVIII century and had already caused concerned to the colonial authorities, who censored the celebrations, especially in the mains centers of power such as Cartagena, Bogota and Popayan. The carnival, therefore, continued its evolution and re-interpretation in the small and at that time unimportant towns where celebrations did not offend the ruling elites.

The result was the uninterrupted celebration of carnival festivals in Barranquilla (Barranquilla Carnival), and other villages along the lower Magdalena River in northern Colombia, and in Pasto, Narino (Blacks and Whites Carnival) in the south of the country. In modern times, there have been attempts to introduce the carnival in the capital, Bogota, in the early XX century, but it has always failed to gain the approval of authorities. The Bogota Carnival has had to wait until the XXI century to be resurrected, this time, by the authorities of the city.

Carnival in Northern Colombia

The Carnival in Colombia is of European origin. This type of festivities was introduced by the Spanish and the Portuguese. The Carnival in Barranquilla dates back to the celebrations that took place in Cartagena during the times of Spanish rule, as a festivity for the slaves.

The Cartagena festivities that took place by 1774 were suspended circa 1781 due to concern of the authorities because they “offended God … and due to the practice of gambling … and were a pretext abandon their jobs and obligations..”. Although the celebrations in Barranquilla caused the same type of polemics only the ones in Cartagena were censored, which reflects the complexity of the politics of the region at that time.

Historical documents show that festivities called carnival existed in the XVIII century and not only in Cartagena and in the city of Mompox but also along the lower Magdalena River and had already received influences from African and Amerindian traditions.

The urban carnival of Barranquilla has been officially celebrated since 1876, however, celebrations took place in previous years and they probably reflected the immigration patterns from rural areas attracted by the opportunities of a city in formation.

It is important to mention here the rural carnival routes which started from diverse areas towards the urban centers. This is the case of the black African and indigenous dances and the dances of animals which are components of the current Barranquilla Carnival and are still celebrated in rural areas.

At the same time there are events, dances and costumes which are characteristic of certain regions and that have not been incorporated in the Barranquilla carnival, despite having been located on the geographic routes that took the traditions to the city.

Carnival in the Lower Magdalena Valley

The Riosucio Carnival is a very unusual celebration that has no equal in the world. It is officially celebrated since 1847, when the union between the towns of Quiebralomo and Montana took effect. It started as a celebration of the Three Wise Kings festivities that the people of Quiebralomo traditionally held since the XVI century and in which the mixed the European and the African traditions.

In this carnival the Amerindian from the mountain contributes with basic elements such cult to the earth symbolized in the “Guarapo” (alcoholic drink based on maize) and its container the “calabazo” (gourd) , and the cult to the sun, invoked in the feline features of the jaguar, a sacred animal that symbolized the astral king, feature later perpetuated in the effigies of the devil of the carnival.

Carnival in Southern Colombia

A very important and traditional carnival is the Blacks and Whites Carnival in the city of Pasto, Narino. It is one of the most ancient carnivals in the Americas. It commemorates the day in which the African slaves had a free day when they unleashed all their happiness.

Some historians refer that in 1607, there was a slave rebellion in the town of Remedios, Antioquia that made the authorities panic. The event was remembered by the black population of Popayan, Cauca, who demanded a day off, in which thay were really free. The king of Spain conceded January 5. It is said that when the news reached home the African population flock to the streets and danced at the rhythm of African music and started to blacken with coal all the white walls of the city.

The enthusiastic celebration was brought to Pasto by the Ayerbe family around 1854. By 1887, the celebration had reached to certain social spheres and acquired a high level of refinement, and people started using costumes and masks. The Castaneda family recreated by the January 4 krewes could be a characterization of the Ayerbe Family.

Music of Colombia

Modern Colombian music is a mixture of African, native and European (especially Spanish) influences, as well as more modern American and Caribbean musical forms, such as Trinidadian, Cuban, and Jamaican. The national music of Colombia is said to be cumbia.

Cumbia is a mixture of Spanish and African music, the latter brought by slaves. In the 19th century, slavery was abolished and Africans, Indians and other ethnic groups mixed more fully. Styles like bambuco, vallenato and porro was especially influential. When the waltz became popular in the 19th century, a Colombian version called pasillo was invented. International Latin, a type of pop ballad, and salsa music are best-represented by Charlie Zaa and Joe Arroyo, respectively.

Cumbia

Cumbia is a complex, rhythmic music which arose on Colombia’s Atlantic coast. In its original form, cumbia bands included only percussion and vocals; modern groups include saxophones, trumpets, keyboards and trombones as well. It evolved out of native and African influences, combining both traditions.

Some observers have claimed that the dance originally associated with cumbia arose as a depiction of an African man courting a native woman, while others point to the shuffling footwork as a survival from African slaves attempting to dance while fettered by iron chains around the ankle. Still others believe it is a direct import from Guinea, which has a popular cumbe dance form.

Cumbia’s form was solidifed in the 1940s when it spread from the rural countryside to urban and middle-class audiences. Mambo, big band and porro brass band influences were combined by artists like Lucho Bermudez to form a refined form of cumbia that soon entered the Golden Age of Cumbia during the 1950s.

Disco Fuentes, the largest and most influential record label in the country, was founded during this time. Fruko, known as the Godfather of Salsa, introduced Cuban salsa to Colombia and helped bring Discos Fuentes to national prominence by finding artists like La Sonora Dinamita, who brought cumbia to Mexico, where it remains popular.

Vallenato

Vallenato arose in Valledupar on Colombia’s Atlantic Coast and only gained popularity elsewhere in the country in the 1980s. Its origins are shrouded in mystery but are said to have begun with Francisco el Hombre, who allegedly defeated Satan in a musical contest. Based around the accordion, vallenato has long been connected with cumbia. Influential artists include Alejo Duran and, more recently, Alfredo Gutierrez and Lisandro Meza.

In addition to the accordion, the bass guitar has been a common part of vallenato ensembles since it was introduced by Caliya in the mid-1960s. The most recent modernization of vallenato occurred in 1993 when Carlos Vives released Clasicos de la Provincia, which made him into a star and changed the face of vallenato.

Vallenato has spawned several subgenres, including vallenato-protesta, which is known for socially aware lyrics, and charanga vallenata, which was invented by Cubans in the United States like progenitor Roberto Torres.

Bambuco

Bambuco is an indigenous form of music, sometimes known as Musica del interior. Its popularity has long been limited, but was extremely popular across Colombia from the mid-1920s to the late 1930s. Artists include Estudiantina, Jaime Llano Gonzalez and the Morales Pino Trio.

Porro

Porro bands are an enthusiastic form of big band music that came from Sucre, Cordoba and Sabana de Bolivar. The brass ensembles are modeled after European military bands. Influential porros include La Orquestra Lucho Bermudez, Matilde Diaz, Pacho Galan, Banda de 11 Enero, La Sonora Cienaguera, Orquesta Climaco Sarmiento and Pedro Laza y sus Pelayeros.

Musica llanera

Musica llanera is a harp-led form of music from Los Llanos; it’s popular throughout Colombia, and is known for verbal contests called contrapunteo. Past artists include Alfredo Ronaldo Ortiz, Alma Llanera, Cimarron, Luis Ariel Rey, Carlos Rojas, Sabor Llanero and Orlando Valdemarra.

Colombian Salsa

Salsa music was born among Puerto Ricans and Cubans in New York City, and soon spread to Colombia, popularized by Fruko and Discos Fuentes. Artists like Joe Arroyo followed, inventing a distinctively Colombian form of salsa called musica tropical. Though it is salsa all the same one can hear the difference between Cuban salsa and Colombian salsa. Other influential Colombian salsa musicians include Grupo Niche, Alquimia, La Misma Gente, Los Titanes, Los Nemus del Pacifico, Orquesta Guayacan and Grupo Galee.

Get around in Colombia

By plane

There are six domestic carriers in Colombia. AeroRepublica, Avianca, Aces, Satena, Sam and Aires have well kept fleets and regular service to major towns and cities in Colombia. The major Colombian airports have been certified as highly Safe by international organizations.

By train

There is limited train service in Colombia. There is metro service in Medellin and its surroundings. There is inter-city service around Bogota and Cali.

By car

Steering wheel is on the left. Most cars have standard transmission (”stick shift”). Colombias have historically preffered 4-Cylinder engines and European and Japanese cars. Foreign visitors may drive if they show an international driver’s license. (A multilingual endorsment card issued by automobile and driver’s clubs around the world).

Insurance is cheap and mandatory. The Speed limit in residential areas is 30 km/h, in urban is 60 km/h. Most two lane highways have a limit of 80 km/h and the few newest highways have limits from 100 to 120 km/h.

The country has a well maintained network of roads that connect all major cities in the Andean areas as well as with the ones in the Caribbean Coast. There may be significant landslides on roads and highways during the rainy season (November to February), in which traffic gets interrumpted.

This usually is resolved within 6 hours to 4 days. There are many toll crossings, the fee is about USD 3.00 USD. There is also plenty of dirt roads of variable quality. International land travel is only possible to Ecuador and Venezuela.

By bus

Travel by bus is widespread and has different levels of quality. The longer the distance the newer and more comfortable the service is. It is highly recommended to keep an eye on the belongings and to not carry valuables, excess cash (more than USD 20,000 COP visible) and unnecessary items. Never accept food or drinks from strangers.

Avoid talking to strangers at bus stops or terminals. It’s best to travel along with Colombian friends. It is possible to be stopped at police check points. A calm attitude is the best key to avoid inconveniences. Long distance trips rarely cost over USD 55.00 USD. (one way).

By boat

By metro

There is only one true metro system in Colombia. It is in Medellin, in the Antioquia department. It connects the cities that make up what is known as “Medellin” - some stations include Niquia (at one end), Itagui (at the other), Bello, Envigado, and Hospital.

The metro is made up of two light rail lines (one east-west line, and one north-south line), and one line called the MetroCable. Riding it is a unique experience, as passengers travel up the mountains in gondolas. The MetroCable has 4 stations, including the transfer to the east-west line. There is a military presence in each metro station, however they are usually very courteous towards tourists.