Practical information about Bogota

Bogota is the stunning capital of [Colombia]((/flights/colombia). Set on a plateau high up in the Colombian Andes, the city is the fourth highest capital in the world. Originally founded by a Spanish conquistador in 1538 as the capital of the New Kingdom of Granada. The city grew under colonial rule and the remnants of this era can be seen across Bogota in the form of its gorgeous colonial architecture like La Catedral Primada, the city’s most recognisable colonial landmark. Modern Bogota is just as evident, and as Colombia’s financial capital, the skyline is well populated by modern skyscrapers. It’s a city where the old rubs shoulders with the new.

The city’s high-altitude setting gives the city a cool climate year-round, making it an ideal travel destination at any time of the year. And that’s not all it adds! The city limits along the western edge are met with gorgeous mountains rising from the mist. Of course, from the top, the views of the cityscape are unbeatable. If that wasn’t enough, Bogota boasts a thriving cultural life that begs to be explored. Colombian cuisine is to die for, and the city is famous for its fabulous array of street-food stalls, and equally well known for its high-end restaurants populating the area best known as Zona T. Art, fashion and theatre are everywhere too. Colombian culture is at its most immersive in Bogota.

And of course, Bogota’s most enduring and endearing draw is the Colombian people. Famously warm and welcoming, Bogotanos will love to have you in their city and are well known to stop and help a tourist in need. The combination of culture, history, natural beauty and variety adds up to make Bogota one of the most fulfilling travel destinations in the world. It also serves as a fantastic launching point for exploring the rest of Colombia's rich and diverse landscapes and cities. Check out the overview below on the things every traveller should know when travelling to Bogota!

Essential Bogota information for visitors

Emergency numbers: National Emergency number: 123, Police: 112, Ambulance: 125, Fire: 119, Tourist Police: (1) 3374413

Government Office Opening Hours: The Canadian embassy in Bogota is open Monday to Thursday 8:00 am - 12:30 pm; 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm and Friday: 8:00 am - 1:30 pm.

Temperature: The high-altitude setting of Bogota means the temperature remains reasonably stable across the year averaging at 14.4°C, with average highs of around 21°C. The lowest temperatures hit in December and January falling as low as 7.6°C on average.

Currency: The currency in Bogota is the Colombian peso. Most major credit cards are widely accepted across the city and ATMs can be found throughout.

Local Time: Local time in Bogota is GMT -5

Electricity: Colombia uses two-pin flat blade plugs as standard. For the electrical current, standard frequency is 60 Hz with voltage standard set at 110 V.

Language: The language most commonly spoken in Bogota is Colombian Spanish, although there are more dialects in use. Spanish users should be able to get by okay. English is not commonly spoken, although it's not rare either and most locals are able to understand a select few phrases.

Required travel documents: Canadian tourists entering Colombia for less than 90 days do not require any special travel documents. Under normal circumstances, a passport with longer than 6 months until expiry is enough for entry.

Health: In terms of vaccines, there are none required for entry into Colombia, although the Canadian government recommends the yellow fever vaccine as a precaution. Health requirements and recommendations are subject to change though, so make sure to check with a doctor ahead of your trip. Tap water in Bogota is considered safe to drink.

Tipping and taxes: There is no formal tipping culture in Bogota so it is rarely necessary, but it is still welcomed if the service has been good. Often a discretionary 10% will be added to your bill at a sit-down restaurant.

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