Apr-2023
Bogotá Breakdown
We just spent a fabulous spring break in Bogotá, Colombia! Here is an introductory to our first time in South America.
For several decades, Colombia was written off as a tourist destination. A violent communist insurgency, crippled political authority, horrific corruption and a billion-dollar cocaine trade left the country too dangerous for families venture. But in recent years the country has done an excellent job of tacking this issues, shedding its old image and promoting itself as one of the most interesting and inviting countries in Latin America.
LANGUAGE: The Spangnish isn’t going to cut it here, folks. Only our hotel receptionists and tour guides spoke English. However, we certainly had quite a few giggles using google translate when ordering food and mingling with the locals.
FOOD: Colombians love their street food, from arepas to empanadas. But If your taste buds are less adventurous we discovered fabulous Italian and Peruvian restaurants in our neighborhood.
IS IT SAFE: While the city is generally safe, you should take precautions in the historic city center and moving around out night. Our hotel advised us to stay in our neighborhood in the evenings and to always order Uber or taxis through an app vs. on the street.
LOCALS: The Colombians were one of the friendliest we’ve encountered in all our travels. Since Bogotá doesn’t see as much tourism as Cartagena on the Caribbean side, the people are eager and proud to show of their city. This country has been working hard the past couple of decades to dispel its violent past and it is starting to show.
MONEY: As you would expect, South America is very inexpensive and miles/hotel points go much farther here (look for future posts on this😉). Hotels, meals, transportation, and attractions can all be done on the cheap. A typlical 20-minute Uber ride was less than $5 USD!
Have you visited Bogotá?
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FANTASTIC AND SO HELPFUL!