Bogotá: Walking Tour
ID: GYG1045677-1609635
Category:
Country: Colombia
Duration:
03:00 hours
Description
Explore Bogotá’s history, art, and culture on a walking tour with local university students. Discover the colonial heart of La Candelaria, taste native fruits, and learn about the city’s history.
Begin at the Plazoleta del Rosario, a modest but symbolic square in downtown Bogotá, right in front of the Universidad del Rosario. This was once home to a statue of the city’s Spanish founder, which has since been removed — a perfect starting point for a conversation about memory, identity, and decolonization.
From there, head to the Journalists’ Park (Parque de los Periodistas), a neoclassical pavilion and gathering point for artists, thinkers, and protesters. After that, explore the Concordia Market, where you'll get to taste Colombia’s native fruits and learn about the market’s role in local life.
Continue into the colonial heart of La Candelaria, stopping at the Chorro de Quevedo, the legendary birthplace of Bogotá. Surrounded by murals and music, talk about the social impact of graffiti and share a taste of chicha, a traditional fermented corn drink.
Looking up the hill, discuss Barrio Egipto, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, and its ongoing challenges related to inequality and crime. Pass by the Museo Botero, where you’ll hear about Fernando Botero’s iconic art style, followed by the Military Museum, where you’ll touch on Colombia’s armed conflicts — including surprising moments like its participation in the Korean War.
Stop by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, housed in what was once the first presidential residence, and the site of an attempted assassination against Simón Bolívar. Finally, arrive at the Plaza de Bolívar, the city’s main square, surrounded by the most important institutions of the Colombian state: the Cathedral, the National Capitol, the Palace of Justice, and the City Hall. Here, reflect on politics, protests, and how this space has shaped the nation.
End the tour outside La Puerta Falsa, Bogotá’s oldest restaurant, open since 1816, where you’ll talk about traditional food like ajiaco and tamales, and get insider tips on what (and where) to eat next.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in Bogotá’s history, art, and culture on a walking tour
- Explore the city with local university students as your guides
- Discover the colonial heart of La Candelaria and the Chorro de Quevedo
- Taste Colombia’s native fruits at the Concordia Market
- Learn about the city’s history, politics, and street art
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
The tour is conducted entirely on foot, so please wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather (sunblock, hat, umbrella, or jacket).
The tour operates rain or shine. In case of rain, bring appropriate protection — Bogotá weather can change quickly.
The group size may vary depending on the day, but we always aim for a small and friendly atmosphere.
Please arrive 10 minutes early to ensure an on-time start. The guide will be waiting at Plazoleta del Rosario, in front of the Universidad del Rosario.
If you're unable to attend, please cancel your booking to free up space for others.
The tour includes historical and political discussions, which may be sensitive for some — we encourage open-mindedness and respectful dialogue.
The tour is suitable for solo travelers, couples, and small groups — large groups (8+) must contact us in advance to coordinate a private experience.
The meeting point is at Journalists’ Park Gabriel García Márquez in La Candelaria. Look for the statue of Simón Bolívar—that’s where we’ll be waiting. Your guide will be easy to spot holding a black umbrella and wearing a red jacket with a big smile, ready to welcome you!
INCLUDED
- Guided walking tour through Bogotá’s historic center
- Local university student guide
- Cultural and historical storytelling
- Political and social context of Colombia
- Discussion on local traditions and identity
- Street art and graffiti explanations
- Tasting of Colombian fruits (subject to availability)
- Tasting of chicha (traditional fermented drink, subject to availability)
- Insider tips on local food and museums
- Recommendations for places to visit after the tour
- Small-group, conversational experience
- Time for Q&A and interaction with your guide
NOT INCLUDED
- Food or drinks not explicitly offered during the tour
- Entrance to museums (if you choose to return and visit them on your own)
- Personal expenses or souvenirs
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.