America > Colombia > Bogota: Weather, Climate and Travel Guide

Capital of Colombia, Bogota has a population of around seven million. It is situated at an altitude of 2,640 metres and is the third highest capital in the world. An administrative and cultural centre, Bogota was originally inhabited by the indigenous civilisation before the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadores. Surrounded by high mountains, the city benefits from a climate with middling temperatures which can however drop severely in the evenings. The two most interesting quarters for tourists are the City Centre and the Candelaria, a lovely area with its museums and typical houses with wrought iron balconies. Other places well worth a visit include the Plaza Bolivar, the Avenida Jiménez with its emerald merchants, the famous Museo del Oro with its 3,000 golden objects, Belvédère du Cerro offering a magnificent view of the city, the colonial church of San Ignatio and that of Santa Clara with its lovely paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries. You may also simply wish to stroll around the streets admiring the many flowered patios. Food is certainly not a problem in Bogata as it has numerous restaurants, many in charming settings. There is a very modern bus service that will easily take you around the city.