Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center

Historical and Cultural Tour of Bogota Explore the cultural, architectural and natural richness of the Colombian capital with this tour designed to offer you a complete and unforgettable experience. 1. Monserrate Hill: The best view of Bogota Located in the eastern hills, the Cerro de Monserrate is an iconic viewpoint and a must-see in Bogota. From its summit, 3,150 meters above sea level, you will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. To ascend and descend, you can choose from: Cable car: An aerial tour with spectacular views. Funicular: A unique experience through the mountain. In addition, you can visit the Santuario del Señor de Monserrate, a place of pilgrimage with great historical and religious value. 2. La Candelaria Historic Center: A trip to the past. Immerse yourself in the colonial charm of La Candelaria, the historical and cultural heart of Bogota. Walk through its cobblestone streets and discover architectural jewels of republican and colonial style, many of them declared cultural heritage sites. During the tour, you will visit: Chorro de Quevedo, the point where, according to history, Bogotá was founded in 1538. Botero Museum (closed Tuesdays), home to a valuable collection of art by master artist Fernando Botero and other renowned artists. Gold Museum (closed Mondays), one of the world's most important collections of pre-Hispanic gold and silver work. Teatro Colon, one of the most impressive theaters in Latin America. La Candelaria Church, an architectural icon of the neighborhood. Luis Angel Arango Library, an important cultural and knowledge center. Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center, a space dedicated to literature and the arts, inspired by the Colombian Nobel Prize winner. 3. Plaza de Bolivar: The political and cultural heart of Bogota. Plaza de Bolívar, declared a National Monument in 1995, is the epicenter of history and politics in Colombia. It is surrounded by imposing historical and government buildings: Palace of Justice National Capitol Primada de Colombia Cathedral Sagrario Chapel Archbishop's Palace Liévano Palace This is a key place to understand the political and social evolution of the country. 4. Gold Museum: Treasure trove of pre-Hispanic history Considered the largest museum of its kind in the world, the Gold Museum houses an archaeological collection of more than 50,000 pieces of gold, ceramics, precious stones and textiles from various indigenous cultures of Colombia. Note: The museum is closed on Mondays. In its place, another attraction of interest will be visited according to availability (options recommended by our tour guides).

Our tour blends history, art, adventure, and the best tips to ensure you enjoy your visit to Bogotá to the fullest with the company of the best local and professional guides! During the tour, we'll explore (among other places 😉) the following sites: Plazoleta de la Concordia: A place that combines art, culture, and tradition. Here, you'll find a farmer's market and craft shops. Callejón del Embudo: A cobblestone street shaped like a funnel, which used to be the edge of the ancient Quebrada de San Bruno. Chorro de Quevedo: The place where Bogotá was founded in 1538 by the Spanish conquistador Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada. Casa de 'La Pola': The residence of Policarpa Salavarrieta, heroine of the liberation campaign. Palacio San Carlos: The former official residence of the President of Colombia. Iglesia San Ignacio: A Catholic religious temple built in the 17th century. Plaza de Bolívar: The heart of Bogotá, surrounded by iconic buildings such as the Palace of Justice and the National Capitol. Manzana Cultural: A place that houses three of the most important museums, including the Botero Museum. If you're looking for an experience that blends the ancient with the modern, the cultural with the adventurous, this is your trip! Get ready to be amazed and immerse yourself in a unique experience.

Embark on an unforgettable journey that combines the enchanting depths of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral with the vibrant streets of Bogotá's historic center. Experience the best of Colombian heritage, architecture, and culture in this unique day tour. Begin your day with an exploration within the heart of Bogotá: La Candelaria. Explore our city's beautiful historic center on the best walking tour available where you will have the opportunity to know the facts that have changed and transformed the city and the country. We will begin right in front of the Gold Museum, the largest pre-Hispanic gold collection in the world where we will understand how and why Bogotá was born. From there we will move through a timeline going through the most representative squares and institutions of the center of Bogota such as Plaza de Santander, Plazoleta del Rosario, Jimenez Avenue with Seventh Avenue, Chorro de Quevedo, Cultural "Apple", Candelaria Church, Coliseo Street, Colón Theater, José Cuervo Square, Bolivar Square, gastronomic alley, Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center, among others. We pass in front of the Botero Museum and Mint House, the 2 powers (religious and state) unified during the time of colonization. We will also have a break in the middle of the Tour to make the Muisca - Indigenous Ritual, a moment where we focus on the culture of corn, the basis of different ancient beliefs and rituals, its prohibition and cultural development. You will learn more about our culture from a local, an experience you will not forget. This is a fun and informative walking tour full of curious facts about history, culture, gastronomy, architecture, places to visit, art and cultural offerings. Your knowledgeable guide will provide curious facts about the city's history, culture, gastronomy, and architecture, enriching your understanding of Bogotá. Once we finish the walking tour, we will be transported directly to Zipaquirá's Salt Cathedral: an underground marvel nestled 180 meters below the earth's surface. This subterranean sanctuary, a testament to both architectural ingenuity and miners' devotion, will leave you in awe. We start at the First Station, where you can witness the profound Stations of the Cross. Proceed to the Great Center Dome, home to the largest underground salt cross, a breathtaking sight that embodies spiritual and cultural significance. As you navigate the intricate salt tunnels adorned with carvings and sculptures, your guide will delve into the rich history and spiritual essence of the cathedral, making your visit deeply immersive. This day tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the best of Colombian culture. From the depths of the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral to the historic streets of Bogotá, every moment promises to be filled with wonder and discovery. Join us for an adventure that will leave you with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for the beauty and history of Colombia.

1. La Candelaria Historic Center Immerse yourself in the historical and cultural essence of Bogota by walking the cobblestone streets of La Candelaria. This emblematic neighborhood, the colonial heart of the city, preserves a unique architecture with republican and colonial style buildings, many of them declared cultural heritage sites. During the tour, you can visit iconic sites such as: - Chorro de Quevedo: Place where, according to history, Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada founded Bogotá in 1538. - Teatro Colón: One of the most important and beautiful theaters in Latin America. - La Candelaria Church: An architectural jewel that gives its name to the neighborhood. - Luis Angel Arango Library: Cultural center of great relevance with one of the most complete collections in the country. - Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center: A space dedicated to literature and the arts, inspired by the legacy of the Colombian Nobel Prize winner. 2. Bolivar Square The Plaza de Bolivar, declared a National Monument in 1995, is the political and cultural epicenter of Colombia. Surrounded by majestic buildings of great historical relevance, here you can admire: - The Palace of Justice - The National Capitol - The Primate Cathedral of Colombia - The Ecclesiastical Chapter House - The Sagrario Chapel - The Archbishop's Palace - The Liévano Palace This square is the meeting point of Bogota's history, politics and daily life. 3. Monserrate Hill An icon of Bogota and a must-see. Located in the eastern hills, Monserrate offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the city from its 3,150 meters above sea level. To ascend you can choose between: - Cable car: An aerial tour with breathtaking views. - Funicular: A unique experience through the mountain. At the top, in addition to enjoying the scenery, you can visit the Sanctuary of the Lord of Monserrate, a place of pilgrimage with a deep cultural and religious significance. The tour includes: Private transportation to and from your place of lodging in Bogota. Tasting of typical and endemic fruits of Colombia, plus a refreshing natural juice. Colombian coffee sensory experience, guided by a professional barista. Bilingual tour guide (Spanish - English) who will accompany you throughout the tour. Medical insurance to guarantee a safe experience. Note: Due to the wide gastronomic offer in Bogota, food is not included. However, our tour guides will recommend the best options according to your tastes and budget.

Visit Bogota's main places Places to Visit: Monserrate hill and its Church: It is a wonderful hill located in the 3.150 meters / 10.335 feets above sea level, that has become Bogota’s symbol that you can go up either Funicular or Cable car to the top. From where you will see the gorgeous Sanctuary where is “El señor caido de Monserrate“ a special sculpture to search for peace and reconciliation. Also the tour guide will do the explanation about the monastery then you will appreciate the both attractions a beautiful landscape and amazing views of the all city and then your tour guide will tell you the present social situation and political situation, besides interesting stories and Bogota best kept secrets to understand a bit about the Bogota structure. Note: Every Sunday we will change the visit to Cerro de Guadalupe instead of Monserrate due to the high percentage of visitors on Sundays. Historical center of Bogotá, Candelaria: It is a beautiful colonial area where Bogotá born and is composed for beautiful colonial architecture mix with a bohemian atmosphere. in this area are located very interesting attractions which you will visit thas (Botero museum, Casa de la moneda / numismatic museum, Luis Ángel Arango library, Gabriel Garcia Marquez cultural center). Bolivar Square: It is the main administrative center of Colombia. Where are located the important atracttions like; The national capitol, Bogota mayor office, the religious street and the Colombian Court house. Over there your private tour guide will tell you the most important political topics and Colombian stories related about the Colombian growing, Military situation and social situation. Gold Museum: Offers a varied exposition of different types of Pre-columbian pieces of Colombia not only made by gold also in other materials such as silver, copper, emeralds, wood and ceramics. It offers information about the indigenous groups and the meaning of the pieces for them. The museum has a permanent exposition of more than 35.000 pieces which is considerate as one of the biggest and valuable expositions in the world. (On Mondays this museum is closed so we could change it for Emerald museum or La Quinta house “Simon Bolivar house in Bogota” or more time of our guided tour visiting the main highlights of our Itinerary. The options are up to you and may be subject to changes, depending on the circumstances out of our control) – (Gold museum is subject to availability by Covid 19 restrictions. For reservations that are not made in advance, the visit to the Museum is not guaranteed )