When in Bogota
The archetypal picture of drug dealers and beggars that many have of Bogotá is changing. The city is fast becoming a very modern metropolis, with exciting cultural developments and splendid new architecture. Colonial history lovers will find much to enjoy as well, with plenty of museums and Spanish-era churches to have a go at.
The Spaniards took over the area from the pre-Columbian Indian Muisca group, in 1538, leading to an extraordinary amount of building work as the small settlement expanded in to one of the most important towns of South America. Independence came in 1819, as the town was decreed the capital of Gran Colombia. Since when, migration and industrialisation have seen the city grow, although the assassination of leader Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, and the subsequent uprising that saw 2,500 die, is a blot on the history books that saw many buildings destroyed.
The city centre is a wonderful combination of the old and the new, with a number of museums dotted about as well. Catedral Primada is a prime tourist spot, famed for its size and neoclassical architecture. Inside it is less impressive, but the chapel of the city's founder, Jiménez de Quesada, is a major draw.
Architecture lovers will also enjoy the Italian style Teatro Colón, which was opened in 1892. Impressive from the outside, this Pietro Cantini-designed building is stunning on the inside and well worth the entrance fee for one of the regular theatrical or operatic performances that take place here ? which is the only way to get in.
Those wishing to learn more about Colombia's pre-Hispanic culture should head to the Museo del Oro, close to the theatre. The Gold Museum certainly has a gold bent, with around 34,000 pieces on display, although there are plenty of history lessons to learn along the way. An English audio guide is available.
Colombia has a huge number of international airports but these days the majority of flights arrive in to Bogotá's Aeropuerto El Dorado, eight miles north-west of the city. Those arriving from within the country may also wish to consider a domestic flight, as the country's main airlines, Avianca and AeroRebública offer a huge number of options. The many cheap taxis are probably the easiest way of heading in to town.
Trains in the country are non existent, but luckily the bus system is extensive. It is also cheap and efficient although the country's roads can be a little dicey. Most buses terminate at the main terminal in the west of the city. Visitors are advised against hiring cars or motorcycles, both due to the state of the roads and the threat of theft.
Bogotá's bus service is superb. Known as the TransMilenio, it is more like a metro service than a bus network, with a number of fast, traffic-free routes available for the visitor. There are also plans for an extension to the airport.
Residing close to the equator, Bogotá's temperature varies little throughout the year, which means that visitors should prepare for moderate weather, with an average daytime temperature of 14°C. Finding a dry spell in the city is difficult, with December to March widely regarded as the best time to go. Away from these times visitors should expect it to be decidedly wet.
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Introduction
