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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

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South America Colombia Bogotá Tourist Information Best Time to Visit Bogota

Best Time to Visit Bogota

The guide was updated:
Bogota is the third highest capital in the world (after La Paz and Quito) with a ridiculous elevation of 2,625 m (8,612 ft). Through the year, daytime temperatures will stay around 18-20° C (mid-60s F), but you will definitely want a thin jacket in the evening. December through March are often described as "dry" season, but, honestly, you can count on it being overcast every day. It will rain most afternoons and evenings in Bogota, no matter the month.

Useful Information

Digital Travel Guide Download

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.​

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)

El Dorado International Airport (BOG)

El Dorado International Airport, also known as Luis Carlos Galán Sarmiento Airport, is located about 15 km away from Bogota's city centre. The airport is a major travel hub for South and Central America. The fastest and safest way to go to and from the airport is by Uber. Since ridesharing apps operate in a grey legal area, the drivers will likely ask you to be picked up on the second (departures) level or at the parking lot outside the terminal. They will also want you to sit in the front seat. Busses, including Transmilenio, pass by the Terminal 1. You will need a Tullave public transit card to take the bus, though. If you are staying at a hotel, ask about a shuttle bus.
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Is Bogota safe?

Is Bogota safe?

Opinions of Bogota's safety vary widely. The days of rampant violent crime are thankfully over. Pickpocketing and street robberies aren't uncommon, though. Bogotanos will be quick to give you their favourite piece of advice: No dar papaya — the local equivalent of "don't get caught with your pants down". In other words, stay vigilant and don't put yourself into a vulnerable position. Stick to streets that have other people, don't take walks after dark, limit the use of your phone out in the open, watch out for pickpockets and generally don't carry too many valuables. Allegedly, downtown and especially the street that leads to Monserrate cable car and funicular are the most risky places for tourists.
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Public Transport

Public Transport

As a tourist, you are most likely to catch one of the Transmilenio busses along Avenida Caracas or Carrera 7 (referred to as "la septima" — the seventh). The busses run often and are relatively safe. Watch out for pickpockets, though. You can pay for your trip only with a Tullave public transit card. You can buy them at most stations on Avenida Caracas and recharge them at the same place, as well as in some convenient stores. Cash only, unfortunately. Google Maps is alright for planning your trip, but Moovit app works better in Bogota. Keep in mind that a lot of busses follow express routes and don't stop rarely. Screens on the bus will indicate indicate two stops: the next one and the one after. The letter K stands for Carrera and C stands for Calle.
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Cash or Card?

Cash or Card?

While many establishments across Bogota do accept credit and debit cards for payment, many still either only do so nominally or operate on cash alone. Cash will definitely be needed for smaller purchases, especially from small old-fashioned businesses. ATMs are widely available; withdrawal fees will likely depend on your bank and the bank that operates the ATM. When choosing an ATM, go for ones that aren't in isolated locations, and make all your withdrawals during daylight hours. Big supermarkets will often have ATMs inside.
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Postal Service

Postal Service

The main public post carrier in Colombia is the "4-72"; the office closest to you may be located on their website. It is important to note, however, that 4-72 is notoriously unreliable, and anything more valuable than a simple postcard is best sent via a private carrier, such as DHL. 4-72 has a reported success rate of somewhere between 70 and 50 percent, meaning that up to half of all mail sent through them is gone without a trace and never arrives at the intended addressee. It is also quite pricey to send mail abroad, especially if you choose to go for the "correo certificado" options, which allows one to track each mailing's location. To send with "certificado", you'll need to arrive at a physical office in person and present your official ID/passport number.
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