The Candelaria between coffee aromas and history

This stop is essential for any foreign or domestic visitor, offering a real window into Bogota life. Far from the usual tourist circuits, the market allows a genuine interaction with the local population and a sensory explosion of flavors. The main attraction is the discovery of unique exotic Andean fruits, tastings and understanding of the basic ingredients of Colombian cuisine. It is a feast for the senses and an opportunity to connect with the history and cultural heartbeat of La Candelaria, all within a traditional architecture with touches of modern art. The perfect starting point to savor authentic Bogota!

Considered the heart and founding point of the city in 1538. This cobblestone square offers a vibrant contrast: it is a place where colonial history blends with the bohemian atmosphere of youth. Surrounded by colorful houses and the wall art of the Alley of the Funnel, it is the perfect place for storytelling (telling) and to taste the traditional Andean drink, chicha.

The Botero Museum is an unmissable stop in La Candelaria, which houses the donation that maestro Fernando Botero made to his native Colombia. The museum exhibits more than 200 works, of which 123 are his own, including his iconic voluminous figures in painting, drawing and sculpture that reinterpret uniquely styled characters, still lifes and everyday scenes. The remaining 87 pieces are by renowned international artists such as Picasso, Dali, Renoir, Monet and Degas, offering a fascinating tour of modern and contemporary world art. The collection is located in a beautiful colonial house.

Important Fact: The museum closes its doors every Tuesday for maintenance.

Gabriel García Márquez Cultural Center, known locally as García Márquez Cultural Center, is an architectural gem designed by Rogelio Salmona. Rather than a museum, it is a vibrant tribute to the legacy of "Gabo", the Colombian Nobel Prize in Literature.

Although not a traditional museum, it is a vital cultural stop. Tourists can explore its red brick terraces, enjoy its indoor and outdoor spaces, and visit the iconic Fondo de Cultura Economico Bookstore. It is the perfect place to search for editions of Gabo’s works, enjoy coffee, or attend the occasional book launches and presentations. Its design is famous for integrating architecture with the urban landscape and mountains of Bogotá.

Important Facts: This cultural center and bookstore is closed every Tuesday for maintenance.

Bolivar Square is the nerve center of Bogotá, surrounded by the most important buildings of political and religious power in Colombia. In its center, dominates the equestrian statue of Simon Bolivar, the Liberator.

This vast open space is a historical and social meeting place, where tourists can admire the neoclassical architecture of the National Capitol (Congress headquarters), the imposing Primate Cathedral, the Palace of Justice and the Liévano Palace (home of the Mayor of Bogotá). It is an excellent place to observe the daily life of the city and the vastness of its history. A characteristic point are the pigeons that traditionally populate the square.

From Bolivar Square, the tourist must walk north on Carrera Séptima (the "Seventh"), a vibrant pedestrian road that shows the commercial and popular heart of Bogotá. On this tour (approximately 15 - 20 min walk) you will see bookstores, street vendors and colonial architecture that connects the historic center with the modern one.

The Gold Museum (Bank of the Republic) is a MUST-see stop. It houses the largest collection of pre-Hispanic goldsmiths in the world. The tour is designed to tell the story of indigenous societies through art in gold.

Important Facts : closes on Mondays.