Bogota - One Crazy Capital



There is a rule in Latin America that the capital cities are generally the largest, busiest and most dangerous places to go. Bogota is no exception. Just like its counterparts, Bogota is a centre of political influence both legitimate and corrupt, a magnet for poorer folks looking for opportunities which in turn brings crime and graft. I don't like writing negative blogs about places I've been, but sometimes the place just isn't that great.

The first thing I was told upon arriving was DO NOT LEAVE La Candelaria. This is the heavily guarded area of the old city where tourism is concentrated, where you can see armed guards and even attack dogs on street corners. This did not stop crime in the area at night as a friend of mine found when he was robbed at knifepoint, but in the daytime it was pretty peaceful. There's a lot of notable architecture both old and new around La Candelaria and some cool graffiti pieces.

"La Violencia"

That said, venturing out of the guarded area wasn't exactly a death sentence. So long as you were smart and didn't go wandering too far at night and left your valuables at home, you could find good fun and good prices a couple blocks away from the tourist district. I found this out after yet another pair of pants looked ready to bite the dust, so I went looking for a fresh pair. The lowest price in La Candelaria was about $50AUD, so I bought mine for $14AUD in a huge market two blocks out of the tourist zone.
Misty Montserrate
A popular destination for locals, tourists and fitness freaks is the steep walk up to the Montserrate church and viewpoint. It's a tough ask, with a path of relentless uphills in the thin mountain air, but there are plenty of vendors with snacks and water and the view from the top is worth the hike.

The endless city

They also had mini food market with at the top which was surprisingly cheap, so I pigged out on a gigantic Tamale, a package of mushy rice, chicken and vegetables steamed in a banana leaf, that cost a couple of bucks.

"Oi Bazza do you reckon we should turn the jacuzzi down a bit?"

Arguably the best attraction in the city is the Gold Museum. There are gold museums in every large city in Colombia that mostly display the few intact pieces of local indigenous goldwork. The museum in Bogota is enormous, covering 3 floors and displaying some incredible pieces of indigenous history from around the country.

Gold Plated Conch

A Chief's regalia. Gold was considered a status symbol by pre-hispanic societies as it could be so beautifully worked, rather than having its own value.

Death Mask

A representation of a God showing off his bling

Honestly, Bogota was not my favourite place by a long shot. It's cold. I was shivering for the first time in over a month. It's dangerous. I didn't get burned, but I heard story after story of tourists who were. It's corrupt. There was no shortage of sleazy folks on the streets, and many locals had a lot to say about the government and police. I had some good times here, but mostly I was glad to leave.

At this stage, I had a choice - stay in South America for the last month and a bit I had scheduled to travel...or press the big red SCREW IT button and fly elsewhere. One restless night in Bogota I decided to push the button, and bought a flight to Mexico! Soon I will be In Yucatan, but for now its another short stop in Medellin to pass my last days in South America.

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