Bogota
Jan. 28 - 31, 2012 (2D3N): A group trip with another couple where my ex played the translator/tour guide! This was my first time visiting South America, and I truly enjoyed Bogota! We visited Cartagena right after Bogota.
*Highly Recommended food options
Day 1
Afternoon arrival from NYC
Check-in @ Hotel Excelsior
Shop at Centro Andino
Dinner at Club Colombia* and dessert at Crepes & Waffles*
Day 2
Cerro de Monserrate (You get a beautiful panoramic view of the city only a funicular away. Be sure to snack along the way as you hike to the top of the mountain - try the coca tea).
Take the cab to Old Bogota (La Candelaria):
Casa de Moneda (An excellent way to visit traditional Columbian houses; free)
Stroll around downtown
Dinner at Central Cevicheria* and then Andres DC (Go for the experience, the food was average)
Day 3
Hire transportation from the hotel to Salt Cathedral @ Zipaquira. Public transit works too (Transmilenio to the Portal Norte stop and from there an Intermunicipal bus to Zipaquira. The bus driver will let you know where to get off, and then you will walk through the town plaza to Salt Park, where the Cathedral is)
Walk around Zona Rosa
Dinner at Crepes & Waffles*; drinks @ Colombian Pub in Zona Rosa (find it on google map)
Tips
Make an effort to go to Andres Chia (same owner as Andres DC). We did not get a chance to go as it was on the outskirts of Bogota.
Most major roads (such as Avenida SΓ©ptima) are closed to traffic on Sunday.