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):

  • El Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)

  • Casa de Moneda (An excellent way to visit traditional Columbian houses; free)

  • Banco de la Republica Art Collection (Museo Botero)

  • 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 Séptima) are closed to traffic on Sunday.