Off the Beaten Track to Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá draws in travellers from across the globe. Whether you’re a returning visitor looking to explore beyond Monserrate, the Museo del Oro, and La Candelaria, or a first-timer keen to steer clear of the crowds, our editors have compiled a list of the city's most unique experiences for those willing to spend their days exploring the capital of Colombia.

Emerald-Ring Workshop

Colombian emeralds are renowned across the world, so why settle for window-shopping when you can design your own piece of jewellery? Book a workshop with a local jeweller and handpick your stone, setting and finish. This experience allows you to gain an appreciation for both ancient gem-cutting techniques and modern design while acquiring a true one-of-a-kind memento.

Hiking

For nature lovers looking to lace up their boots, opt for a morning hike up Quebrada La Vieja. Experience Bogotá's skyline from a unique and unforgettable vantage point as you make your way through mist-laced forests and streams before being rewarded with sweeping views over Bogotá. And for those willing to venture further afield, the Páramo de Ocetá delivers a truly otherworldly experience. Located near the mountain town of Monguí, this high-altitude ecosystem is a surreal patchwork of frailejones, crystal lagoons and vast, windswept plains. It’s a full-day adventure with rare flora and glimpses into one of the Andes’ most fragile and fascinating landscapes.

NATIVE GIANT ESPELETIA IN PÁRAMO DE OCETÁ

Tequendama Falls & Revitalised Museum

A scenic drive 30 km southwest of Bogotá takes you to Tequendama Falls. This 132-metre waterfall plunges dramatically into the Bogotá River gorge and is overlooked by the historic Salto del Tequendama mansion, reopened as an ecological and cultural museum. Once abandoned and rumoured to be haunted, today the space exhibits local diversity and indigenous history.

Street-Art Safari in La Macarena

La Candelaria’s murals get a lot of love, but for a more immersive street-art experience, head north to La Macarena. The neighbourhood is abuzz with surrealist masterpieces and grassroots movements splashed across building facades. We recommend joining a guided tour for local insights or wander at your own pace and pop into cafés and colourful shops along the way.

Dawn at Paloquemao Market

Set your alarm early and head to Paloquemao Market—Bogotá’s largest and most colourful food market. The sensory overload is immediate: florists bundling roses at dawn, juice vendors blending tropical concoctions and stallholders offering tastings of exotic fruits you’ve likely never seen before. For a true slice of Bogotá life, grab a hot arepa con queso and watch the market wake up around you.

THE COLOURS OF COLOMBIAN MARKETS

Where to Stay

If you’re still searching for the perfect place to base yourself in Bogotá, look no further than the Grand Hyatt Bogotá. The five-star hotel exhibits panoramic views of the Andes Mountains as well as nighttime city views. Unwind after days of exploring at its luxurious Zaitania Spa, which also features a hydromassage pool, a thermal shock pool and a jetted tub. Or book at W Bogota, a unique and bold hotel filled with artwork and fun fixtures such as the lobby’s foosball table and several dining venues.

Explore these and other handpicked stays through ASMALLWORLD Collection, where you can enjoy exclusive VIP rates and extraordinary benefits along the way.