Bogotá

Colombia's capital high in the Andes, with the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum and the graffiti-covered old quarter of La Candelaria, plus the Salt Cathedral nearby.

Bogotá is the capital of Colombia, set on a high basin in the Eastern Cordillera of the Andes at about 2,640 m (8,660 ft). The city has around 8 million people, and the Monserrate and Guadalupe hills rise right beside it to the east. Although it is close to the equator, its altitude keeps temperatures at just 7–20°C (45–68°F) all year, with cool mornings and evenings and frequent afternoon showers, which is why it is called a place of “eternal spring/autumn.” Dec–Mar and Jul–Aug are relatively dry and the best times to visit. The city is long and narrow from north to south, and visitors mostly stick to three areas: ① the historic center, where La Candelaria old town, Plaza de Bolívar, the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum are clustered on either side of Carrera Séptima, all within walking distance, with graffiti walking tours on offer; ② the eastern hills, where a cable car or funicular takes you up Monserrate for a view over the whole city; ③ the north, home to Chapinero, the Zona G dining district, the Zona T nightlife district, and the old town of Usaquén with its Sunday flea market. The top day trip is the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral, 50 km north, though you can also visit a coffee farm or Lake Guatavita (the origin of the El Dorado legend). Getting around: El Dorado International Airport is about 15 km from the city center, and flights from China usually connect via the US, Europe or Mexico; the city has the TransMilenio bus rapid transit system, and for taxis it is best to use a reputable ride-hailing app. On Sundays and public holidays from 07:00 to 14:00, the main avenues close to traffic and become the Ciclovía bike route, and renting a bike to ride it is an authentic local experience. Plan on 3–4 days. Tips: you may feel mild altitude sickness on arrival, so avoid strenuous exercise on the first day; for safety, avoid walking alone in quiet old-town streets at night, don't flash valuables or use your phone on the street, and leave valuables at the hotel; Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter Colombia (those holding a valid US or Schengen visa, among others, may be exempt; check the latest policy from Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

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