Bogotá on especially cold evenings, and on some occasions has been known to reach a high of around 19ºC (66ºF). Be warned that it rains a good deal in Bogotá. Updated: Feb 26, 2008. Holidays and Festivals
Month
Event Arrival of the Three Kings in the Barrio Egipto
February
Bull fighting season starts
March/ April
Iboamerican Theater Festival (2008 and every other year)
April August September October
Feria del Libro Summer Festival, Bogotá‘s Birthday, Salsa in the Park Jazz in the Park Bogotá Film Festival, Rock in the Park
November
Opera in the Park
December
Christmas Lights Festival
Updated: Feb 6, 2008.
Getting To and Away from Bogotá Air International and internal flights with Aeropública leave from and arrive to the Aeropuerto El Dorado (Avenida El Dorado, 93-30. Tel: 1-425-1000). A newer terminal has been built about a half-mile from El Dorado and is called the Aeropuente. All Avianca internal flights leave from here. When traveling by taxi, the driver will ask you to specify which airport, El Dorado or the Aeropuente. Land Terminal de Transportes (Diagonal 23, 6960. Tel: 1-423-3630 / 416-3951) is the main hub for land travel aside from closer destinations such as Zipaquirá, Guatavita, Suesca and Villa de Leyva. These areas can be reached by taking the Transmilenio to the final station north (Portal del Norte) and then catching small interurban buses from there. You will need to familiarize yourself with the Terminal de Transportes, since buses leave from here for every part of Colombia. Bear in mind that you can negotiate bus fares in Colombia. Do not accept the first rate offered.
Train (To Zipaquirá and around)–The Turistren, which runs its course to Zipaquirá and the surrounding area, leaves from the Sabana Station only on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. This is not a regular transport train but a tourist activity. More information can be found at www.turistren.com.co. Updated: Feb 26, 2008.
Getting Around Bogotá At first glance Bogotá seems disorganized, but actually it is pretty easy to navigate. The most important thing to remember is that Avenidas and Carreras run North to South, and Calles run East to West. Once you have your bearings, you will see that the mountains in Bogotá are at the extreme eastern edge of the city and that the major thoroughfares are Carrera 7 and Carrera 10. There are three ways to get around the city. The easiest is by taxi, since taxis are prevalent throughout Bogotá and are inexpensive. Late at night try to catch an official taxi to avoid being cheated. All taxis run on meters that should comply with a set-rate chart visible to the passenger. Fares after 8 p.m., on holidays, Sundays, and to and from the airport have special surcharges. One recommended taxi company is Taxis Express, Tel: 1-411-1111. Bogotá’s aging buses careen around street corners, race to beat the change of traffic lights and belch out thick fumes. In the front window of each bus you’ll find the listed destination. The cost of a fare is normally around $0.60. If you are in doubt about anything ask a fellow traveler. Buses do not necessarily stop at conventional bus stops—they can stop everywhere. The Transmilenio is a new bus system that is fast and convenient. Beware of peak hours, when the service is saddled with delays, overcrowded vehicles and pickpockets (otherwise it can be a delight). Also, be warned that the Transmilenio maps are not particularly clear and often the buses are poorly labeled. There are plans to extend the service and include a new route to the airport. Single fare is $0.70. Tel: 1-364-9400. Updated: Feb 26,2008.
Safety in Bogotá
For a city of its size, Bogotá is remarkably safe. Gone are the days when travelers feared Buy this book here: shop.vivatravelguides.com
Bogotá
January
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