Day Trips from Bogota. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Local SIM Cards and Mobile Providers

Major Providers: Claro, Tigo, Movistar. Purchase is available at the airport (official stores), shopping malls, or authorized dealer shops. You need your passport for registration.

Cost: Data packages (e.g., 5-10 GB) are inexpensive, often costing COP 30,000-50,000.

Internet Access and Wi-Fi Availability

Wi-Fi is widely available and generally reliable in hotels, hostels, cafes, restaurants, and shopping malls.
Many public parks also offer free Wi-Fi, keeping you connected throughout the city.
Consider Airalo eSIMs for convenient digital connectivity.
For portable internet, Solis Wi-Fi devices are available.

Business Hours and Schedules

Familiarize yourself with typical operating hours to schedule your daily activities efficiently in Bogotá.

Retail & Shopping Malls

Retail Stores: Generally Mon-Sat 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM, often later in shopping malls. Shopping Malls: Mon-Sat 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM, Sun 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM.

Restaurants

Lunch: 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM.
Dinner: 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM or later.
Many cafes open earlier in the morning.

Museums & Banks

Museums: Typically Tue-Sun, 9:00 AM/10:00 AM - 5:00 PM/6:00 PM. Banks: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, sometimes open on Saturday mornings.

Other Schedules

Institutions are generally closed on Mondays.
ATMs are widely available 24/7 in secure locations.
4-72 is the national postal service.

Religious and Public Holidays

Holiday Impact

Colombia observes numerous public holidays (Feriados).
These include religious holidays (e.g., Easter Week) and federal holidays.
Banks, government offices, and some businesses close on national holidays.
Public transport may operate on a Sunday schedule.

Service Modifications

Attractions may have modified hours during holiday periods.
Smaller businesses may close or have reduced hours during major holidays.
Verify specific business hours and holiday schedules ahead of your visit.
Expect increased crowds at popular sites during peak holiday times.

Banking and ATMs

Banks:Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
ATMs (Cajeros automáticos):Widely available 24/7
Location Tip:Use ATMs inside secure locations
Note:Sometimes open on Saturday mornings

Postal Service:4-72 (National)
Courier Services:DHL, FedEx, UPS available
Language:Spanish (official), English in tourist areas
Translation:Google Translate app recommended

Planning Ahead

Always verify specific business hours and holiday schedules before your visit, especially when it comes to smaller establishments.

Etiquette and Cultural Norms

Embrace Bogotá's culture with respectful interactions and an awareness of local customs.

Greeting Customs

"Buenos días/tardes/noches" are standard. Handshakes are common for initial introductions. A kiss on the cheek is common between women, or a man and a woman who are familiar. Use "usted" for strangers or in formal settings, "tú" for friends.

Appropriate Attire

Bogotá generally dresses conservatively. Neat, smart casual attire is typical. For churches, modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) shows respect. Avoid overly revealing clothing in public spaces.

Dining Etiquette

Being on time is appreciated. Wait for everyone to be served before starting. Keep hands visible on the table, but elbows off. A 10% service charge (Propina) commonly appears on the bill.

Gender and LGBTQ+ Information

Gender interactions are generally respectful. Public displays of affection are common for heterosexual couples.

LGBTQ+ Travel

Bogotá ranks among the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in Colombia.
Urban centers generally exhibit a tolerant atmosphere.
Discretion may be advisable in more conservative rural areas.

Taboos and Sensitive Topics

While Colombians are usually open about politics, avoid expressing strong opinions or engaging in debates as a tourist.

Avoid Discussing

Politics (avoid strong opinions).
Drugs are strictly illegal; avoid any involvement.
Glorifying Pablo Escobar is highly disrespectful to victims.

Important Social Norms

Photography:Ask permission before photographing people.

Criticism:Avoid negative comparisons or criticisms of Colombia.

Respect:Be open-minded and patient in dealings.

Valuables:Be discreet in public spaces, avoid flashing valuables.

Politeness:Use "please" and "gracias" often.

Punctuality:More relaxed, but strive for timeliness in formal settings.

Translation Aid

The Google Translate app (with offline Spanish download) is highly recommended.
Learn basic Spanish phrases to aid daily interactions and be respectful.
Consider Rosetta Stone for structured language learning.
Hello: Hola (OH-lah)
Thank you: Gracias (GRAH-see-ahs)
Can you speak English?: ¿Habla inglés? (AH-blah een-GLES?)

Accessibility Information

Bogotá's accessibility infrastructure continues to improve, but challenges remain for travelers with mobility needs.

Mobility Challenges

Sidewalks can be uneven, and many older buildings (especially in La Candelaria) lack ramps or elevators.

Infrastructure Aspects

Uneven sidewalks are common, especially in historic areas.
Many older buildings may not have accessible ramps or elevators.
Accessible buses and stations vary in consistency for TransMilenio and SITP.

Accessible Attractions & Transport

Some newer buildings, shopping malls, and major museums have facilities for accessibility (ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms).

Improved Access

Modern shopping malls often feature comprehensive accessibility.
cultural institutions are progressively enhancing their accessibility features.
Accessible restrooms are available in newer public facilities.

Services for Visual or Hearing Impairments

Specialized services specifically tailored for visual or hearing impairments are limited in Bogotá.

Availability

Specialized services are currently limited.
Major public institutions may offer limited services for these needs.
Inquire directly for current offerings.

Resources and Organizations

Several resources can help you plan an accessible trip to Bogotá.

Information Channels

Contact local disability advocacy organizations for up-to-date information.
Inquire directly with hotels and attractions regarding their accessibility features.
Consider specialized tour operators for bespoke accessible experiences.

Basic Spanish Phrases for Daily Needs

A few phrases greatly enhance your daily interactions and navigation.

Essentials

Hello: Hola
Please: Kindly
Thank you: Gracias

Asking Questions

How much?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
Do you speak English?: ¿Habla inglés?
Where is...?: ¿Dónde está...?

Troubleshooting

Excuse me/Sorry: Perdón / Con permiso
I don't understand: No entiendo
Help!: ¡Ayuda!

Plan with Care

Always research and confirm accessibility directly with service providers before booking for visitors with particular needs.

Day Trips from Bogota