I am a diehard Chicagoan, but lately I’ve been bit by the International travel bug. I started the year off in Cartagena, Colombia. Then I ventured to Zanzibar in Tanzania for my bday with a little detour in Dubai. I thought my traveling for the year was over, but turns out I had one more journey left in me.
El Dorado International Airport
I LOVE Press Trips. They’re generally well organized and so much info, events, dining, etc… are packed into a short time frame. I was contacted a couple of days before Thanksgiving to go on a Press-trip to Bogota, Colombia. It was a no brainer for me to say – YES. I had already been to Cartagena (see video here) and loved it, so I couldn’t wait to explore the capital city of Colombia. On December 6th we took off on a six hour direct flight from Chicago O’Hare International airport to Bogotá’s El Dorado International airport via Avianca airlines.
Bogota, is a city with a lot of history and a lot of height. Its altitude is 8,660 ft above sea level. I could definitely feel the effects (breathing hard) on our walks. There’s a lot of uphill adventure. We were clocking an average of 12,000 steps a day! Thank goodness the weather was a constant 70 degrees (Fahrenheit). The cool climate is typical in this area throughout the year.
Every region of Colombia is quite different and intriguing. Bogota has a mountainous terrain. Colombia has 311 ecosystems, 365 days of tropical climate, 6 snow capped mountains, 3 mountain ranges, and 2 oceans. Truly a land of diverse beauty. In 2023 Colombia received more than 6.1 million International travelers and more than 1 million of those travelers were from the United States. 2024 is predicted to surpass 2023’s total.
My experience in Bogota was a tale of many stories. In 3 jam packed days (12/7 – 12/9) we experienced poverty to privilege, street food to fine-dining, and much more. Follow along as I tell you about my Eastern Colombian Andes adventure amongst the 8 Million people that inhabit Bogota.
3 Day Itinerary
Day 1 – How do we create a sustainable chain between tourism, culture, and art?
Graffiti Walk Tour
Bogota Graffiti Walk or Bike Tour
Street art is one of the keys to understanding Bogotá’s essence. Originally we were going to bike like the locals to take in the vibrant art scene, but my lack of coordination had us walking instead. Walking may have been the better option though because we were able to easily stop and appreciate each intricate mural detail.
Art Garden
There used to be a beef between street artists and graffiti artists. Graffiti artists viewed street artists as too commercial and street artists looked at graffiti art as just a bunch of letters. It took a tragic incident back in 2011 where a police officer killed a 16 year old graffiti artist named Diego Felipe Becerra to bridge the two artwork communities to form a bond of solidarity against their threaten freedom. Graffiti used to be a crime and now it’s condoned and legalized.
The Control of the Cellphone
Murals throughout the city tell stories that are left up to your own interpretation. This mural encourages me to think of the control cellphones have over the younger generation. They (we) need to “look up” before life passes us by.
Bogota’s Gastronomic Wonders
After an educational graffiti art tour, we explored the heart of Bogota on an enriching culinary journey. Walking through the historical neighborhoods you can’t help but marvel at the unique architectural styles. We stopped at various spots to taste iconic regional dishes like arepas. Of course, you also have to have a little food controversy and ours involved hot chocolate and mozzarella cheese. Each flavor told a story of Colombia’s rich heritage. We ended the tour by taking in various architectural designs and touring the beautiful San Francisco church. Muy guapa! (Very Beautiful!)
Hot Chocolate and Mozzarella Cheese
Traditional Fried Snacks
Traditional Chicken and Potato Soup
Fresh Arepas
San Francisco Church
Dinner at Chicheria Demente
Later on that evening we dined at Chicheria Demente. It’s one of the hottest restaurants on the scene. The mezcal drinks were flowing and AMAZING! Chicheria Demente offers a bold fusion of Colombia’s culinary heritage mixed with contemporary flavors, in a vibrant laid back atmosphere. The restaurant reimagines traditional Colombian dishes by incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients and modern cooking techniques. I enjoyed the signature items on the menu such as the artisanal chicha-inspired cocktails and innovative seafood creations. This was such an authentic yet inventive culinary adventure.
Salmon at Chicheria Demente
Half way through dinner we partook in a special tradition. Saturday, December 7th was el Dia de las Velitas. It’s a tradition that lights up hearts and marks the beginning of Christmas. On this night people light candles to honor the Virgin Mary and make wishes. We participated outside of the restaurant with other strangers. It was such a warm experience. Perfect way to end day one.
el Dia de las Veritas
Day 2: Eco Systems and Social Impact
Paloquemao Market
Paloquemao Market
We were told to not eat a big breakfast before our Paloquemao Market Fruit Tour. The tour was definitely VERY filling. One of my favorite things to do on vacation are local market tours. I especially love trying fruits not local to the U.S. On our tour we delighted in flavors of exotic fruits, flowers, and herbs at Paloquemao, the county’s most traditional market.
The fruit tour was a private experience that immersed us in the vast diversity of food, geography, and cultural practices of Colombia. The Paloquemao plaza is the only market in the world where you can find up to 67 different fruits. The fruit tour was like a wine tasting. We played with the different flavors and properties of each fruit. FANTASTIC!
We also enjoyed some local breads at the Pandebonitos de La Virgen stall.
Pandebonitos de La Virgen
Breaking Boarders: Social Impact Graffiti Tour
Church – Beginning of Breaking Boarders Tour
One of the most memorable and impactful tours on this trip was the Breaking Borders Tour. We were led by Bogota’s Barrio Egipto ex-gang members on a vibrant graffiti tour.
Ex Gang member
They shared their past while revealing a present blossoming with hope. We walked the colorful streets and deciphered mural stories. It was astounding to witness how tourism empowers residents through art and community projects. Listening to the struggles it’s awesome to see a future painted with vibrant dreams.
Breaking Boarders Tour
One of the young men telling us their story had previously been shot five times in front of his young son as part of a retaliation killing. Since making it through that tragic incident he is passionate that his son receive a different life sentence than the one handed to him. The Breaking Boarder program, believe it or not, is not supported by the government. They need donations and assistance from people like me and you to keep their program alive and to help them make a living. Understandably, they do not have an operating website, but you can reach out with inquiries and to book tours: HERE
Day 3: Sightseeing and Weaving Peace
Monserrate: The Viewpoint of Bogota
Monserrate Tram Ride to the top
Chicago has me spoiled. I’m always looking for great city viewpoints. Bogotá’s expansive city viewport is the Monserrate. The Monserrate is a mountain that is 10,000 feet high and overlooks the city center of Bogota. I loved the beautiful tram ride we took to the top. We toured the church and even bought a few souvenirs.
Monserrate: ViewPoint
Weaving Peace with a visit to Casa de la Paz
Casa de la Paz
Walking into Casa de la Paz was cozy. It’s like being invited into someone’s living room. Murals, cozy tables, tons of books, and butterfly’s adorn the ceiling. Our first stop was to the counter for a “special” beer.
‘La Trocha’ is a craft beer born of the peace process, it is the result of the commitment of ten ex-combatants of the FARC-EP and the unconditional and altruistic support of civil society.
La Casa de la Paz, daughter of La Trocha craft beer, is a space of history, memory, resistance and reconciliation. It is a visible commitment to the implementation of the peace agreement that seeks the transformation towards an inclusive country where we all fit.
There’s so many goodies sold at La Casa de la Paz, from alcohol to clothing. We made our way around and talked to the sellers about various politics. By the way, most people we encountered the entire trip didn’t speak English, but our tour guide would translate for us.
Dinner at El Chato Bogota
El Chato
We ended our 3 day Bogota trip with a dinner at El Chato. This restuarant gem is where Chef Alvaro reimagines Colobmian cuisine with global flair. His culinary journey through top European and American kitchens culminates in this intimate restaurant.
Is Bogota for you?
Bogota, Colombia
I recommend you venture to Bogota, Colombia. It was vastly different from my visit earlier this year to Cartagena. Cartagena is more of a Caribbean vibe where as Bogota is bringing all the city vibes. To my fellow Chicagoan’s you can get to Bogota on a direct six hour flight with Avianca Airlines. Let the adventure begin!
Curious where we stayed in Bogota?
Our hotel accommodations were at the Hilton Bogota. The location was in the downtown area and provided a central location to everything. I’m a huge fan of Hilton! The room was super cozy and do not get me started on the fabulous bed. I slept like a baby!
Press Trip to Bogota was sponsored by Avianca Airlines and various partners. Flight, hotel, food, and all accommodations were complementary.
Commentary is honest feedback by Food/ Lifestyle Blogger, Tavi Johnson, of the Chicago Lifestyle Blog – Chiataglance.
Have a question?
Reach out to: Tavij@chiataglance.com
