The illuminated Monserrate church at night overlooking the glowing Bogota city lights on a private tour

Monserrate & La Candelaria

Bogotá from above and from the ground. The hill that watches over the city and the colonial neighborhood where it all began.

Overview

Bogotá was founded in La Candelaria in 1538, and the neighborhood still looks the part. Cobblestone streets, colonial facades and plazas that have hosted centuries of history. Some of the most important museums in the country are within walking distance of each other.

Monserrate sits at 3,152 meters above the city, accessible by cable car or funicular. From the top, Bogotá spreads out in every direction — eight million people and forty kilometers of urban sprawl visible from a single point. The church at the summit has been a pilgrimage site since the 17th century.

Colorful colonial house under hanging umbrellas near Chorro de Quevedo during a private La Candelaria tour
Colorful colonial house under hanging umbrellas near Chorro de Quevedo during a private La Candelaria tour
  • Private transport throughout the day

  • Entrance tickets to Monserrate by cable car or funicular

  • Entrance to the Gold Museum

  • Entrance to the Botero Museum

  • Walk through La Candelaria historic center

  • Meals and beverages not included

What's included

La Candelaria, Bogotá's historic colonial neighborhood

Traveling with more than 4 people? [Contact us via WhatsApp] for a custom quote and special vehicle options for larger groups.

Pricing

About the destination

La Candelaria is where Bogotá began. The Plaza de Bolívar anchors the neighborhood, surrounded by the Capitol building, the Catedral Primada and the Palace of Justice, it is the political and religious center of the country in a single square. From there, the streets spread out into a mix of colonial architecture, street art, bookshops and cafes that make the area worth exploring slowly.

Two blocks away, the Gold Museum holds the largest collection of pre-Columbian gold in the world. Over 55,000 pieces documenting the craftsmanship and beliefs of Colombia's indigenous cultures. The Botero Museum displays Fernando Botero's most iconic works alongside an impressive collection of international art donated by the artist himself.

Monserrate is a different kind of experience. The cable car takes three minutes to the top, the funicular a little longer. Either way, the view from 3,152 meters is the kind that stops conversation. The church at the summit draws pilgrims and tourists alike, and on a clear morning the entire city stretches out below.

Panoramic view of lush green Andean mountains from the top of Monserrate during a private nature tour
Panoramic view of lush green Andean mountains from the top of Monserrate during a private nature tour

View from Monserrate, 3,152 meters above Bogotá

6-7 hours

Weather

Meeting

Physical level

Booking

Duration

Via whatsapp

Medium

Hotel pickup

17° C Bring a jacket

We accept international credit cards and secure global payments. Payment details are coordinated when confirming your booking via WhatsApp.

Gallery

Local paintings displayed for sale outside a colonial house with visitors walking in La Candelaria town
Local paintings displayed for sale outside a colonial house with visitors walking in La Candelaria town
Poporo Quimbaya, Gold Museum Bogotá, pre-Columbian gold artifact Colombia
Poporo Quimbaya, Gold Museum Bogotá, pre-Columbian gold artifact Colombia

Artisan market in La Candelaria, central Bogotá

Poporo Quimbaya, Gold Museum, Bogotá

Frequently asked Question

Traditional colonial street with historic architecture in a classic Colombian town

Contact

+57 319 424 82 45

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