Bogotá: Candelaria, Gold Museum & Monserrate Private Tour

Summary

Walk cobbled streets, see gold treasures, ride to Monserrate

You’ll wander Bogotá’s oldest streets with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Marvel at ancient gold artifacts in the Gold Museum, ride up Monserrate for city views that’ll stick with you, and sample local snacks along the way. Expect laughter, unexpected details, and real moments of connection.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice in Bogotá would be the sound — street vendors calling out over the uneven stones of La Candelaria, a guy somewhere strumming a guitar (not very well), and our guide Camila laughing as she tried to teach us “arepa” with a proper accent. We started at the Botero Museum; those plump sculptures are even stranger in person. The light inside was soft and yellowish, and I kept getting distracted by how quiet it felt compared to outside. Camila told us stories about Botero’s childhood here — she seemed genuinely proud, which made me pay more attention than usual.

Walking through Plaza de Bolívar was sort of chaotic — pigeons everywhere, kids chasing them while suited officials hurried past. Camila pointed out bullet holes on one building (she said every Bogotano knows that story). Then we ducked into the Gold Museum. Honestly? I thought it’d be just shiny stuff behind glass, but the sheer number of tiny gold frogs and masks made me stop for a minute. There’s this room where they dim the lights and suddenly you’re surrounded by shimmering gold — it’s almost eerie. The air smells faintly metallic, or maybe that was my imagination.

If you pick Monserrate for your Bogotá day trip from Cusco (or wherever you’re coming from), brace yourself for lines if it’s Sunday — Camila warned us but we still underestimated it. The cable car up is quick but my ears popped halfway; at the top, everything feels thinner and brighter. Locals were lighting candles in the sanctuary, some just sitting quietly with their eyes closed. I bought aguapanela from a stall (hot sugarcane drink — not my favorite, but when in Rome). My hands were cold so I kept holding the cup longer than I needed to. We ended wandering back through Santander Park where people sold woven bracelets and tiny clay whistles shaped like llamas (I caved and bought one). It wasn’t all smooth — we had to skip one museum because it was closed on Mondays — but honestly that made it feel more real.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bogotá's historic and cultural sites

• Visit Botero Museum in La Candelaria
• Walk through Plaza de Bolívar
• Tour the Gold Museum exhibits
• Shop at Santander Park handicraft market
• Optional cable car to Monserrate Sanctuary

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included on this private Bogotá tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can I visit Monserrate Mountain on this tour?

Yes, Monserrate is included if you select that option during booking.

Are entry tickets to museums included?

All entry tickets to visited attractions are covered in your tour price.

What languages do guides speak?

You can choose Spanish, English, French, Portuguese or German guides.

Is lunch included on this Bogotá city tour?

No traditional lunch is listed as included; snacks can be purchased during stops.

How long does it take to reach Monserrate?

The cable car ride is quick but lines can take over 2 hours on Sunday afternoons.

What happens if a museum is closed?

Your guide will suggest an alternative museum based on group interests.

Is this tour suitable for families or seniors?

The private Bogotá tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Bogotá city limits, all entry fees for museums like Botero and Gold Museum (unless closed), professional guiding in your chosen language throughout the day, plus cable car tickets up Monserrate if you’ve picked that option—so you don’t have to worry about logistics or waiting at ticket counters unless there’s heavy demand.