Bogotá City Tour: Gold Museum, Monserrate & La Candelaria

Summary

Private Bogotá Highlights Tour with Flexible Stops

You’ll get to see Bogotá’s main sights at your own pace—historic squares, gold treasures, mountain views—all with local insights and plenty of time for coffee breaks or photos.

What’s the experience like?

The day kicked off early, and the city was just waking up—vendors setting up their carts near Plaza de Bolivar, pigeons everywhere. Our guide, Andrés, pointed out the old stone steps leading up to the Catedral Primada. You can really feel the history here; the Presidential Palace sits right across from you, and if you look up, sometimes you’ll spot a couple of police on horseback making their rounds. We had time to wander around, no rush at all.

La Candelaria is just a few blocks away but feels like another world. We strolled through narrow streets lined with colorful colonial houses—some have chipped paint and graffiti art that locals seem proud of. At Chorro de Quevedo, there’s usually someone playing guitar or selling obleas (those sweet wafer snacks). The Botero Museum is nearby (closed Tuesdays), and it’s free to enter—don’t miss Botero’s plump Mona Lisa if you’re around.

After a quick coffee stop (the café next to the Gold Museum does a mean tinto), we headed inside for a look at Colombia’s pre-Hispanic goldwork. The place smells faintly metallic and cool inside; it’s packed with intricate pieces that date back centuries. Just remember: they close Mondays.

Monserrate was our last big stop. You can choose between the cable car or funicular—both are fun in their own way. The ride up is steep and gives you this wild view of Bogotá spreading out below. At the top (3,172 meters!), it gets chilly fast—even in the afternoon sun—so bring a jacket. There’s a 17th-century chapel and people lighting candles at the shrine to El Señor Caído. If you’re hungry, there are food stalls selling hot chocolate and almojábanas right outside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bogotá Cultural Highlights

• Visit Mt. Monserrate via cable car or funicular
• Explore Gold Museum's pre-Hispanic collection
• Walk through La Candelaria historic district
• See Plaza de Bolivar and surrounding architecture

Top questions

Is this Bogotá city tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

Yes, transportation is wheelchair accessible and most stops are easy to navigate. Let us know your needs so we can help make it smooth for you.

Can I skip some attractions or add extra stops?

Absolutely! This tour is flexible—just tell us what interests you most and we’ll adjust the route accordingly.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

No, entrance fees aren’t included but we’ll help you buy tickets on site if needed. Some museums are free on certain days.

What should I bring for Monserrate?

A light jacket is handy since it gets chilly at the top—even when it’s sunny down below. Comfortable shoes are also recommended.

What’s included

Your private transport is covered from start to finish. We welcome infants in strollers or prams, service animals are allowed, and specialized infant seats can be arranged if needed. All areas are wheelchair accessible so everyone can join comfortably.