Bogotá Walking Tour: Colombian Conflict History & Peace

Walk Bogotá’s streets to uncover the real stories behind Colombia’s conflicts and peace journey

A shared guided walking tour of Bogotá covering three hours and ten landmarks where Colombia's armed conflict, drug trafficking and peace efforts unfolded. A certified guide in English walks you through Santander Park, Jorge Eliécer Gaitán's monument, the Palace of Justice, and Teatro Colón, explaining the historical events and political decisions that shaped the country. Children from age one are welcome. The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Bogotá's conflict history

• Begin tour at Santander Park
• Visit Jimenez Avenue
• See Jorge Eliécer Gaitán monument
• Stop at Ministry of Agriculture
• Visit Murillo Toro Building
• Explore Palace of Justice site
• See Liévano Palace
• Visit Colegio Mayor de San Bartolomé
• Rest at Rufino Cuervo Square
• Finish at Teatro Colón

The experience

The tour starts in Santander Park, an emblematic Bogotá square where crucial historical moments played out: demonstrations, protests, and the events that marked the beginning of Colombia's armed conflict. From there you move through Jimenez Avenue, which became a fundamental axis of the city's life and a scene of clashes during the conflict. The guide walks you past the monument to Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, whose assassination in 1948 triggered a series of events that influenced the armed conflict for decades.

You'll stand in front of buildings that held the machinery of peace and power: the Ministry of Agriculture, where important peace negotiations took place; the Murillo Toro Building, which hosted different government institutions throughout history; and the Palace of Justice, the site of one of the most violent seizures during the armed conflict. The guide explains what each building witnessed and how it shaped Colombia's political life. Liévano Palace, home to Bogotá's mayors for many years, shows how the city evolved through the political changes the country experienced.

The walk ends at Teatro Colón, one of Colombia's most important cultural symbols, where you can rest and take in its neoclassical architecture. Along the way you'll pass Colegio Mayor de San Bartolomé, one of the oldest educational institutions in the country, and Rufino Cuervo Square, a quieter spot in the heart of the city. The guide provides a map and stays with the group for the full three hours, speaking English throughout.

What’s included

• Certified professional guide in English.
• free walking tour map.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 10:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (15 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 14 years): free · Infant (1 to 3 years): free

GroupUp to 25 · max 4 per booking

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Beyond Colombia Free, Group & Private Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to understand the political and social history behind Colombia's reputation and transformation, rather than just see the landmarks themselves. The guide's explanations of what happened at each site (the conflicts, negotiations and decisions) are what turn a walk through downtown into a lesson in how countries move past violence.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (15 to 17 years); Child (4 to 14 years): free; Infant (1 to 3 years): free.

What exactly happened at the Palace of Justice that makes it such an important stop on this tour?

The Palace of Justice was the scene of one of the most violent seizures during Colombia's armed conflict. The guide explains this tragic event and its consequences as part of how the conflict shaped the country's institutions and political life.

Does this tour cover how Colombia went from being known for drug trafficking to where it is today?

Yes. The tour explains Colombia's reputation for drug production and the fight against national and international drug trafficking, alongside the armed conflict and peace negotiations. By the end you'll understand the causes and development of these situations and how they've changed.

How long is the walking tour, and what's included in the price?

The tour lasts three hours and includes a certified professional guide speaking English and a free walking tour map. The price you pay in advance goes directly to the guide as a suggested tip for their work, so no additional contribution is requested at the end.

Where does the tour start, and how do I get there?

The tour begins in Santander Park, an emblematic square in central Bogotá. Public transportation options are available nearby to reach the starting point.