Bogotá: La Candelaria Bike Tour & Graffiti Ride Downtown

Summary

Bike through Bogotá’s plazas, street art & local stories with a guide

You’ll pedal through Bogotá’s La Candelaria with a local guide, explore founding plazas layered with history, pause for fruit in National Park, and roll past bold street art in hidden neighborhoods—all gear included. Expect laughter, small surprises (like lulo fruit), and moments when the city feels unexpectedly close.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect my first memory of Bogotá to be the sound of old bike bells echoing off cobblestones in La Candelaria. There we were—me, a handful of travelers, and our guide Camilo waving this bright yellow umbrella like it was a flag. He handed me a helmet that still smelled faintly of rain (it had just stopped drizzling—Bogotá weather is moody). I wobbled on my bike at first, but Camilo just grinned and said, “Don’t worry, everyone looks awkward for the first five minutes.” He wasn’t wrong.

We started pedaling through narrow streets lined with murals—some wild bursts of color, others more like quiet protests painted onto brick. Camilo explained how these walls tell stories about Colombia’s past and present; I tried to keep up while dodging a stray dog or two. The air tasted a bit metallic from the morning rain and there was this smell—coffee mixed with something sweet from a bakery nearby. I remember stopping at one plaza where he pointed out how the city grew from indigenous roots to Spanish colonial grids. Honestly, history felt less like facts and more like layers you could almost touch.

At the National Park (which is half forest and half city hangout), families lounged under trees while teenagers played music on battered speakers. We paused there for water and someone offered us fruit from their bag—lulo, tart and citrusy. I’d never heard of it before. The ride along Parkway Boulevard was easier than I thought; trees arched overhead and the sunlight flickered through leaves in that lazy way it does when you’re not rushing anywhere. Somewhere between laughing at my terrible Spanish (“gracias por el lulo!”) and listening to Camilo talk about Bogotá’s changes, I realized I hadn’t checked my phone once.

By the time we circled back toward La Candelaria, legs tired but kind of happy-tired, we’d seen graffiti that made us stop talking for a minute—just taking it in. There’s something about seeing a city by bike that makes everything feel closer: the people waving from shop doors, the uneven pavement under your tires, even your own breath mixing with Bogotá’s thin air at altitude. I still think about that last stretch homeward; maybe it was just endorphins or maybe it was something else entirely.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bike tour exploring Bogotá's history

• Meet guide at Chorro de Quevedo
• Receive bikes and helmets
• Visit three founding plazas
• Cycle along seventh avenue
• Stop at National Park for discussion
• Bike through Parkway Boulevard and cross El Dorado Avenue
• Cycle through graffiti neighborhoods

Top questions

Is this Bogotá bike tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, as long as you know how to ride a bike. The route is manageable for most fitness levels.

Where does the bike tour in La Candelaria start?

The tour begins at Chorro de Quevedo Square in downtown Bogotá.

What should I bring or wear for this Bogotá bike tour?

Dress appropriately for changing weather; helmets are provided but bring layers if possible.

Does the tour include stops for food or drinks?

No formal meal stops are included but there may be brief breaks where you can try local snacks or fruit if offered.

Is insurance included in this day trip around Bogotá?

Yes, all-risk insurance is included as part of your booking.

Are bikes and helmets provided on this tour?

Yes, both bikes and helmets are provided along with technical assistance if needed.

How long does the La Candelaria bike tour last?

The duration isn’t specified but expect several hours covering key sites across downtown Bogotá.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

The tour can be conducted in English or Spanish depending on group needs.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a well-maintained bike with helmet plus technical assistance throughout the ride. A knowledgeable local guide leads you through every stop—from historic plazas to hidden graffiti alleys—and all-risk insurance is covered so you can focus on soaking up Bogotá’s energy without worry.