Bogotá: La Candelaria, Monserrate & Museums Private City Tour

Summary

Walk Bogotá’s old streets, taste chicha, ride up Monserrate & see gold

You’ll wander Bogotá’s La Candelaria with a local guide, taste traditional chicha and fresh fruits, ride up to Monserrate for sweeping valley views, and explore museums like Gold Museum or Botero Museum—all with hotel pickup included. Expect candid stories and small surprises along the way that make Bogotá feel personal long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way our guide, Camila, handed me a tiny cup of chicha with both hands—like she wanted me to really pay attention. It smelled sour and earthy, not at all what I expected from something called “traditional.” We were in La Candelaria, dodging a guy selling guanabana slices and a group of students sketching the faded blue walls. The cobblestones are uneven here; my ankle rolled once and Camila just grinned—“Bogotá keeps you awake,” she said. She pointed out graffiti that looked like it belonged in a gallery instead of an alley.

We took the cable car up to Monserrate next. My ears popped halfway up and the city stretched out below us—a patchwork of red roofs and green hills. It was colder than I thought it’d be; I could smell rain somewhere close by. At the top people were lighting candles and buying caramel sweets from a woman with silver hair who called everyone “mi amor.” I tried to take a photo but honestly, the view is too big for a phone screen. Camila told us stories about the peace process while we leaned against the stone railing—her voice got quiet when she talked about her uncle leaving for years during the conflict. That stuck with me more than anything else.

Back down in the city again, we ducked into the Gold Museum (if you go on Monday it’s closed—Camila had warned us). The air inside felt heavy and still. There’s this one room where you stand surrounded by gold artifacts in total darkness until they light everything up at once—it made my skin prickle. I’m not usually into museums but seeing all that history in metal shapes was weirdly moving. Afterward we wandered past street vendors selling obleas smeared with arequipe, then stopped at Botero Museum where everything looks plumper than real life—even the cat statue outside.

I liked that Camila adjusted things as we went—she asked if we wanted more art or more coffee (we picked coffee). She knew everyone: waved to fruit sellers, joked with museum guards. By late afternoon my feet hurt but I didn’t want to leave yet—you know that feeling? Bogotá is noisy and complicated but somehow gentle too. I still think about that candlelight on Monserrate sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bogotá's landmarks and museums

• Visit La Candelaria historic district
• Taste traditional chicha, fruits, sweets, coffee
• Walk through Santander Park
• See Chorro de Quevedo Square
• Pass by Casa Museo Quinta de Bolivar
• Pass by International Emerald Museum
• Pass by Bogotá Mint Museum
• Pass by Teatro Colon
• Learn recent Colombian history at Plaza de Bolivar
• Visit Botero Museum
• Visit Gold Museum
• Take cable car to Monserrate hill
• Enjoy views from Monserrate hill

Top questions

How long does the Bogotá private city tour last?

You can choose between 5 or 7 hours for this private city tour in Bogotá.

Is hotel pickup included for this Bogotá day trip?

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

Can I visit both Monserrate and museums on this tour?

If you select the 7-hour option, you can visit both Monserrate and museums like Gold Museum and Botero Museum.

Are entrance fees covered in this Bogotá tour?

Yes, entry fees for chosen attractions such as Monserrate, Gold Museum, and Botero Museum are included.

What happens if Gold Museum is closed on my tour date?

If Gold Museum is closed (Mondays), your guide will suggest alternative museums based on your interests.

Is food tasting part of this Bogotá city tour?

Yes, you’ll try traditional foods like chicha, local fruits, sweets, and coffee during your walk through La Candelaria.

Is this a walking tour or do we use transport?

This is mainly a walking tour through downtown Bogotá; some segments include cable car or funicular rides if visiting Monserrate.

Is this private day trip suitable for layovers in Bogotá?

Yes; if you have a layover just select airport as your pickup point when booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Bogotá (or airport for layovers), all entry tickets for selected attractions like Monserrate hill (with cable car or funicular), Gold Museum or Botero Museum depending on your choice and opening days, guided walks through historic neighborhoods like La Candelaria plus tastings of chicha, fruits, sweets and Colombian coffee before heading back at your own pace.