Bogotá La Candelaria: Private City Tour, Coffee & Chicha Tasting

Summary

La Candelaria streets, gold & art with chicha and coffee stops

You’ll wander Bogotá’s La Candelaria with a local guide—tasting chicha on the street, hearing stories at Plaza de Bolívar, exploring the Gold Museum’s treasures and pausing for fresh Colombian coffee in a hidden café. Expect laughter, history that feels close-up, and flavors you might remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice in La Candelaria to be the walls — every color, every wild mural, even the old bricks seemed louder here. Our guide, Camila, waved us over to a little stall where a guy was pouring chicha into mismatched glasses. It smelled sort of sweet and earthy (not sure I loved it, but hey, when in Bogotá). Camila grinned at my face and said, “It’s an acquired taste,” which made me laugh because she was right. The whole neighborhood felt like it was humming — people chatting in Spanish and bursts of music from open windows. We wandered down narrow streets that twisted past colonial houses and sudden splashes of graffiti.

We stopped at Plaza de Bolívar where Camila got serious for a second — she told us about Colombia’s tangled history right there in front of the cathedral. I could hear pigeons flapping behind us and some guy selling arepas nearby (the smell was distracting, honestly). Then we ducked into the Gold Museum. It’s colder inside — all those gold pieces glowing under glass. Hard to believe how old some of them are; Camila explained how they connect to indigenous stories and resistance. I kept thinking about how much has happened on these streets. The Botero Museum was next — those plump sculptures made everyone smile, even if you’re not really an art person.

The last stop was a tiny café tucked behind a blue door where we learned about Colombian coffee from a guy who talked about beans like they were his kids. He let us smell two different grinds — one floral, one almost chocolatey — and showed us how to brew it slow. My hands still smelled like coffee hours later. We sat there for a bit longer than planned because nobody really wanted to leave that warmth or the conversation (plus, rain started up outside). So yeah, if you’re looking for a day trip in Bogotá that isn’t just checking boxes but actually feels alive — this private city tour is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bogotá's historic La Candelaria

• Visit Botero Museum
• Visit Gold Museum
• Walk to Teatro Colon
• Walk to Chorro de Quevedo Square
• Tour historical landmarks in downtown Bogotá
• Taste traditional food and drinks
• Learn Colombian recent history at Plaza de Bolívar
• Enjoy coffee culture and brewing lesson

Top questions

How long does the La Candelaria Bogotá private city tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

Is hotel pickup included in this Bogotá city tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What museums are visited on this private city tour?

The tour includes stops at the Gold Museum and Botero Museum.

Is food or drink included during the La Candelaria tour?

Yes, tastings of chicha (local drink), fruit, juice, sweets and Colombian coffee are included.

Can I book this Bogotá day trip if I have a layover?

Yes, you can select airport pickup for layover tours in Bogotá.

Is this walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Will I have an English-speaking guide?

The tour includes a guide who can communicate in English.

Are entry fees to museums included?

Museum visits are part of the itinerary; check with your guide about any additional entry fees if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere in Bogotá or at the airport if you’re on a layover. You’ll get guided walks through La Candelaria’s historic streets plus tastings of chicha, local fruits and sweets along the way—and end with a proper Colombian coffee lesson before heading back out into the city.