La Candelaria Bogotá Private Tour: Colonial History with Guide

The city was founded here on August 6, 1538, and La Candelaria still holds that colonial architecture intact.

A private guided tour of La Candelaria, Bogotá's historic center, with hotel pickup and a professional guide who walks you through four hours of colonial streets, landmarks and the Botero Museum. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or another language you choose at booking. A minimum of two people per booking. Specify your preferred departure time when you reserve.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Bogotá's historic center

• Visit La Candelaria historic center
• See Botero's Museum

The experience

What makes La Candelaria different from the rest of Bogotá is that the city was founded there on August 6, 1538, and the colonial buildings have stayed. Your guide meets you at your hotel and drives you into the eastern center of the capital, where the first church went up and the streets still follow the grid the Spanish laid down nearly five centuries ago. The tour covers four hours, moving through the neighborhood on foot with transport by private vehicle to connect the stops.

Botero's Museum is the main attraction on the itinerary: the collection of paintings and sculptures by Fernando Botero, Colombia's most famous artist. Beyond that, the guide shapes the route through the colonial quarter, pointing out the architecture, the history embedded in the streets, and how this neighborhood became the seed of what Bogotá grew into. You're walking, not sitting in a vehicle, so wear shoes that work for pavement and bring water.

The guide is a professional who speaks the language you choose (English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or another option), so the commentary lands without translation delays. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, which means no negotiating transport before or after. The tour runs in all weather, so dress for the conditions. A minimum of two people per booking applies, and you'll need your passport details (name, number, expiry and country) at the time you reserve.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• private vehicle transport between stops.
• professional guide in your choice of English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian or another language.
• access to Botero's Museum as part of the route.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day11 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 13:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (6 to 11 years) · Infant (under 6)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Hansa Tours S.A.S

Is this one for you?If your guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian fluently, you'll follow the commentary without pauses. Choose the language that works for your group when you book. The private vehicle and hotel pickup mean you're not coordinating with other travelers or waiting for a shared bus, so the four hours stay focused on the neighborhood itself.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 11 years); Infant (under 6).

What exactly is La Candelaria and why does it matter in Bogotá?

La Candelaria is the historic center of Bogotá, the neighborhood where the city was founded on August 6, 1538. It covers the eastern center of the capital and holds the colonial-era architecture and churches that shaped South America's development, making it the part of Bogotá that preserves that period intact.

How long does the tour take and what's included in the four hours?

The tour runs four hours total. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with transport by private vehicle and a professional guide. The main stop is Botero's Museum. The rest of the time is spent walking through the colonial streets and landmarks of La Candelaria itself.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to and from the tour?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, so the driver collects you from your accommodation and returns you there after the four hours end. You only need to specify your preferred departure time when you book.

What should I bring or wear for this tour?

Wear comfortable walking shoes because most of the four hours is spent on foot through the colonial streets. Bring water and dress for the weather: the tour operates in all weather conditions, so check the forecast and dress appropriately for rain or sun.

Is there a minimum group size or any requirements to book?

A minimum of two people per booking is required. You'll need to provide your passport details (name, number, expiry date and country) at the time of reservation for all participants in your group.