Bogotá: Monserrate Cable Car, Food Tour & Gold or Botero Museum

Summary

Monserrate views, Colombian flavors, city stories & museum choice

You’ll ride Bogotá’s cable car up Monserrate for sweeping city views before tasting Colombian dishes in bustling Candelaria streets. Walk historic plazas and choose between exploring pre-Columbian treasures at the Gold Museum or quirky art at the Botero Museum. Expect laughter with locals and small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

You know that sound when a cable car door thunks shut? That’s how our Bogotá day started — up to Monserrate before the city really wakes. The air up there felt thin and sharp, like it could slice through your sleepiness. Our guide, Camila, handed us these little cheese breads (almojábanas?) still warm, and I swear the smell of coffee drifting from a nearby stall made me hungrier than I expected. We just stood there for a minute, looking out over Bogotá sprawled below — I didn’t even try to take a photo at first because it felt better just to stare.

Back down in the Candelaria district, things got louder fast. Street vendors calling out about arepas, school kids weaving around us on the old cobblestones. Camila pointed out graffiti tucked into corners — some political, some just wild colors. She told us about the Bogotazo riots right where we were standing; it was strange thinking how much history sits under your feet here. Lunch was more like a rolling feast: empanadas from one spot, then this soup called ajiaco (I probably pronounced it wrong). I tried chicha for the first time — not sure I loved it but hey, you have to try once.

We wandered past Plaza de Bolívar and watched pigeons scatter whenever someone moved too fast. There was this older man feeding them who nodded at us — no words, just that kind of city gesture you see everywhere. For museums, Camila let us pick: Gold Museum or Botero Museum. I went for the Gold Museum because she said it’s full of stories older than Bogotá itself. Some pieces looked almost alive under the lights — tiny gold frogs and masks that made me wonder who held them centuries ago.

By late afternoon my feet were sore and my brain felt stuffed with names and flavors and little moments (like messing up “gracias” with a mouthful of bunuelos). Bogotá’s weather kept shifting — sun one second, drizzle the next. It all blended together in a way that still feels real when I think back on it now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bogotá's history and culture

• Ascend Monserrate by cable car
• Enjoy traditional snack on Monserrate
• Descend Monserrate by cable car
• Visit local food places in historic center
• Try traditional Colombian dishes
• Walk along Bogotá's oldest street
• Discover chicha and historic spots
• Visit Plaza de Bolivar and learn history
• See Nuestra Señora del Carmen church
• Visit San Francisco church
• Pass by Casa de Nariño and learn history
• Pass by Congress and main cathedral
• Choose to visit Botero Museum or Gold Museum

Top questions

How long does this Bogotá tour last?

The tour covers a full morning into early afternoon, including Monserrate, food stops, walking through Candelaria, and time at either museum.

Is food included on this Bogotá city tour?

Yes, you’ll sample traditional Colombian dishes from different regions throughout the day—enough for breakfast and lunch.

Can I choose which museum to visit?

Yes, you can pick between visiting the Gold Museum or Botero Museum during your tour.

Is transportation included to Monserrate?

The cable car or funicular ride up to Monserrate is included as part of your day trip from central Bogotá.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants can join with prams or strollers; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide speaks English and Spanish fluently during your Bogotá day trip experience.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is listed; you meet at a central location in Bogotá to start the experience.

Are entry fees to museums included?

Museum entry is included in your booking—either for Gold Museum or Botero Museum depending on your choice.

What’s included

Your day includes riding up Monserrate by cable car or train for those early-morning views over Bogotá; plenty of food samples covering both breakfast and lunch as you walk through local markets and eateries; all museum entry fees; plus guiding from someone who knows every corner of Candelaria by heart—so come hungry and ready to wander.