Bogota: Monserrate, Gold Museum & Candelaria Private Tour

Summary

Private day in Bogota with Monserrate views, museums and old town strolls

You’ll wander Bogotá’s old streets with a local guide, see shimmering gold at Museo del Oro, ride up Monserrate for panoramic views and enjoy a traditional lunch overlooking the city. Expect small surprises — from street music to hidden art — and moments that stick with you long after you’ve left.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the air — thin and a little cool, even though it was already late morning when we met our guide outside the hotel. Bogotá sits high up, and you feel it in your lungs right away. Our driver joked about the city’s “four seasons in a day” as we headed toward La Candelaria, passing street murals that looked almost wet from the night rain. The cobblestones were slick under my shoes; I nearly slipped once but caught myself (my partner laughed — apparently I walk like a distracted tourist).

Our guide, Camila, had this way of pointing out tiny details — like how the houses in La Candelaria lean against each other, or the way people greet each other with a nod that’s almost shy. In the Museo del Oro (the Gold Museum), she explained why some pieces are shaped like frogs or birds; I didn’t expect to be so drawn in by ancient jewelry, but there’s something about seeing gold up close that makes you think about all the hands it passed through. The museum was busy but not overwhelming — just enough noise to remind you you’re not alone.

I still think about the view from Monserrate. We took the funicular up (fast pass included, which saved us a headache), and at the top everything felt hushed for a second — Bogotá spread out below like a patchwork quilt. There was this smell of grilled corn from one of the stalls near the church, mixed with incense and cold mountain air. Lunch came with big windows facing out over the city; I ordered ajiaco because Camila said it’s what her grandma makes on Sundays. Honestly? It tasted like comfort food should.

We wandered back down through Plaza de Bolívar where pigeons outnumber people and someone played accordion near the cathedral steps. By then I’d stopped checking my phone for time — just letting Bogotá unfold however it wanted. Private transportation meant we could linger or move on when we felt like it; no pressure to rush through anything. So yeah, if you want to see Bogotá without feeling herded around (and maybe eat too much soup), this private tour is worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bogota cultural and scenic tour

• Visit Gold Museum
• Tour Botero Museum
• Walk La Candelaria old town
• Walk through Plaza de Bolívar
• Visit Chorro de Quevedo
• Ascend and tour Monserrate Hill
• Enjoy traditional gourmet lunch

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Bogota private tour?

Yes, private transportation picks you up and drops you off at your hotel in Bogotá.

Does this tour include entry tickets for Monserrate?

Fast pass tickets for Monserrate are included in 5h and 7h options.

What museums are visited during the tour?

The tour visits both Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) and Museo Botero.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

A traditional gourmet lunch with panoramic view is included only in the 7h option; otherwise there is a coffee break option.

How long does this private Bogota tour last?

You can choose between 4h (no Monserrate), 5h (with coffee break), or 7h (with lunch).

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infant seats are available if needed.

Are museum tickets included in the price?

Yes, entry tickets to both Gold Museum and Botero Museum are included.

What languages does the guide speak?

Your certified guide is bilingual; English and Spanish are available.

What’s included

Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off in Bogotá, entry fees for both Museo del Oro and Museo Botero, fast pass access to Monserrate (if selected), guidance from a certified bilingual guide throughout, plus either a traditional lunch overlooking the city or a local coffee tasting depending on your chosen option—all arranged by an officially licensed agency so you don’t have to worry about logistics.