Bogotá: Monserrate Views, Gold Museum & Art Tour with Guide

Summary

See Bogotá from Monserrate then wander museums & plazas

You’ll ride high above Bogotá on Monserrate for sweeping city views, explore Botero’s quirky art with a local guide, and stand among ancient gold treasures at Museo del Oro. Wander historic plazas where locals gather and street music drifts by — all with private transport and snacks included for an easygoing day.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to feel so thin at the top of Monserrate — or maybe it was just nerves from the cable car. Our guide, Camila, grinned when I clutched the rail. She pointed out the sprawl of Bogotá below, all those red roofs and busy streets looking almost peaceful from 3,152 meters up. The church bells echoed faintly in the morning chill. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t catch half of what you see up there.

Back in town, we ducked into the Botero Museum. I’d seen his paintings online before but standing in front of those round figures (and that Mona Lisa!) was something else. Camila told us how Botero once joked about painting “fat” people because he liked volume — she even tried to imitate his accent and made us laugh. The rooms smelled faintly of old wood and polish; I kept drifting between Monet’s brushwork and Botero’s playful sculptures.

The Gold Museum was next — which sounds like it might be stuffy but wasn’t at all. There’s this one room where you’re surrounded by gold artifacts in near-darkness; it felt almost sacred, honestly. Camila explained how these pieces shaped Colombia’s history way before any conquistadors showed up. I caught myself staring at a tiny jaguar mask longer than I meant to.

We wandered through Plaza de Bolívar after that, watching pigeons scatter as kids chased them around the cathedral steps. Street vendors called out in Spanish (I understood maybe half), selling arepas and coffee that smelled sweet and burnt at the same time. We ended up at Plaza Del Chorro Del Quevedo where graffiti colors every wall — someone played guitar nearby and for a second it felt like we were just part of the city’s daily rhythm instead of visitors. Still thinking about that view from Monserrate though…

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bogotá's top city attractions

• Visit Mount Monserrate viewpoint
• Tour the Botero Museum
• Explore the Gold Museum
• Walk around Plaza de Bolivar
• Visit Plaza Del Chorro Del Quevedo

Top questions

How long does this Bogotá city tour last?

The tour typically lasts one day, covering major attractions in central Bogotá.

Is hotel pickup included in this Bogotá tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included for your convenience.

What museums are visited on this Bogotá day trip?

The tour includes visits to the Botero Museum and the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro).

Do I need to be very fit for Monserrate?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Bottled water and snacks are included during your day exploring Bogotá.

Is this a private or group tour?

This experience is offered as a private tour with a local guide.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with city pickup, bottled water to keep you refreshed, an air-conditioned vehicle throughout Bogotá’s neighborhoods, plus light snacks along the way as you visit each museum and plaza together with your local guide.