Monserrate Walking Tour Bogotá: Shrine & City Views

Walk a sacred hill above Bogotá and step inside the shrine that defines the city's faith

A guided walking tour of Monserrate Hill in Bogotá that includes entry to the Basilica of the Fallen Lord, a lesson on Colombian Catholicism and traditions, and a taste of local food. The guide speaks English or Spanish. The tour lasts 90 minutes and covers the hill's history, the shrine's religious significance, and a brief introduction to Colombia's fauna and flora. Funicular or cable car tickets are included to reach the hilltop, though the walking path itself is separate.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Monserrate Hill and Basilica

• Join official walking tour
• Walk inside Basilica of the Fallen Lord
• Learn about Catholicism and traditions
• Discover Colombia’s fauna and flora
• Flip a lucky coin at wishing well
• Enjoy views of Bogotá from Monserrate

The experience

You arrive at Monserrate with free time and no plan to fill it. A guide meets you and walks you through the hill's religious and cultural history as you climb, stopping to point out the views of Bogotá spreading below. The Basilica of the Fallen Lord sits at the top (a working shrine where Colombians come to pray), and you enter it with the guide to understand why this place matters so deeply to the city's identity and faith.

Along the way, you taste traditional Colombian food, learn about the country's plants and animals, and join the wishing well tradition by flipping a coin. The guide speaks either English or Spanish, and the whole experience holds inside 90 minutes. Funicular or cable car tickets get you up the hill. The walking happens once you're there. All-risk insurance covers you for the duration, and the tour runs in any weather. Bring layers or use the umbrella provided if rain comes.

What’s included

• Monserrate Hill guided walk with a live guide in English or Spanish.
• entry to the Basilica of the Fallen Lord.
• funicular or cable car tickets to the hilltop.
• traditional Colombian food tasting.
• all-risk insurance for the duration of the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 10:00 and 17:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 to 70 years) · Under 18: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Find us on the base of the mountain just next to the ticket office. Just look for the yellow umbrella!”

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

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Gran Colombia Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you have a free afternoon in Bogotá and want to understand why Monserrate matters to the city: the guide ties together the shrine, the views, and Colombian faith in a single 90-minute experience, so you leave knowing the place instead of just seeing it.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What exactly is inside the Basilica of the Fallen Lord?

The Basilica of the Fallen Lord is a working Catholic shrine at the top of Monserrate where you walk inside with the guide to learn about its religious significance and its role in Colombian identity and traditions. It is an active place of worship, not a museum.

Do I have to walk up the entire hill, or does the tour include the cable car?

The tour includes funicular or cable car tickets to reach the hilltop. You do not walk the path going up. The walking happens once you arrive at the top of the hill with the guide.

How much time is this tour, and what's included in that?

The tour lasts 90 minutes total and includes the guided walk on the hill, entry to the Basilica, traditional Colombian food, a lesson on the hill's history and Colombian Catholicism, a brief overview of local fauna and flora, and the wishing well coin flip. Funicular or cable car tickets and all-risk insurance are also included.

What happens if it rains?

The tour operates in all weather conditions. Dress appropriately for rain, and the operator provides an umbrella if needed.

Is there a minimum age or fitness requirement?

The tour has a minimum age of 18. It is suitable for all physical fitness levels, though you will be walking on the hill once you reach the top by funicular or cable car.