Bogota at a Glance

Bogota is the third highest capitol in South America located at an elevation of about 9000', a high plateau in the Northern Andes Mountains, and near the equator.  Bogota is on the move.  Once considered a place to avoid, the capitol has cleaned up its act and is fast becoming one of Latin America's urban highlights.  Improved security, infrastructure projects and a clean-up campaign have helped bring a new face to the metropolis.

Bogota is home to about 8 million people, about the size of New York City.  Colombians still flock to Bogota in search of opportunities.  Many find that the streets are not exactly paved with gold and end up seeking out an existence in one of the vast shantytowns that line the southern portion of the city.

Graceful churches, excellent museums, cultural events and a thriving nightlife can keep you busy for several days.  Bogota is also the political, financial and service center for the country, and its geographical heart, making it a useful base from which to explore the country.  Despite its massive sprawl, Bogota is dotted with parks and leisure spots.  Cool air and almost daily rain sweep away residual pollution, and there are several high peaks to the east of town that help you to keep your perspective on the ground.

At first, Bogota does not sweep you off your feet.  However, give it some time.  After about ten days in the city, the Keil Family had the chance to explore the streets and experience the Colombian culture.  This past weekend we walked about 2 miles to the Mercado Artesian, which is a Sunday Market where you can find crafts, art, food, and music.  Every Sunday, Bogota closes down half of the major roadways to allow people to walk, run, rollerblade, and bike.  We were joined by thousands of people on the streets during the walk to the Mercado Artesian.  During the walk, we experienced many different architectural sights.  Old town meets new town with many modern businesses and apartments complexes replacing older structures next to beautiful old churches and neat little cafes that used to be family homes.  Modern cars drive beside horse drawn and man-powered carts.  Most of the time the carts are used to help some of the poor locals search through trash for recyclables.  The carts are illegal in the city, but not enforced since they are helping the city recycle their trash.  Like many US cities, there is not yet an infrastructure in place for recycling.

While at the market, we tasted the street-side food, listened and watched street performers, and shopped a little for souvenirs.  We also relaxed in the park outside of the church.  Many locals stopped by to say hola to Benjamin.  Of course he smiled for the ladies and made them laugh.  Such a ladies' man!  We also experienced one of many bakeries that populate the area.  Not sure what the pastries were called, but  they were yummy.    

Some license plates portray Santa Fe de Bogota which is a combination of the traditional name obtained from Spain. 

The streets of Bogota shown here in the shadows of the Northern Andes Mountains.

Juan Valdez Cafe is a chain of coffee shops found on almost every street corner in Bogota much like Starbucks in the US.

Horse drawn carts are still found throughout the city.

The older traditional Colombian buses still exist as well.  An icon for the country.

It's not hard to find a McDonald's.

There are many US influences found all over Bogota.

The boys pose for a photo near a unique car owned by an artist selling stuff at the market.

Many quaint restaurants are located all over the city.

Street performers entertain the crowds at the market.

Many vendors are found at the Mercado Artesian.

The market contained many works of art from locals.

Benjamin needed a refreshment break and Daddy needed to rest.

An old church is the center piece to a peaceful park.

Some streets still contain the old city charm.

Bogota is filled with unique vehicles that stay in nice shape due to the year-round pleasant weather.  Which end is the front of the car?

Many of the locals spend their Sundays riding bikes for exercise and relaxation.

Mommy and Benjamin rest in the park after a long morning at the market.

Bogota is filled with many neat shops and restaurants.

Delicious food can be found on many street corners.

Music can be heard throughout the streets.

No this dog is not dead, just resting.  Bogota is populated by many stray dogs.

Modern sky scrapers replace many of the older homes that once populated the city.

The scenery was beautiful during our walk to and from the market.

Security can be found in every business.

Security can be found at every street corner.

Security is present on the streets.

The locals dress to protect themselves from the elements.

Bike repair stations can be found street-side on Sundays.

Shoelaces make a good fashion statement in Bogota.

Motorcycles can be found delivering anything from fast food to eggs to medical prescriptions.

A man pulls a cart filled with many scraps he obtained out of the garbage.

Construction is found all over our neighborhood as they make way for new apartment complexes.

Fresh South American fruit is found all over Bogota.

Ice cream bikes are all over Bogota as well.

Horses can be heard throughout the night assisting garbage collectors. 

A guy and his horse gather garbage to recycle for a living.