The transport
by IrishFem
In Bogota and in fact all of Colombia, there are no bus stops. (this was in the 80's l am sure it has changed.) You simply put your hand out it does not matter if the bus is full or not. The driver wants your fare. You can get different types of buses, the cheaper ones which at that time in the 80's the money did not exsist in my currency. Your better off taking the nicer ones where your not trampled on. Beware of pick pockets. Colombia is a very poor country. Lots of children and adults beg on the streets or try to sell you flowers or fruite or whatever they can get their hands on. You will also find that the bus drivers drive really fast and play salsa music. It can be scary driving because they pay no attention to traffic lights or stop signs. If your driving, don't do anything illegal otherwise you will have the cops after you, and the only way out of that is to hand them money discreetly. Bribery is a way of life in Colombia. Don't drive unless you feel very comfortable. Also when you stop at traffic lights all of a sudden your surrounded by people trying to wash your car, or again sell you something. I had the window opened one day and my elbow was sticking out of the car and my watch disappeared in seconds. Mad crazy salsa music at 8am in the morning. The city is alive with the beautiful sounds of Latin American music. Colombians know how to cook delicious meals and the coffee is probably the best in the world.
Sweaters and light coats
by ColombiaBoard
Bogota is located on a plateau aprox. 2600 mts. (8528 ft.) above sea level, therefore the weather is rainy, cold and windy most of the year except from early December until mid February when it's dry (but still cold). Pack accordingly, include an umbrella, a light sweater and maybe a coat if you plan to go out at night when temperatures drop and people still like to sit outside at cafes and restaurants.
People in Bogota wear formal almost all the time. If your travel plan includes visits to office buildings, dinner at good restaurants or formal occasions then include formal wear in your packing list. Widely available at drugstores, large supermarkets.
Town of Villa de Leiva. A...
by viajeromaga
Town of Villa de Leiva. A beautiful town inspired by the Great Colonial times of the new Republic of Colombia. Located about 3 hours from Bogota. Its a peacefull gateaway resort for nature lovers, romantic evenings and delightfull food eaters. The hotels are wonderful and most of then are in houses that were restored. This town is among the oldest small towns built by the spanish colonies that established about 4 hundred years ago. Make sure visit the Desert of Candelaria and the Monastry ECCE HOMMO.
From Bogota to San Agustin
by MalenaN
I went up very early to go to the bus terminal. I didn’t have a reservation and thought a bus was leaving at 6.40 for San Agustin. From Platypus to the terminal this early in the morning a taxi was 8800 pesos (August 2007).
At the terminal I found out that the first bus to San Agustin was leaving at 7.00. I bought a ticket from Coomotor for 42 000 pesos (the first price was 46 000, but as I said it was expensive the women immediately gave me the other price). At the terminal there are several cafeterias and I had breakfast at Donkin Donuts (sandwich and coffee for 6200 pesos). If there is no bus direct to San Agustin you can also take a bus to Pitalito and change there.
The bus was rather small but comfortable, and there was a toilet. I had asked for a window seat as I wanted to see the scenery along the way. The disadvantage with sitting there was that the cold air condition was blowing out right above and a sweater was needed (at least on my right side).
The bus ride took 11 hours. About halfway we stopped to eat. After I came from the bathroom it seemed that everyone ate different breads (only the drivers had tamales). I thought there was no time to order anything else so I bought a yoghurt and some bread with cheese which I didn’t like. I was still very hungry and when we stopped at the terminal in Garzón (I think) I hurried to a cafeteria to buy lunch (meat, rice, salad and Pepsi for 6500 pesos).
The landscape is very beautiful at some parts and you can at several places see Magdalena River.
The bus arrived to San Agustin just as it started to get dark. As I didn’t know the way to Casa Nelly and didn’t want to try finding the way in the dark I took a car there for 5000 pesos. I asked for a taxi at the Tourist Office, which is situated just where the bus stops.
Colombian FOODS to try!
by Ames24 about (in general)
AREPAS!!!! ~ a type of turnover filled with cheese or meat or other. My fave is with cheese. There is a woman in La Candelaria who has been making and selling them outside her door almost every night for more than 15 years!?; they are 1000 pesos each. Sometimes they just hit the spot at the end of the day on the way home. She's about a block or so down the hill from the basketball courts.
CHOCOLATE!!!
AREQUIPE!!!
All kinds of breads ("pan") and goodies from the bakery! Some have arequipe in them, some are/have "bocadillo" they are both yummy.
I didn't try it on my trip (why not!?!?) but try AJIACO (a type of Colombian soup).
Do try some of the YOGHURTs -- they have way more types of yoghurt there (and also i noticed that in Mexico). The Alpinas brand was one that i tried (their production place is in a town called Sopó, about one hour's drive from Bogotá).
About dairy products: you will notice that many dairy products are not in coolers. At first I thought that was weird. The only thing is to ensure it's a pasteurized product. They are good!
Do also try the variety of fruits!!!! I LOVE THE MANGOS DE AZUCAR!!! Of course do be careful to choose ones with unbroken skin, etc., and wash with bottled or other water and or some bleach or whatever if you really want to be careful.
Hot Chocolate Santafereño style: this is hot chocolate, served with a kind of farmer's cheese. You put some in your hot chocolate and or eat some on the side. It's good! N/A
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one of the remaining colonial buildings on La Plaz
and so it is Christmas
Bandeja Paisa should not be missed
artisan vases
