Colombia
Bogotá & Boyacá
Region
The region comprises the capital Bogotá and the Andean highlands of Cundinamarca and Boyacá to its north.
by Felix Gillen
The region comprises the capital Bogotá and the Andean highlands of Cundinamarca and Boyacá to its north. You come here for museums and colonial architecture in the capital, the underground Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, and Boyacá's white colonial towns. Bogotá lies at 2,640 meters, making the climate throughout the highlands accordingly cool.
With approximately eight million inhabitants, Bogotá is Colombia's largest city and the starting point for almost every trip to the Highlands. The historic center of La Candelaria, the Gold Museum, and Monserrate mountain are all close to each other.To the HighlandsApproximately 49 kilometers north of the capital lies Zipaquirá with its Salt Cathedral, a classic day trip. Further northeast, Boyacá begins with its capital Tunja. Approximately 40 kilometers west of Tunja lies Villa de Leyva, founded in 1572 and a national monument since 1954.Boyacá is also historically significant: On August 7, 1819, the Battle of Puente de Boyacá decided the struggle for independence against Spain.
Food & Drink in Bogotá and Boyacá
The cuisine of the cool Andean highlands features hearty soups made from potatoes, corn, wheat, and beans. Breakfast includes hot chocolate with cheese and corn flour pastries.
Ajiaco santafereño
Thick soup made from chicken, corn on the cob, and three types of potatoes, seasoned with the herb Guascas. In a survey by the city of Bogotá, it was chosen as the dish that tastes most like Bogotá.
Cuchuco de trigo with backbone
Soup with cracked wheat, vegetables and pork loin, typical of Boyacá's cold climate. In Tunja, it is considered the city's signature dish.
Cocido boyacense
Stew with beef, pork, and chicken, plus Andean tubers like Hibias and Cubios, peas, potatoes, and corn. It is considered Boyacá's most famous dish.
Chocolate with cheese and almojábana
Hot chocolate with cheese, with Almojábana, a cornmeal and cheese pastry. In Cundinamarca and Boyacá, it's a classic breakfast.
Best Time to Visit
When is the best time for your trip?
14–14°C·33–61 mm(little rain)
Bogotá has similar temperatures around 14 degrees all year round, with seasons differing mainly in terms of rainfall. The driest months are December to February, as well as July and August. April and May, as well as October and November, bring more than 100 mm of precipitation each at El Dorado Airport.
Nights are cool at 2,600 meters; bring a warm jacket even in the dry season. These figures apply to the airport; Villa de Leyva in Boyacá is lower at 2,149 meters.
Seasons
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Dry season, High season
A Drier Period
Season Break
Wet season
Best Time to Visit
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Sun (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13.6 | 33 | 5.9 |
| February | 14.0 | 51 | 5.3 |
| March | 14.1 | 83 | 4.4 |
| April | 14.3 | 117 | 3.5 |
| May | 14.3 | 109 | 3.5 |
| June | 14.2 | 57 | 3.9 |
| July | 13.8 | 49 | 4.3 |
| August | 13.8 | 44 | 4.4 |
| September | 13.8 | 57 | 4.1 |
| October | 13.7 | 108 | 3.8 |
| November | 13.8 | 107 | 4.2 |
| December | 13.7 | 61 | 5.1 |
Culture and History
The highlands were the territory of the Muisca. Their goldwork is displayed at the Museo del Oro in Bogotá, including the Muisca Raft, which is linked to the myth of El Dorado.Salt shaped the region even before the arrival of the Spanish: Zipaquirá was an important trading hub for salt. The colonial era left behind whitewashed houses and grand squares in La Candelaria, Zipaquirá, and Villa de Leyva.
Getting to and Around
Flight: The international airport is El Dorado (BOG) in Bogotá.Zipaquirá: On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, the Tren de la Sabana departs from Gran Estación via Usaquén to Zipaquirá. Tickets are only sold at La Sabana station.Villa de Leyva: Bus from Bogotá (Terminal del Norte or Terminal Salitre), often with a transfer in Tunja; from there, about 45 minutes by Colectivo.
