Holiday Inn Bogota Airport, an IHG Hotel

The best time to visit is December through March, when days are warm and rain is less frequent, especially January and February. September is also pleasant with fewer rain days. The rainiest stretch is March through May, with March seeing the most rain. Temperatures stay mild year-round, so pack layers for cool evenings.

Stay in the North (Embassies Area) for upscale hotels like Hotel Estelar Parque de la 93 and NH Collection Bogotá Royal Teleport, near Virrey Park and Usaquén Park. The historic La Candelaria district suits first-timers, close to Plaza de Bolívar and the Gold Museum. The West (Corporative-Industrial Area) is convenient for business travelers, with hotels like Hilton Bogota Corferias and Sheraton Bogotá Hotel.

Start at Plaza de Bolívar, the historic heart with the cathedral and government buildings. The Gold Museum holds the world's largest pre-Hispanic gold collection. Monserrate Sanctuary offers sweeping city views from its hilltop church. The Botero Museum displays the artist's distinctive works alongside international masters. For a quieter moment, Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo marks the city's founding spot in La Candelaria.

From Bogotá, the full-day tours go to Zipaquirá for the Salt Cathedral, an underground church carved into a salt mine, and to Guatavita Lagoon, a sacred lake in the Andean highlands. The La Chorrera and Chiflón Waterfalls tour visits Colombia’s tallest waterfall and a series of cascades in the eastern hills. These are the main guided day trips offered, all within a few hours of the city.

Plan 3 to 4 days. In 3 days, you can see Plaza de Bolívar, the Gold Museum, Monserrate, and the Botero Museum, plus stroll the Candelaria and Chorro de Quevedo. Add a fourth day for the Museo Nacional or a relaxed afternoon in Usaquén or Virrey Park. If you take a day trip to Zipaquirá or Guatavita, add one more day.