| BOGOTÁ!, BOGOTÁ!, BOGOTÁ! Bogotá is not just Colombia´s capital; it is national government´s headquarters and the most relevant industrial, trade, economic, educational and cultural center of the north of South America. Bogotá is a cosmopolitan and modern city; it is a city in constant growth and renovation that becomes one of the best options for touristic, academic, medical and business activities in the Latin-American region. Bogotá for Colombians, is the all-regions-city, the trendy city, where everybody is welcome, where big business are made, where you can find everything, the city of opportunities, where most all Colombians have relatives or friends. For these reasons Bogotá represents the American dream to provincial Colombians. Bogotá has been pioneer in different aspects, both nationally and internationally, the city has the largest cycle way of the world –established more than 35 years ago-, has a network of 21 public libraries and a massive public transportation system –TransMilenio- that has been imitated by the most important cities in Colombia. Big ideas and important events in Colombia have always undergoes first in Bogotá, what is decided in Bogotá has nationwide impact. In such way, political (The Independence, El Bogotazo and the Colombian Constitutional reform), cultural (Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro, Rock al parque, Rap al parque, Salsa al parque…), city organization events (citizen culture, vehicle restrictions measures) born in Bogotá and impacts the whole country. Apartamentos Alhambra (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com), operated by Investments de Colombia SAS, has its headquarters in Bogotá. Our company offers you the best accommodation in the city, for short or long terms, in fully-furnished apartments –areas from 30m2 to 180m2 and rates 50-75% less than regular and top hotels´ in Bogotá. Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments are located in the best and safest neighborhoods of Bogotá, closer to the transportation system and to the most important cultural, leisure, trade, diplomatic and financial centers of Bogotá. For these reasons, Apartamentos Alhambra (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) is the best accommodation option in Bogotá, the only city in Colombia that has it all! Flor de razas, compendio y corona en la patria no hay otra ni habrá. Nuestra voz la repiten los siglos, Bogotá! Bogotá! Bogotá! (Final verse of the Anthem of Bogotá) Welcome to Bogotá! Apartamentos Alhambra, your house in Bogotá! www.apartamentos-alhambra.com. BACATÁ, SANTAFÉ, BOGOTÁ. SANTAFÉ DE BOGOTÁ, THE SOUTHAMERICAN ATHENS… Bogotá´s name originates from the indigenous muisca word Bacatá that means the end of the fields. However, in its foundation the first name of the city was Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza, which shifts to Santafé a year later. During the Colony the city was known as Santafé de Bogotá in order to differentiate it from other cities with the same name in Latin America. Since 2.000 the official name of the city is Bogotá, D.C. (for Capital District). Beyond official names, Bogotá has been called with other colloquial names. At the beginning of XX century as a consequence of the influx of intellectuals and writers, the city was known as the South American Athens; name that the graffiti community adapted decades later to la tenaz suramericana (the southamerican tenacious, due to a game word in Spanish). People from the Colombian Caribbean coast refer to Bogotá as the freezer due to its cold weather in some months of the year. Lovingly both people from Bogotá and outsiders call Bogotá as everybody´s living place, basically because despite race, religion and hometown everybody is welcome, everybody will have a city that warmly welcomes. HISTORY Since 10.500 B.C. human communities inhabit the Bogotá region, they develop activities such as hunting and recollection. There are some records of horticultural and pottery and the domestication of guinea pigs since 3.500 B.C. By 500 B.C. corn and potatoes crops were diffused. By 800, as a result of Mesoamerican migration, muiscas inhabit the current region of Bogotá. Though muisca culture lacked writing, chroniclers reconstruct indigenous history based on oral tradition since 1.470, when the zipa (big chief) Sagunamachica governs the region. It has been told that muiscas could practice young virgin women sacrifices when captured in battle or when purchased them to different tribes. The Nemequene Code, a complex legal structure, and a precision calendar where also achievements of the muisca culture. Muisca´s buildings where raised with constructive materials that allowed it to stand till the arrival of Europeans. It is important to notice that still today some people from Bogotá have indigenous facial features, however the fenotype of bogotanos have changed due to migration: nowadays Bogotá is a multiracial city. First Bogota´s migrations started at middle XX century from different regions of Colombia. Small European communities, basically Jews and Lithuanians, who established in Bogotá by the II World War, contributed to economic and cultural dynamics, and also to Bogota´s ethnic diversity. Recently, due to Bogotá´s investing boom, some communities of Venezuelans, Spaniards, Chilean, Indians, Chinese and Koreans have decided to settle down and invest in Bogotá. Bogotá´s foundation After arriving from Santa Marta with his diminished troops, defeating muiscas and conquering the Sabana de Bogotá, Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada founded the city. The main ceremony was held on august 6th, 1.538, with the construction of twelve huts and a chapel in a place called Thybzaca (nowadays Teusaquillo). It is supposed that it all occurred in current downtown Chorro de Quevedo square, 35 minutes from the apartments of Apartamentos Alhambra (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com). On April 22nd, 1.539, Jiménez de Quesada, accompanied by Nicolás Federmann and Sebastián de Belalcázar, also chaired the legal foundation of Santafé. At the beginning the city was named Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza, but later on, in its legal foundation, its name was changed to Santafé. On July 27th, 1.540, emperor Carlos I raised Santafé to the category of city, The council of Santafé was established in 1.539 and in 1.548 the emperor granted the peerage muy noble, muy leal y ciudad más antigua del Nuevo Reino, and for shield of arms a badge with a black eagle in a golden field, with an open pomegranate in each claw and some bunches of gold in a blue field. The Colony Since Jiménez de Quesada´s foundation in 1.538, during the colony Santafé was the capital city of the Nuevo Reino de Granada (established in 1.550). Since 1.717, the city was the capital of the Viceroyalty of Nueva Granada. In 1.783, the viceroy created a scientific commission –Botany Expedition- directed by José Celestino Mutis, which started its first biological research in Santafé´s hills. Alexander von Humboldt visited Bogotá at the beginning of the XIX century, attracted by its cultural and scientific institutions –e.g. the first observatory in America. Having the most influential creoles of the Viceroyalty living in the city (e.g. Policarpa Salavarrieta and Antonio Nariño), determined that the independency movement born in Bogotá. Important historical events that happened in Bogotá, such as El Florero de Llorente, were the trigger of the beginning of the struggle for independence. Republic period Bogotá was the capital of the Gran Colombia till 1.830, when that big country dissolved into current territories of Ecuador, Venezuela and Colombia (Panamá separated from Colombia in 1.903). Colombia´s history during the end of the XIX century and the beginning of the XX century was just a following of civil wars that bled the country with the complicity of parties Liberal and Conservador. In 1.876 the council of Bogotá established current city´s naming and numbering of streets. During the period of the United States of Colombia (1863-1886), Bogotá was stated as the Federal Capital and some of its neighborhoods were established as cantons. By 1880 the first Bogotá railway train opens from San Victorino to Facatativá, and turns to a 100 km railway train by the end of XIX century. In 1884 opens the mule tram service (from the Plaza de Bolívar to Chapinero) and in 1910 the service turned to an electric tram that extended to different neighborhoods of the city by mid 40s. Tram and train transportation system were determinant for the development of the city. In the 20s the first Latin-American airport opened in Bogotá and, since the construction of the power center of Salto del Tequendama, the electricity system was established in the whole city. By the 30s the first urban projects were developed in Bogotá: the complex of the Teusaquillo neighborhood, the University City, the National Park and stadium Nemesio Camacho El Campín. Nevertheless, the death of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán in April 9th, 1948 and the consistent city destruction and looting by angry hordes –El Bogotazo- stopped the growing dynamic of the city. As a consequence of these unfortunate events, wealthy families of the city moved from the downtown to other sectors of Bogotá such as Chapinero and El Chicó, even more some of them moved to closer villages as Usaquén and Suba; this Diaspora enhanced the territory of the city. During the IX Panamerican Conference held in Bogotá in 1948, the Pact of Bogotá was signed which led to the creation of the Organization of American States (OAS). General Gustavo Rojas´ military dictatorship in mid 50s, contributed to the development of the city: during these years Autopista Norte, El Dorado International Airport, Avenida 26 and Centro Internacional were constructed. As part of John F. Kennedy´s Alliance for Progress, in 1961 the neighborhood Ciudad Kennedy was constructed. Bogotá is a city that has always reinvented itself, always being dynamic and entrepreneurial. Nowadays, the city government has done a special effort in order to guarantee Bogota´s security. City security is evident especially in the north of Bogotá, in those neighborhoods where Apartamentos Alhambra (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) offers to our guests excellent full furnished apartments. Since Antanas Mockus´ mayoralty in 1994, the city undergoes important changes: the transportation system Transmilenio, pedestrian space recovery, public library network and cycle ways were established. Besides that, vehicle and hanging out restriction measures –Pico y Placa and Hora Zanahoria- and investments in social programs –community dining rooms and increase of educational coverage- have become a must in the city´s history. Bogotá, D.F., Bogotá, D.E., Bogotá, D.C. The first district around country´s capital was the Distrito Federal of Bogotá, established in June 23rd, 1861 in order to settle in the city the residency of the federal government of the time. In those days, District´s boundaries where Arzobispo River (north) Fucha River (south), Bogotá (west) and East Hills (east). However, the Distrito Federal was suppressed in 1864 and the whole territory was returned to the Estado Soberano de Cundinamarca. In 1905 Colombia´s territorial division was thoroughly reorganized and through the 17th Law of April 11th a new district was created: Distrito Capital de Bogotá, which was also suppressed in 1910, turning Bogotá into a new city of Cundinamarca. Nevertheless, in 1954 dictator Rojas Pinilla created the Distrito Especial of Bogotá, to which is annexed several municipalities (Bosa, Engativá, Fontibón, Suba, Usme, Usaquén and Sumapaz). These municipalities preserved their autonomy till when, in the following years, local mayoralties were created –first of which was Chapinero followed by Puente Aranda (1964) and Ciudad Kennedy (1967). Five years later, the District where divided in 16 lesser mayoralties within which were Santafé, Teusaquillo, Los Mártires, Barrios Unidos, Antonio Nariño, San Cristóbal and Tunjuelito, In 1977 and 1983 lesser mayoralties of La Candelaria and Ciudad Bolívar were created, respectively. Finally, with 1991´s Constitution, Distrito Especial turns into Distrito Capital, divided in 20 lesser mayoralties. Bogotá D.C. administration Bogotá D.C. is both urban and rural area; its territory is a subdivision of the Departamento de Cundinamarca. Bogotá D.C. is not part of Cundinamarca, in fact, within the country; it has the same equivalence of a Departamento. District´s council has legislative attributions and it is in charge of mayoralty policy control. District´s council is composed by 45 councilors who are elected for a 4 years period. The District has secretaries (e.g. health, mobility, education, environment, and habitat). All Colombian legal entities are established in Bogotá. Administrative Division The Distrito Capital is subdivided in 20 localities, which are formed out by more than 1.200 neighborhoods. Besides Sumapaz, all localities are in the urban territory of Bogotá. Each locality has its own Junta Administradora Local –JAL- (Local Administrative Board). JAL´s functions concerns economic and social development, public service control and investment of resources. Current localities of Bogotá are: Usaquén, Tunjuelito, Suba, Puente Aranda, Santa Fé, Kennedy, Barrios Unidos, Bosa, Chapinero, San Cristóbal, Fontibón, Teusaquillo, La Candelaria, Los Mártires, Rafael Uribe Uribe, Usme, Engativá, Antonio Nariño, Ciudad Bolívar and Sumapaz. Best neighborhoods in Bogotá, in terms of security and quality of public services, are in the north of the city. Apartamentos Alhambra (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) offers to our guests full furnished apartments in the best neighborhoods of the north of Bogotá: La Alhambra, Chicó, San Patricio, Contador, Pasadena and Pontevedra; where our guests can walk in peace and enjoys the surrounding parks. GEOGRAPHY Bogotá Is located in the Sabana de Bogotá, within the cundiboyacense plateau, a plain located 2.630 meters above sea level; this geographic trait becomes Bogotá in world´s higher biggest city and in the third higher capital city of the world (after Quito and La Paz). Bogotá´s total and urban areas are about 1776 km2 and 307 m2, respectively. The territory where the city seats was formerly a lake; therefore several wetlands are founded in some non-urban sectors of the Sabana de Bogotá and of the locality of Suba; in fact it is well recorded that when conquerors arrived this territory was full of swamps. Bogota´s south border limits with the Departamento del Meta and Departamento del Huila; north border limits with the municipality of Chía; west border limits with Bogotá River and municipalities of Arbeláez, Cabrera, Cota, Funza, Mosquera, Pasca, San Bernardo, Sibaté, Soacha and Venecia in the Departamento de Cundinamarca; east border limits with East Hills and municipalities of La Calera, Chipaque, Choachí, Gutiérrez, Ubaque and Une. Bogotá is bounded by the east by a mountain system in which Monserrate (3.152 meters over the sea level) and Guadalupe (3.250 meters over the sea level) hills outstands. A pedestrian trek and funicular and cable car systems communicates Bogotá with Monserrate hill. Bogota´s largest river is Bogotá River, where it has developed several decontamination campaigns in recent years. Other important rivers of the city are Tunjuelo, San Francisco, Fucha, Juan Amarillo and Salitre, which flow into Bogotá River. WEATHER Due to its high altitude and its low latitude Bogota has a high temperate weather with little thermal oscillation through the year. Regularly temperature is between 5 and 20 °C, average 14 °C. Raining season occurs from March to May and from October to November. In contrast, dry season occurs from January to February and from July to August. Full furnished apartments of Apartamentos Alhambra (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) are designed and equipped for Bogotá´s weather. DEMOGRAPHIC INDICATORS By 2010 Bogota´s population was about 7.363.782 (7.347.795 in the urban area) and a density 4.146 inhabitants/km2. Just 15.987 inhabitants occupy the rural area of the Distrito Capital. The 47,8% of Bogota´s population are men and 52,2% women. The city has the lowest analphabetism rate of the country (3,4%). Bogotá as well is the most crowd region of the country. Public services in the city have an extended coverage -99,4% of houses have electricity, 98,6% have water supply and 87,8% have phone-. Within the country, Bogotá is the city with the lowest unsatisfied basic needs; hence Bogotá is Colombia´s best infrastructure city. Bogota´s idiosyncrasy As in every big city in the world, bogotanos seems suspicious, but with the time, tourists will discover in Bogota´s inhabitants Colombia´s hospitality. It is remarkable the way bogotanos treat foreigners. Bogota´s idiosyncrasy is a result of the mixture of different cultures of the country. Despite living in a big and sort of chaotic city, bogotanos like to share with their family and strengthen neighbor and friend ties. As in the whole country, family unit is really appreciated by Bogota´s society. Religion Despite 1991´s Constitution statements, that promote religion diversity, the city has catholic religion predominance. Several catholic churches and chapels are located both in antique and new neighborhoods. In fact, there is an Archdioceses in Bogotá since 1564, being the Cathedral Primada de Colombia its remarkable cathedral. Nevertheless, Bogotá has also a Muslim mosque located in Chapinero, five synagogues in the north of the city, a catholic orthodox church located in Chapinero, a Mormon church located in calle 127 x Autopista Norte, and four Buddhism temples in the north of the city. Also an indefinite number of Christian churches are located in different sectors of Bogotá. Several of all these temples, churches and chapels are closer to the full furnished apartments of Apartamentos Alhambra (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com). ECONOMIC INDICATORS Bogotá is the main economic center of Colombia, is the city where most national and international investments remain. By 2008, the city was considered the forth financial center of Latin America. Within years 2003 and 2006 Bogota´s GDP grows 10,3% per year; in fact, Bogota´s GDP represents the 25,3% of Colombia´s GDP and it is even higher than Uruguay´s or Bolivia´s GDP. Living in Bogotá is cheaper than the 40 most important cities in Latin America. These reasons have been considered in order to state Bogotá as one of best-doing-business cities in the world. According to América Economía Intelligence magazine, in terms of life quality, doing-business feasibility and professional development conditions, Bogotá occupied a sixth place between 50 cities in Latin America. At a national level, Bogota´s products and services imports represents 24,4% of Colombia´s, due basically to its geographical location. Therefore, plenty multinational companies operations have been set in Bogotá. Nowadays, within the 248,000 companies that are based in Bogotá. 78% are service providers and contribute to 76% of employment and 79% to GDP. Bogota´s localities with more industrial establishments are Puente Aranda, Fontibón, Kennedy, Los Mártires, Engativá and Barrios Unidos. The United States of America and the European Union are the most important commercial partners of Bogotá. The city exports agricultural products (30%), chemicals (10%) and textiles (7%), and imports machinery (31%) and transport equipment (17%). Currently, Bogotá is the best place to invest in Colombia and one of the best investments destinations in the world, the reasons for that are: 1) A big market with a broad access to international markets; 2) A strategic geographical location and excellent air connectivity; Bogotá is in the middle of the continent -5 hours by plane to New York, Mexico City and Sao Paulo-. El Dorado International Airport is the first cargo airport and the second passenger airport in Latin America; 3) Skilled workforce; 4) Competitive costs; 5) Bogotá has an excellent business environment; 6) Operating environment quality ;7) Good quality of life; 8) Bogotá has strategic potential sectors such as: offshore services, contact center, BPO, IT, audiovisual production, hydrocarbon industry, educational services, medical services (www.colombiamedicaltours.com), aircraft upkeep, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry, agribusiness and tourism (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com). Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments are the best accommodation option for those who pretend to invest in the city; we are located 10 minutes far from Calle 116´s financial center, 20 minutes far from Avenida Chile´s financial center and 35 minutes far from Centro Internacional in downtown. TRANSPORTATION Bogota´s transportation system is composed by a collective public transportation system, a mass transportation system TransMilenio, taxi service, cycle way system and a road network for cars and motorbikes. The most important access routes to the city are Autopista Norte, Norte-Quito-Sur, Troncal Calle 13, Calle 80, Carrera Séptima, Avenida Boyacá, Avenida Circunvalar and Avenida El Dorado. El Dorado International Airport is located 35 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments; it is the most important airport in the country and one of the most important in Latin America. Closer to El Dorado International Airport are an Avianca´s airport (Puente Aéreo) and a military airport. In the location of Suba there is a small aircraft and police airport, Guaymaral Airport. As in all big cities, knowing how to move within Bogotá and saving time on it is a big clue, for this reason Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartaments are located closer to the transportation system. In addition, Apartamentos Alhambra (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) offers to our customers a comfortable door to door transport (for more information contact as at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). EDUCATION The city has a wide educational system, both high school and university. Within the numerous universities (106) located around the city, there are the best Colombian universities: Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Escuela Colombiana de Ingeniería, Universidad de Los Andes, Universidad de La Salle, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Universidad del Rosario, Universidad Manuela Beltrán, Universidad Colegio Mayor de Cundinamarca, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Universidad La Gran Colombia, Universidad de la Sabana, Universidad Militar Nueva Granada, Universidad Politécnico Grancolombiano, Universidad Autónoma de Colombia, Universidad de San Buenaventura, Universidad Católica de Colombia, Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia, Universidad Libre, Universidad Central, Universidad Sergio Arboleda, Universidad de Bogotá Jorge Tadeo Lozano, Universidad Piloto de Colombia, Universidad Santo Tomás, Universidad Pedagógica Nacional. 450.000 university students are in Bogotá, 70,000 more than in Santiago or Lima. MEDIA Bogotá has four local television channels (Capital, Citytv, Canal 13 y TeleAmiga) and five national television channels (Caracol, RCN, Canal Uno, Señal Institucional and Señal Colombia). The city has also satellite television service (DirecTV and Telefónica) and cable television service (Telmex, UNE). The most important Colombia´s radio stations are located in Bogotá as well. In the same way the most relevant newspaper headquarters are located in the city: El Tiempo, El Espectador, Portafolio, El Nuevo Siglo, La República, El Espacio and ADN. Recently, Bogotá has its own English newspaper: The City Paper, provided for free to our guests. Internet penetration rate in Bogotá is about 33,96%, there are 235.721 wide band users. For your comfortability our apartments have cable tv and internet wifi. DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION 52 countries have diplomatic representation in Bogotá. Embassies, as in most big cities in the world, are located in the best neighborhoods, so merely all embassies are closer to Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) full furnished apartments. Hence, if you come to Bogotá for visa or international business issues, Apartamentos Alhambra (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) is the best accommodation option. Algeria Cra. 11 # 93-53 Of. 302 6350520 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Argentina Av. 40a #13-09 Piso 16 2880900 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Austria Calle 9 #73-44 Piso 4 3262680 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Belgium Calle 26 #4a-45 Piso 7 3800370 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Bolivia Calle 108 A #21-42 6195509 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. 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You need JavaScript enabled to view it THINGS TO DO IN BOGOTÁ You´ll have a plenty things to do in this amazing city, Bogota´s offers countless options both for residents and tourists. It doesn´t matter if your trip is for business or leisure, each day will be a new day in this Colombia´s cultural melting pot city. Apartamentos Alhambra (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) suggests visiting Centro Histórico (Barrio La Candelaria), Museo del Oro, Monserrate, Museo de Botero and Museo Nacional (Check out Historical and Cultural Tourism). During afternoons our guests can take lunch at one of the malls closer to Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments and make some shopping with safe and comfort. (Check out Shopping in Bogotá). Bogotá´s night is full of opportunities and rumba options; closer to our apartments you can enjoy cool music, delight yourself with a drink in the bars and restaurants located in Usaquén, Avenida Pepe Sierra, Zona G and Zona T (Check out Rumba in Bogotá). TOURIST BOGOTÁ Bogotá is well known as a tourist destination, it is the main tourist destination in Colombia -52% of foreigners that travel to Colombia come to Bogotá-. Reasons for travelling to Bogotá? Business, investing, medical tourism (www.colombiamedicaltours.com), shopping, religious tourism, culture, and more. Important tourist spots are Jardín Botánico José Celestino Mutis, Quinta de Bolívar, Monserrate, Palacio de Nariño, Plaza de Bolívar, Palacio Liévano, Museo del Oro, Museo Nacional, Museo del Banco de la República, Observatorio Nacional, Planetario de Bogotá, Maloka, Torre Colpatria gazebo, La Calera gazebo, Monumento de Banderas a Las Américas, La Candelaria. Evenmore, the city has some amusement parks: Salitre Mágico and Mundo Aventura. WHERE TO STAY IN BOGOTÁ There are countless hotels in Bogotá, average rate/night is about COP$300,000 (US$150), quite expensive if you want to travel and enjoy the city rather than staying in a hotel room. In contrast, cost/benefit we offer to our guests exceeds hotels´, just take into account our rates: 50 to 75% less than hotel rates for short terms, and if you have an extended stay there is no comparison, you´ll save more! It is an undisputable fact that Apartamentos Alhambra (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) is the best accommodation option in Bogotá. For these reason, if you travel to Bogotá you must take into account that this is a dynamic city with a lot of things to do and to enjoy, so save money staying at comfortable full furnished apartments of Apartamentos Alhambra (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com). Bogota´s surrounding areas such as Fúquene lagoon and Neusa, Tominé and Sisga reservoirs offer camping and water sports facilities. Also camping at Sumapaz and Chingaza national parks will be an astounding experience for tourists. The city also has a tourist train that travels on weekends from downtown to the Sabana de Bogotá and some small cities (Cajicá, Nemocón and Zipaquirá). Other touristic attractions in Bogota´s surroundings are Parque Jaime Duque, Guatavita lagoon, Salto de Tequendama, Santa Cruz Zoo, Chicaque natural park, Panaca Sabana, Melgar, Girardot, archaeological park Piedras del Tunjo. For more information contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Historical Tourism Bogota´s tourist, historical and cultural neighborhood is La Calendaria, 40 minutes far from apartments of Apartamentos Alhambra (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com). Through La Candelaria´s nineteenth-century houses and colonial balconies eaves is possible to get in touch with Bogota´s history. Today these antique houses have been reinvented into theatres (La Candelaria, Seki Sano, el Tecal, García Márquez, etc.) and museums (Colonial, del Florero, Casa de la Moneda, Quinta de Bolívar, Militar, etc.) or have dissapeared to be replaced by modern buildings of Universidad de La Salle, Universidad Externado, Universidad de los Andes and Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango (the most visited public library in the Americas). La Candelaria´s steep stone streets, which almost climb to the sky, have been witness of Colombia´s history and great events. Even more, before Jiménez de Quesada´s foundation La Candelaria was a sacred place for muiscas. Within La Candelaria´s blocks tourists can find the house where Simon Bolívar lived and the house where poet José Asunción Silva committed suicide while he pours out his love for his sister. But La Candelaria is not just an antique neighborhood; plenty international restaurants, bohemian cafes, galleries and culture centers are part of this astounding environment. If you want to travel La Candelaria by bike contact us This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Most remarkable La Candelaria´s historical places are: Catedral Primada, Capilla del Sagrario, Palacio Cardenalicio, Colegio San Bartolomé, Camilo Torres Monument, Capitolio Nacional, Casa Comuneros, Palacio Liévano headquarters of Bogotá mayoralty, Palacio de Nariño national government headquarters, Palacio de Justicia, Casa del Florero, Casa Comuneros, Plaza de Nariño, Iglesia Museo Santa Clara, Observatorio, Museo Siglo XIX, Café Giralda, Museo Caldas, Edificio del Ministerio de Hacienda, Iglesia de San Agustín, Nueva Santafé de Bogotá, Archivo General de la Nación, Archivo de Bogotá, Museo Antropológico, Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad de la Salle, Museo de los Derechos del Hombre, Plaza de Quevedo, Iglesia de San Ignacio, Plazoleta Rufino José Cuervo, Museo de Arte Colonial, Palacio de San Carlos, Escuela Diplomática, Casa de la Ópera, Teatro Colón, Casa Rafael Pombo, Museo Militar, Casa Cuervo, Casa Eduardo Santos, Casa Galán, Avenida Jiménez, Iglesia de San Francisco, Iglesia de Veracruz, Casa Abadía, Colegio Agustiniano, Calle del Embudo, Iglesia de La Candelaria, Museo Botero, Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango, Casa de Moneda, Centro Cultural García Márquez, Restaurante La Puerta Falsa, Calle del Sol, Chorro Quevedo. Architectural tourism Bogota´s architecture is really diverse: from slums in the south to colony houses in downtown and modern buildings in the north. Urban morphology was basically the same till the end of XX century: colony two floor houses with gable roofs, clay tiles, central patio and balconies. Republican Architecture was common from 1830 to 1930; by the 30s german architect Leopoldo Rother brought Modern Architecture with the construction of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (1936-1939). This trend was followed by local architects such as Rogelio Salmona, known as the most important architect of the country. Great architects in Bogotá Le Corbusier (1887-1965) At the end of 20s, world famous architect Le Corbusier travelled to South America, where he lectured and suggested local governments on urban development plans. He visited Bogotá for first time in 1947; later on, after El Bogotazo´s destructive effect, he proposed town planning for Bogotá. Despite his town planning wasn´t thoroughly materialized, his suggestion impacted the city. Le Corbusier´s heritage in Bogotá could be appreciated in Centro Nariño (first residential complex in Colombia), closer to Corferias, 25 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Leopoldo Rother (1894-1978) Since his arrival to Colombia in 1936 to 1961, Rother worked at the Dirección de Edificios Nacionales del Ministerio de Obras Públicas where he developed some of the most important architecture modern projects during López Pumarejo´s presidency: Ciudad Universitaria of the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Eduardo Santos stadium -25 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Rogelio Salmona (1927-2007) His work is characterized for being linked to Latin-American roots and to urban context, standing out brick and concrete in sight and brutalism elements. In fact, Bogota´s architecture typology was influenced mainly by Salmona. Salmona himself was influenced by pre-Columbian architecture (e.g. Teotihuacan, Uxmal and Chichén Itzá), elements that are evidenced in the sense of space of his work: Torres del Parque, Centro Cultural Gabriel García Márquez, Archivo General de la Nación building, Eje Ambiental, Ciencias Humanas building in the Universidad Nacional, Virgilio Barco library, Nueva Santa Fe residential complex, Colombia´s Vicepresidency headquarters, Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá, Centro Cultural Francés. Most of his work is 35 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Germán Samper (1924) The most outstanding buildings of Samper that visitors can appreciate in Bogotá are: Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango, Museo del Oro, Avianca building, Banco de Occidente building and Ciudadela Colsubsidio residential complex. Bogota´s architectural gems Tercera Orden Franciscana church “La Tercera“ church is one the most beautiful architectural gems in Bogotá. The church was built by Franciscan Order. This gem is 35 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Kopp mansion Built by architect Alberto Manrique and requested by german enterpreuner and mason Leo Kopp. Currenty, the house is Colombia´s freemasonry headquarters and it is located 35 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Casa de Nariño Casa de Nariño is located in Bogota´s historical dowtown. Nowadays it is Colombia´s government headquarters and it is 40 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Santamaría bullring Its construction started since 1928, directed by engineers Adonaí Martínez and Eduardo Lazcano. Rancher and enterpreuner, Ignacio Sanz de Santamaría, was the promoter of this bullring opened on February 8th, 1931 by Manolo Martínez, Ángel Navas and Mariano Rodríguez´ bullbaitings with Mondoñedo´s bulls. By the 40s Spanish architect Santiago de la Mora designed its current Mudejar façade. The Santamaría bullring is 35 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Bogotá mayoralty´s Liévano´s palace Lievano´s palace was built in 1843 by Juan Manuel Arrubla, and opened in 1848. By 1900 the building was seriously affected by fire, and then in 1903 Nicolás Liévano rebuilt it with a new design. By 1960 the mayoralty bought it and since then it has been its headquarters. Lievano´s palace is 40 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Faenza theatre This is one of Bogota´s icons and a pure example of art nouveau in Colombia. Faenza theatre is 35 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Museo Nacional The Prison, designed by architect Thomas Reed in mid-XIX century, was the most important jail in the country for almost 72 years. Since 1946 the government decided to establish the Museo Nacional in the building. In addition to housing important national and international artistic work and exhibitions, the building itself is an architectural gem since is one of the few Panoptic type constructions in the Americas. Museo Nacional is 35 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Religious tourism Bogotá is city of churches due to Spanish colonization, there are ancient and new churches, and always there is one in construction. The following, in chronological order, is a list of the most important churches in Bogotá: Santo Domingo church, 1550 San Francisco church, 1550 Veracruz church, 1554 Nuestra Señora de Egipto church, 1556. Nuestra Señora del Carmen church, 1560 Santa Bárbara church, 1560. Bogotá´s Cathedral, 1572 San Felipe Neri chapel, 1575. Nuestra Señora de Belén church, 1580. Nuestra Señora de las Nieves church, 1581. Concepción church, 1583. San Diego church, 1606. San Ignacio church, 1610 Monserrate church, 1620 Santa Clara church, 1629 San Agustín church, 1637 Las Aguas church, 1640. La Candelaria church. Porciúncula church,1943. Bogota´s Mormon temple. Located in Niza neighborhood, the temple has astounding built materiales such as marble and stained glass windows. This magnificent building was opened in 1999 and is 10 minutes far from far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. The closer catholic churches from our apartments are: Santo Domingo Savio church, San Ambrosio church, Santa Gema church and San Francisco de Asis church. Easter week in Bogotá Easter week is the time of the year where people try to find spiritual reflection and to enjoy a short vacation. In this week Bogotá is great, there is a dramatic traffic decrease due to exodus of bogotanos to vacational places, so you can enjoy particularly downtown without routine stress. Health tourism Bogotá has an important and highly qualified health network that is at the forefront in Colombia and Latin America. Health institutions in Bogotá are grouped in three levels according to the quality and attention span: first level has 10 hospitals that provide basic attention, internal medicine, lab tests, emergency, hospitalization and dentistry; second level has 7 hospitals, which provide first level services and specialized attention, optometry and psychology; third level has 5 hospitals, which provide first and second level services and subspecialty services such as cardiology, neurology, genetics, dermatology. In addition, Bogotá has 142 care points distributed at different location of the city. Medical attention in Bogotá is strictly regulated by Colombian law. Currently, there are 22 health service companies (EPS), which have coverage of 4.963.607 people (according to Ministry of Health statistics). In recent years, Bogotá has been becoming an international health tourism destination. The most remarkable hospitals are Clínica Barraquer (specialized in optometry and ophthalmology), Clínica Shaio and Clínica Cardioinfantil (specialized in cardiology), Fundación Clínica Santa Fé. Several cancer, neurologic and plastic surgery medical centers are also established in Bogotá. Governmental economic projections estimate health tourism in Bogotá will represent US$260 million in the next two years. These projections correspond to a 25 year-business-plan of a joint alliance between health and tourism institutions. Bogotá has become a top health tourism destination for patients from USA, Panama, Aruba, Curazao, Venezuela, Spain, Domenican Republic, France and Canada. Surgical procedures in Bogotá are very competitive in terms of cost, quality and technology. Apartamentos Alhambra has a strategic slliance with Colombia Medical Tours (www.colombiamedicaltours.com) in order to provide an excellent service to our guests. For more information related to Health Tourism and medical procedures please check out www.colombiamedicaltours.com. Events and Cultural tourism Bogotá has been called La Atenas Suramericana not in vain; the city has a huge cultural agenda that has increased in last decades. People from different nationalities and Colombian regions have been enriched Bogotá´s cultural tradition. Corferias (Fairs and expo center) is events center in Bogotá, where are carried out Feria Internacional del Libro de Bogotá, Expoartesanías, ArtBo, Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro, Campus Party, Feria Internacional de Bogotá and most important fairs in Bogotá and Colombia. Corferias is 30 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Throughout the year, mainly at Bogota´s SImón Bolívar Park, are held several Park Festivals -Rock al parque, Jazz al parque, Salsa al parquet, Ópera al parque, Rap al parque and Festival de Verano (Summer Festival). Simón Bolivar Park is 20 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Other prominent cultural events in Bogotá are Festival de la chicha, la vida y la dicha, el Carnaval de Bogotá and Festival de Cine Europeo. The most important Bogota´s cultural event is Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro held every two years and is listed as one of the most prestigious in Latin America. By definition Bogotá is Colombia´s artistic gateway. Apartamentos Alhambra reports and updates on cultural and leisure events in Bogotá. Join us on FACEBOOK and follow as on TWITTER. Libraries By 2007 UNESCO proclaimed Bogotá as World Book Capital due to its literary activity. Biblioteca Nacional de Colombia and Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango are the great public libraries of the city. Other important public libraries of Bogotá are: Biblioteca del Congreso de Colombia, Instituto Caro y Cuervo, Biblioteca de la Academia de Historia, Biblioteca de la Academia de la Lengua, Biblioteca Virgilio Barco, Centro Cultural Gabriel García Márquez, Centro Cultural Español, Biblioteca El Tintal, Biblioteca El Tunal, Biblioteca Julio Mario Santodomingo, Biblioteca del Instituto Colombiano de Antropología e Historia ICANH, and university libraries. Theatres Beyond Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro, Bogotá has 45 theaters: e.g. Teatro Colón, Teatro La Candelaria, Teatro Camarín del Carmen, Teatro Colsubsidio, Teatro Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, Auditorio León de Greiff and Teatro Nacional. Cinema At Festival de Cine de Bogotá people can enjoy both commercial and art cinema. La Candelaria is the main cultural center of the city; in fact it is a unique concentration of universities and cultural and academic centers. Museums Bogotá has 58 museums and about 70 art galleries, among which Museo Nacional de Colombia, Museo del Oro, Museo Botero, Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá, Museo de Arte Colonial, Museo Art Decó and Museo de Bogotá are the most important. Within science museums the most remarkable are Museo Arqueológico - Casa del Marqués de San Jorge, Instituto de Ciencias Naturales (UN) and Museo Geológico de Ingeominas. Bogotá also has history (Casa Museo Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, Museo de la Independencia, Quinta de Bolívar and Casa Museo Francisco José de Caldas) and recreational (Maloka and Museo de los Niños de Bogotá) museums. The following are the most important museums in Bogotá: Casa de la Moneda – Calle 11 # 4-93 Tel. +57 1 3431212 – 3431358. Casa Museo Antonio Nariño – Calle 10 Sur # 39-29 Tel. +57 1 2030025 – 2030131. Casa Museo 20 de Julio – Calle 11 # 6-94. Tel. +57 1 3344150, 2826647. Casa Museo Quinta de Bolívar – Calle 20 # 2-91. Tel +57 1 2846819, 3366410, 3366419. Colección de Arte del Banco de la República – Calle 11 # 4-93. Tel. +57 1 3431212 – 3360200. Museo Arqueológico – Carrera 6 # 7-43. Tel. +57 1 2430465. Museo Arquitectónico Leopoldo Rother – Cra. 30 Calle 45 Edif. 207. Tel. + 57 1 3165299. Museo de Arte Colonial – Carrera 6 # 9-77. Tel- +57 1 3416017. Museo de Arte Contemporáneo El Minuto de Dios – Carrera 74 # 82A-81. Tel. +57 1 2513599. Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá – MamBo- Calle 24 # 6-00. Tel. +57 1 2833109 Museo de Ciencias Naturales – Carrera 2 # 10-70. Tel. +57 1 3346189. Museo de Bogotá – Calle 26 # 6-07. Museo de El Chicó – Carrera 7 # 93-01. Tel. +57 1 6231066. Museo de los Niños – Carrera 48 # 63-97. Tel. + 57 1 2257587. Museo Internacional de la Esmeralda – Calle 16 # 6-66. Tel. +57 1 2864268. Museo del Oro – Calle 16 Carrera 6. Tel. +57 1 3432222. Museo Botero – Calle 11 # 4-41. Tel. +57 1 3431212. Museo Nacional de Colombia – Carrera 7 # 28-66. Tel. +57 1 3348366. SHOPPING IN BOGOTÁ Within more than 100 shopping center in Bogotá, the most important shopping centers are the following: Centro Comercial Santafé Centro Comercial Unicentro Centro Comercial Hacienda Santa Bárbara Centro Comercial Andino Centro Comercial Atlantis Plaza Centro Comercial El Retiro Centro Comercial Santa Ana Centro Comercial Iserra 100 Centro Comercial Outlet Bima Centro Comercial Bulevar Niza Centro Comercial Cedritos Centro Comercial Mazurén Centro Comercial Porto Alegre Centro 93 All this shopping centers are 5 to 20 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. SPORTS BOGOTÁ Bogota´s Instituto Distrital de Recreación y Deporte promotes recreation, sport and park entertainment. The city offers a 120 km cycle way every Sundays and holidays, from 7 am. to 2 pm. Indoor soccer, the most popular sport in the city, has been chosen as Bogotá´s sport symbol. By 2011, a wonderful closing of FIFA´s U-20 World Soccer Championship was performed at Nemesio Camacho el Campin Bogota´s stadium. Soccer, in spite of the lack of international Colombian triumphs, is the most popular sport in the country. In fact, Colombia´s soccer tournament, a broad national sport, where currently competes three soccer teams from Bogotá, is really popular in the city. 19 championships that have been achieved by Millonarios (13) and Santa Fé (6), make Bogota second city after Cali championships. Two amateur soccer tournaments are also played in Bogotá (Olaya´s and Tabora´s). Coliseo Cubierto El Campín, Parque Simón Bolívar water complex, Palacio de los Deportes, Unidad Deportiva El Salitre, Velódromo Luis Carlos Galán Sarmiento and El Salitre baseball field are Bogota´s major sporting venues (20 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Usually, Bogotá is chosen for training world-class distance runners due to its weather, altitude and sports facilities. Since 2000 Bogotá Media Maratón, one of the most important distance races worldwide, has become an icon of the city Golf in Bogotá Golf and business are symbiotic in Bogotá; because on one hand the city has beautiful golf courses (where the ball flies 12% more) and on the other hand everybody knows that any agreement could be closed on the tee. Bogotá has five public and at least 25 private golf courses. For more information contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . RUMBA IN BOGOTA If you travel for hanging out in Bogotá, you are in the right place. Plenty of foreigners agree that Bogotá has the best rumba in Latin America. Bogotá´s rumba options are varied: salsa, vallenato, merengue, rap, reggae, rock, techno, reggaetón, rancheras, disco, retro music, chill out are welcome in Bogota´s bars and nightclubs. The rumba in Bogotá is intense, dance and enjoy cadence until dawn. Rumba city sectors are Usaquén, Pepe Sierra, Parque de la 93, Zona Rosa, La Calera, La Candelaria; most of them 20 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. GASTRONOMIC BOGOTÁ Colombian, international and specialty food restaurants welcome you in Bogotá. Restaurants are mainly located in Usaquén, Zona G, La Candelaria and Centro Internacional. Typical dishes and specialties from Bogotá are ajiaco santafereño, puchero bogotano, changua, tamal con chocolate, sopa de pan en cazuela, albondigón, mazamorra, brevas con arequipe, fresas con crema, postre de natas, colaciones, cuajada con melao, canelazopandeyucas, pandebonos, almojábanas, que son panecillos de harina de maíz, que se cosumen con cuajada o con queso. The best restaurants in Bogotá are closer to Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Apartamentos Alhambra´s suggestions: Mi Perú, La Estampa del Chalán, 14 incas (Peruvian food) Carbón de Palo, Angus, La Bonga del Sinú, Brasa Brasil (Steakhouse Osaki, Tepanyaki, China Royal (Oriental food) Crepes & Waffles, Oma (Colombian and International food) Bogotá Beer Company, Beer Station, Beer (Pubs) Casa de México, La Taquería (Mexican food) Giusseppe Verdi, Trattoria San Giorgio, Azzurro, Di Lucca, Amarti (Italian food) Jacques, La Brasserie, Las 4 estaciones (French and international food) Hamburguesas El Corral, Sandwiches Cubanos, Perros J&R (Fast food) El Khalifa (Lebanese food) La Puerta Falsa, La Barra (Spanish food) Phillipe (Food for diabetics) Pescadería Jaramillo, La Fragata, 80 sillas (Sea food) Club Colombia, La Parrilla Boyacense (Colombian food) INDUSTRIAL BOGOTÁ Colombian main industries are located in Bogotá. Bogota´s industrial sector is located in the southwest of the city, 35 minutes from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Recently, Bogota´s industrial complex –advised by university researchers in Bogotá- have developed ecologic production systems and notoriously diminished pollution. ECOTOURISM IN BOGOTÁ AND SURROUNDIGS One of the most interesting urban traits of Bogotá is the integration of the park system with cycle and pedestrian ways. Bogotá has more than 1.000 urban parks; some of them are established as biological corridors that promote natural population dynamics. Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar, a 400 ha park, is known as the lungs of the city; the range of this park includes Palacio de los Deportes, Museo de los Niños, Biblioteca Virgilio Barco, Jardín Botánico José Celestino Mutis and Plaza de los Artesanos. This park complex is 30 minutes far from Apartamentos Alhambra´s (www.apartamentos-alhambra.com) apartments. Despite being a megacity, Bogota´s wetlands (humedales) are considered important bird conservation areas both nationally and internationally; in fact, Bogotá´s wetlands are the most important of northern Andes and a remarkable wildlife reserve. In this territory inhabits 160 bird species (70 migratory bird species) and several endemic species. Due to growth of the city, nowadays only 1500 ha of wetlands remain. Biological diversity of Bogota´s wetlands is the main reason for which birdwatchers come to the city. For more information about birdwatching and ecotourism contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The following are the wetlands (humedales) of Bogotá:
SABANA DE BOGOTÁ The Sabana de Bogotá is located in the geographic center of Colombia, over the East Ridge of Andes Mountains, south to cundiboyacense plateau; it is the larger plateau of Colombian Andes located at 2600 meters above sea level. The Sabana de Bogotá is bounded by mountain (Cerro de Majui, Cerro de Guadalupe, Cerro de Monserrate and Páramo de Sumapaz) of the East Ridge; it is made up of two provinces (Sabana Centro and Sabana de Occidente) and Bogotá. The Sabana de Bogotá is the preferred weekend destination for bogotanos and tourists; in a 30 minute road or train trip the urban landscape will change into a rural and bucolic atmosphere. For information about train transportation please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The following are the most relevant municipalities of the Sabana de Bogotá: ZIPAQUIRÁ Zipaquirá is worldwide known for its magnificent Salt Cathedral; located 120 m depth and occupies a 8000 m2 surface. Closer to Zipaquirá, Neusa reservoir allows tourists to enjoy nature and practice water and outdoor sports. GUATAVITA AND TOMINÉ Located in the Northeast of Bogotá, Guatavita lagoon and Tominé reservoir are excellent sites for water and outdoor activities. Tourists also enjoy Colombian restaurants in Guatavita town. TEQUENDAMA FALLS 40 km far from Bogotá tourist can encounter an imposing 150 m fall; Tequendama Falls is not only a privileged site, it is important in terms of ecology (collects Sabana de Bogotá aquifers) and pre-Columbian mythology. In the path to Tequendama Falls, tourists can visit Santa Cruz Zoo which houses over 500 animal species. For more information about Bogotá, click here. Source of Information (Instituto Distrital de Turismo, Wikipedia) Welcome to Bogotá! Guillermo Rico-Hernández General Manager Apartamentos Alhambra |