Andrew Dier - Moon Bogotá

street artist

Because Colombia straddles the equator, the temperatures and length of days are nearly constant year-round. There are, however, distinct dry and rainy seasons. Throughout most of the country, the months of December through February and July through August are considered verano (dry season). Invierno (rainy season) is usually between April and May and again between September and November.

Colombias high tourist seasons run from mid-December through mid-January. However, Bogot becomes a ghost town at this time, when residents flock to the Caribbean coast. This can also be true during Easter week (Semana Santa), and, to a lesser extent, school vacations from June to August.

Travelers to Colombia who intend to visit as tourists for a period of under 90 days will need only to present a valid passport upon entry in the country. You may be asked to show proof of a return ticket. Tell the immigration officer if you intend to stay up to 90 days, otherwise they will probably give you a stamp permitting a stay of 60 days. Language schools and universities will be able to assist those who may require a yearlong student visa.

There are no obligatory vaccination requirements for visiting Colombia. However, if you are traveling onward to countries such as Brazil, Ecuador, or Peru, you may have to provide proof of the vaccine upon entry to those countries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that travelers have hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations. Hepatitis B, rabies, and yellow fever vaccinations are recommended for some travelers. If you plan to visit the Amazon region, antimalarial drugs may be recommended.

Most travelers arrive by plane at the modern Aeropuerto Internacional El Dorado in Bogot. There are numerous daily nonstop flights into Bogot from the eastern seaboard of the United States, as well as from Houston, Dallas, Los Angeles, and Toronto. Intra-country flights are easy, safe, economical, frequent, and quick. Private buses and taxis are ubiquitous in the city, but the best way to sight-see is on foot.

Fly into Bogot. Set in the Andes at an elevation of 2,625 meters (8,612 feet), the Colombian capital city can be especially cool and the sun particularly potent. Dress in layers and take along sunscreen and an umbrella. In the late afternoon, wander the historic Candelaria district and marvel at the treasures of the Museo del Oro. Stay at the Casa Platypus downtown or Cit in the north.

Visit the Quinta de Bolvar, Simn Bolvars old country home. Dont miss the Cerro de Monserrate, a pilgrimage site with unsurpassed views of the metropolis. Hike up, then take a ride on the gondola or tram back down.

Learn about Colombias past from the time of the Muiscas to its shaky years as an independent nation in the citys excellent museums, like the extensive art galleries of the Manzana Cultural and the mesmerizing Museo del Oro.

Museo del Oro

Day 3

Take a bus or hire a car for the 3.5-hour trip to the low-key pueblo of Villa de Leyva, one of Colombias best-preserved colonial towns, in the department of Boyac.

Enjoy the unique atmosphere in Villa de Leyva by walking its stone streets. Check out the woolen ruanas (ponchos) at Alieth Tejido Artesanal, and if you have time, visit the Convento del Santo Ecce Homo in the surrounding desert.

Stay at Renacer, a friendly hostel, or splurge at the Hotel Plaza Mayor, where the views of the plaza cant be beat.

Day 4

Visit the Santuario Flora y Fauna Iguaque just outside of town and hike to the mist-shrouded Laguna Iguaque for some morning exhilaration. Relax in Villa de Leyva for the evening.

Day 5

Return to Bogot. If its a weekend day, go to the top of the Torre Colpatria for an incredible 360-degree view of the massive city. If its a Sunday, enjoy the citys