Monserrate

There is a very good view of the city from the top of Monserrate (3210 m), the lower of the two peaks rising sharply to the east. It is reached by a funicular railway and a cable car. The new convent at the top is a popular shrine and pilgrimage site. At the summit, near the church, a platform gives a bird’s-eye view of the city’s tiled roofs and of the plains beyond stretching to the rim of the Sabana. Sunrise and sunset can be spectacular.

The Calle del Candelero, a reconstruction of a Bogotá street of 1887, has plenty of street stalls and snack bars. Behind the church are popular picnic grounds. There are two upmarket touristy restaurants at the top, both overpriced and closed Sunday. If you wish to walk up, possibly the safest time is at the weekend about 0500, before the crowds arrive but when there are people about. At this time you will catch the sunrise. The path is dressed stone and comfortably graded all the way up with refreshment stalls at weekends every few metres. It takes about one and a quarter hours up (if you don’t stop).

It is best not to walk to the top of Monserrate alone; and do not display cameras openly. On no account walk down in the dark. On weekdays it is not recommended to walk up and especially not down. You should also take a bus or taxi to the foot of the hill Monday to Friday and, at all times, from the bottom station into town. There are usually taxis waiting by the footbridge across the road. In 2007, there were reports of tourists being mugged at the summit and the bottom, even during the day. The walk up to Guadalupe, the higher peak opposite Monserrate, is not recommended.

At the foot of Monserrate is the Quinta de Bolívar, a fine colonial mansion with splendid gardens and lawns.