How to Find Cheap Hotels in Bogotá, Colombia

Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is a mountain town with a metropolitan flair in the center of the Andes. With 8 million people as well as many universities and corporations, Bogotá is a booming city with plenty to see and do.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access

Instructions

Book Accommodations in Bogotá

1. Call the Tourism Promotion Fund of Colombia at 011 ([phone], or visit their Web site (see Resources below), for help booking your lodgings.

2. Reserve a room near the shopping at Avenida Pepe Sierra and Carrera 15. There are comfortable and cozy rooms that go for about $100 a night.

3. Get to know your fellow travelers at a cheap hostel. You can find some of the best in La Candelaria, the colonial neighborhood that makes up the city center.

4. Register with a company that organizes housing swaps. This is a great way to get free accommodations by swapping your home with someone from Bogotá.

5. Book your accommodations in the museum district. There are several motels and hotels within walking distance of this tourist area that average about $50 a night.

Get Around in Bogotá

1. Find a cheap rate by booking your flight through El Dorado International Airport. They offer service to and from many major cities.

2. Take the TransMilenio to save a bundle. This rapid-transit bus system will get you around at a much cheaper rate than a cab.

3. Cycle your way around the city on the ciclorutas, bike paths that stretch for 188 miles. This bike path system is on record as being one of the longest in the world.

Know Your Destination

1. Brush up on your Spanish. Colombians have roots in many cultures, which which you will notice in the contrasting architectural schemes, but their language has remained the same.

2. Understand monetary recommendations. You should only exchange dollars for Colombian pesos at the bank and may want to consider simply using your debit card to withdraw pesos from an ATM.

See the Sights of Bogotá

1. Run around at the Parque Nacional Olaya Herrera. This national park offers several entertainment venues as well as the expected bike and footpaths.

2. Party at the hot spots. There are several popular nightclubs and cafes in Zona Rosa and Parque de la 93.

3. Take in a panoramic view of Bogotá by riding the funicular. Rides are a cheap $5 and will give you an excellent view of the city.

Tips & Warnings

• All phone numbers given here include the United States international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, check the international prefix before dialing.

• All country codes in phone numbers given here are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.

• Avoid walking around the area of La Candelaria at night.

• Use common sense but don't be paranoid. Although there are kidnappings and violence in Colombia due to the cocaine-related industry, these rarely affect the town of Bogotá.