Historic center with Plaza Bolivar, Gold Museum, Botero Museum, and colorful La Candelaria neighborhood.

About Bogota Centro (La Candelaria)

La Candelaria is Bogotá\'s historic core, a neighborhood of colonial and republican-era buildings, vibrant street art, and cultural institutions clustered on the eastern slopes below the Cerros Orientales (Eastern Hills). The Plaza de Bolívar, the central square since the city\'s founding in 1538, is flanked by the neoclassical Capitolio Nacional, the Catedral Primada, and the Palacio de Justicia.

The neighborhood has experienced a remarkable cultural renaissance. The Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), housing over 55,000 pre-Colombian gold artifacts, is one of South America\'s most important museums. The Museo Botero displays works by Fernando Botero alongside his personal collection of Picasso, Dalí, and Monet — both museums are free. Street art murals cover buildings throughout La Candelaria, telling stories of Colombia\'s complex history and creative spirit.

The cobblestone streets rise steeply toward the eastern hills, where the Monserrate mountain (accessible by cable car or funicular) offers breathtaking views across the entire Bogotá savanna from 3,152 meters. At 2,640 meters altitude, Bogotá is one of the highest capital cities in the world — new arrivals may feel the thin air. The food scene in La Candelaria blends traditional Colombian (ajiaco soup, arepas, empanadas) with innovative restaurants pushing New Colombian cuisine.

Nearby Landmarks

Gold Museum Botero Museum Plaza de Bolívar Monserrate Palacio de Justicia

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost COP 25,000-40,000
Time 30-50 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost COP 20,000-35,000
Time 30-50 minutes

Outside arrivals, designated rideshare zone

Step-by-Step Directions

Take airport shuttle to Portal El Dorado TransMilenio station, board trunk line to Centro/Las Aguas.

SITP Airport Shuttle

Cost COP 2,800
Time 15 min to Portal El Dorado
Frequency Every 10 minutes

Outside Terminal 1 arrivals

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi COP 25,000-40,000 30-50 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare COP 20,000-35,000 30-50 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Bus/Shuttle COP 2,800 15 min to Portal El Dorado Cheapest option

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, Uber (widely used in Bogotá despite legal gray area) and yellow taxis are available. A taxi from the airport to La Candelaria costs approximately COP 25,000-35,000 (USD 6-9). Use Uber or a reputable radio taxi app (Tappsi, Easy Taxi) rather than hailing on the street. Bogotá is a city of early risers — La Candelaria is quiet after 10 PM on weekdays.

Luggage Tips

La Candelaria streets are steep cobblestone — rolling luggage is difficult. If your hotel is deep in the neighborhood, you may need to walk from where the taxi drops you. Keep valuables in your carry-on and stay alert. The altitude (2,640m) can make carrying heavy bags surprisingly tiring for new arrivals.

Accessibility

El Dorado Airport is modern and fully accessible. La Candelaria presents significant wheelchair challenges — steep cobblestone streets, high curbs, and few accessible buildings. The Gold Museum and Botero Museum have wheelchair access. TransMilenio has accessible stations but crowding makes wheelchair use difficult. Hotels in Zona T (north) are more accessible. The Monserrate cable car is wheelchair accessible.