Travel Blog 3 Days in Bogota: A Traveler’s Guide to History, Coffee, and Community

If you’re planning a trip to Colombia, its vibrant capital should be at the top of your list. Bogotá is a city where colonial charm meets modern creativity, and where every neighbourhood has a story to tell. Whether you’re here for a weekend or longer, this Bogotá tourist guide will show you what to do in Bogotá in three unforgettable days, combining history, food, culture, and authentic connections with locals. 

Day 1: Historic City Tour & Tejo Experience

Your adventure begins in the beating heart of the city, La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic district. A capital city tour of Colombia often starts at the Gold Museum, which houses the world’s largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold artefacts. Here, you’ll uncover the artistry and spiritual symbolism behind Colombia’s ancient treasures. (Just a note: the Gold museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly!)

Next, head to the Botero Museum. Even if art isn’t usually your passion, Fernando Botero’s playful, plump figures will leave you intrigued and amused. This stop reveals Colombia’s lighter, more whimsical side. (Also have in mind that the Botero museum is closed on Tuesdays)

As you stroll through La Candelaria’s cobblestone streets, keep your eyes open for colonial churches, hidden courtyards, and colourful murals. This area offers some of the most authentic local experiences in Bogotá, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history.

To end the day, embrace Colombia’s national sport: tejo. Originating with the Muisca people, tejo was once a ritual offering to the gods. Today, it’s a lively social game involving throwing metal discs at targets laced with gunpowder. Nothing brings travellers and locals together quite like the laughter and excitement of this unique tradition.

Day 2: Coffee Farm and Gastronomic Journey

No trip to Colombia would be complete without diving into its most famous export coffee. On this day, venture beyond the city on one of the most enriching Bogotá day trips: a visit to the charming town of Choachí, just 90 minutes away.

Here, you’ll experience coffee like never before. A hands-on farm tour guides you through the entire process, from bean to cup. Through interactive stations, you’ll discover the aromas, textures, and flavours that make Colombian coffee renowned worldwide. It’s an immersive, sensory adventure that goes far beyond your average tasting session.

The journey continues with a cooking class on a local farm, where you’ll learn to make amasijos, traditional baked goods that are a central part of Colombian cuisine. Prepared alongside rural women who have passed these recipes down for generations, this meal is not just food but a cultural bridge.

After sharing stories and flavours with the Choachí community, you’ll return to Bogotá with a deeper appreciation of the country’s culinary and agricultural heritage.

Day 3: Invisible Borders in the Egipto Neighbourhood

For your final day, step into one of Bogotá’s most meaningful local experiences: a guided tour of the Egipto neighbourhood. This community has faced significant challenges, but its resilience and cultural richness shine through.
Led by local hosts, you’ll hear personal stories about life in Egipto, from moments of hardship to tales of triumph. As you walk through its streets, you’ll learn about the “invisible borders” that once divided the area, gaining insight into Colombia’s complex social fabric.

Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the capital, a reminder of Bogotá’s immense scale and beauty. To close the tour, you’ll be welcomed into a resident’s home for a traditional Colombian onces, a light meal of arepa and a warm drink or juice. Sharing food in this intimate setting is a powerful way to connect with the community and understand its spirit.

Final Thoughts and More Tips

From museums and colonial streets to coffee farms and resilient neighbourhoods, Bogotá offers a journey unlike any other. This three-day itinerary combines history, gastronomy, and social immersion, providing a comprehensive view of Colombia’s capital.

If you’ve been searching for what to do in Bogotá, let this Bogotá tourist guide inspire you. Whether you’re joining capital city tours Colombia or planning independent Bogotá day trips, the real magic lies in the moments shared with locals and the stories you’ll carry home.

Additionally, if you’ve got a little more time in your schedule and love venturing into the countryside, don’t miss a trip to Zipaquirá and Guatavita. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, set aside at least three days to explore Villa de Leyva, a picture-perfect colonial town about four hours from Bogotá that’s absolutely worth the journey.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Nidia Penagos

Nidia started Uncover Colombia after feeling the tug to promote her native country through a positive perspective. What better way to do that than showing visitors the beauty and diversity of her homeland? She was well-aware Colombia didn’t have the best reputation and she wanted to change that. So in 2012, with the help of her Colombian husband and close group of friends, she laid the foundation to build a Colombian tour operator that offers unique adventures, safe experiences and utilises local knowledge on each and every tour.