קולומביה

<p dir="rtl">אף מבקר לא ישכח את בוגוטה: השווקים הצבעוניים המזמינים, המפגש של סגנון דרום אמריקאי עם השפעות מערביות שיצר ארכיטקטורה מרהיבה, הגנים הבוטניים המקסימים והמסעדות המפתיעות יכבשו כל לב וכל טעם. בבוגוטה תמצאו רחובות קולניאליים מתוקים שכיף להסתובב בהם ולצלם, מוזיאונים מיוחדים שמציגים את תרבויות קולומביה העתיקות והמפגש עם הכובשים הספרדים &ndash; ובמרחק קצר&nbsp;מהעיר, גם לגונות חבויות מכושפות, שמורות טבע ייחודיות ועוד.</p>

Zipaquira’s attractive Spanish Colonial center, built with the wealth of the massive nearby salt mines, was founded in the 1760s some 50km (31mi) north of the Colombian capital. Today the “City of Salt,” replete with quaint cafes and souvenir shops, is Bogota’s most popular day trip—you can even make it in an antique steam train.
You are here to see the famed Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, considered one of Colombia’s “Seven Wonders” and its architectural crown jewel. Climb to the Parque de Sal (“Salt Park”), just southeast of downtown, to enjoy the Plaza of the Miners’ great views and evocative art. From here, you’ll begin your journey 180m (590ft) into the heart of an enormous salt mountain.

Zipaquira Salt Cathedral (Catedral de Sal)

A slim cascade tumbling nearly 2,000 feet (590 meters) from a cliff side in the middle of the jungle, La Chorrera is Colombia’s tallest waterfall and among it’s most striking natural attractions, hidden away in the mountains surrounding Bogota. Despite being less than an hour from the capital, La Chorrera is still one of the region’s least visited sights, making it a top choice for those looking to get off-the-beaten-track and the tranquil falls offer the ideal backdrop for adventure activities like horseback riding and abseiling.
The only way to reach La Chorrera is on foot and the scenic journey is all part of the experience – an easy 1-hour hike from the nearby El Chiflón waterfalls, winding through wild rainforest trails and misty cloud forest, and offering impressive views over the Colombian Andes.

La Chorrera Waterfall

Mists permitting, you’ll be able to see the gleaming white Basílica del Señor de Monserrate high above the city, beckoning from the thickly forested mountains that form Bogota’s spectacular backdrop. Originally built as a monastery in 1657, it is no wonder that this glorious spot has been a site of pilgrimage ever since.

The original stone path marked by statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross still leads from the colonial Candelaria district up to the sanctuary. It is a steep climb to a chilly 3152m (10,339ft) still used by pilgrims (and exercise buffs), particularly on weekends and religious holidays. Most tourists take advantage of either the funicular, a steeply pitched train, or teleferico, a cable car system, which both make the trip inexpensively throughout the day. If you do choose to walk, note that there have been muggings, so it might not be the best choice if you’re alone with an expensive camera.

Mt. Monserrate (Cerro de Monserrate)

The original foundations for Bogota’s Catedral Primada, more properly called the Metropolitan Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, were laid in 1538 when Spanish conquistadores first christened the old indigenous city, “Bogota.” Then a simple thatch-roofed hut on a muddy market plaza, it was gradually rebuilt into a sturdier adobe structure in the 1590s.

As the spiritual center of a city prone to earthquakes and social upheavals, it is no wonder that the national cathedral has been rebuilt several times, most recently in 1823. Despite a long history of disasters, today’s neocolonial beauty, with its tasteful echoes of mission revival style, remains the final resting place of Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada, the city’s Spanish founder.

The elegant whitewashed interior, with its stately rows of gilded Egyptian columns, isn’t the city’s most ornate by a long shot. But these arches overlook Colombia’s most important masses, and the place is packed on Sundays.

La Catedral Primada

Simon Bolivar is an absolute legend in much of Latin America. Considered “The Liberator” for much of the continent, he fought tirelessly for numerous nations to gain their independence—and lived here, in Quinta de Bolivar, between his political conquests. Set in Bogota’s eastern hills, Quinta de Bolivar Museum is a humble home that’s rung by spectacular gardens, and riddled with history on South America’s most notorious and popular son. When visiting the small, but fascinating house, hear the tales of how Simon Bolivar would relax and rest between battles, and five flags now fly in the garden that mark the modern, Latin American countries where Bolivar brought independence. Aside from the history of Bolivar himself, the house is a look at Bogota life in the 18th and 19th century, with antique furniture, clothing, and weaponry displayed throughout the home. Though the building is nowhere as near grandiose as the story of Bolivar himself, it’s a laidback, calming, and fascinating look at Bolivar’s moments of peace. To maximize what you can learn at the site, visit as part of a guided historical tour of greater Bogota, or as part of a private Bogota tour that’s catered around its best sites.

Quinta de Bolívar Museum

Parque 93 is more than a grassy square in the center of Bogotá. It is one of the centerpieces of the city with great restaurants, exciting nightlife and outdoor activities. Many locals come here for a walk, for a sporty outing and a picnic with friends or decide to attend one of the numerous events. Not only are there are regular festivals and art installations taking place under the shady trees, but the park is often frequented by Bogotá’s wealthy. Thus, if you plan on a night out in Parque 93, be prepared to be surrounded by the local jet set crowd.  

Head to Bardot Bar, which is popular with the Colombian models and actors, or pop in at the Bogota Beer Company, where you can get some of the city’s best brews. At El Salto Del Angel you can grab both a steak and prove your salsa skills on the dance floor. Classic Colombian parties can be found at Kukaramakara and El Sitio, which are a favorite among the local crowd and feature local bands.

93 Park (Parque 93)

בוגוטה

אף מבקר לא ישכח את בוגוטה: השווקים הצבעוניים המזמינים, המפגש של סגנון דרום אמריקאי עם השפעות מערביות שיצר ארכיטקטורה מרהיבה, הגנים הבוטניים המקסימים והמסעדות המפתיעות יכבשו כל לב וכל טעם.

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