If you’re looking for a trending destination to spend your next vacation, look no farther than Bogota. According to the New York Times, the Colombian capital, with its luxe hotels and burgeoning food scene, is one of 2018’s top places to visit.
It doesn’t hurt that average daytime temperatures are in the high 60s — a welcome reprieve from Fresno’s hot weather, not to mention its sizzling forecast.
Fortunately, there are plenty of flights between Fresno and Bogota on travel site Skyscanner, providing you with both an escape from the crispy summer heat and an adventure you’ll be sure to remember.
Here’s a list of flights, hotels, restaurants and local attractions to get you started.
(Hoodline offers data-driven analysis of local happenings and trends across cities. Links included in the articles may earn Hoodline a commission on clicks and transactions. Prices and availability are subject to change.)
Flights
Currently, the cheapest flight between Fresno and Bogota is if you leave California on August 14 and return from Colombia on August 21. Copa Airlines has roundtrip tickets for $634.
Another option is if you leave on September 4 and return from Bogota on September 12. There are currently flights going for around $650, roundtrip.
Hotels
Here are a couple of relatively inexpensive hotel options to consider during your stay in Bogota.
First is the Excelsior. The hotel currently has rooms available for $84/night.
“This hotel is great,” wrote Samuel S. “The staff is very friendly and helpful although most of them do not speak english. The food is fantastic as well.”
Lauren B. wrote: “Very nice hotel in a great section of town, close to two malls and a ton of nice restaurants. The hotel staff was extremely helpful and friendly.”
Another place to consider is the Park Inn by Radisson Bogota Hotel. The 4.2-star hotel has rooms available for $126/night.
Here’s what Ava F. had to write about the hotel.
“Located in the Centro 93 district, a flourishing, well-manicured, commercial and financial center in Bogotá, The Grand House makes a perfect, hassle-free, and tranquil introduction to the bustling South American metropolis. Designed mindfully, as all Luxe Hotels are, with modern elegance and airy open spaces that allow its guests to breath deeply and truly feel at home, whether it is business or pleasure that brought them.”
Restaurants
If you’re looking to snag a bight at one of Bogota’s many quality eateries, here are a few popular culinary destinations that will help to keep you cool — and satiated.
Di Lucca
One of Bogota’s most popular restaurants is Di Lucca, an Italian bar and eatery with a heatlhy following.
“Wonderful Italian restaurant near the shopping area of Antigou,” wrote Erick R. “It is kind of hard to find but it has a great feel and is good portions for a good price.”
“Excellent Italian food at an economic budget price,” added Fernando D.
Andres Carne de Res
Andres Carne de Res is the top-rated restaurant in Bogota, according to Skyscanner.
“The steaks are absolutely great,” wrote reviewer Hank S. “They serve them already sliced on a sizzling platter. The meat grilled perfectly. They are served with delicious fries. The Mojitos are huge and served in a coconut shell.”
“Incredible decorations that you won’t find anywhere else, with the mixture of traditional Colombian food and entertainment will give you all you want from Colombia in one lunch or dinner,” added Nicole F.
“The food is fantastic, the ambiance is terrific, the music is fabulous, and the restaurant staff are simply the best,” wrote Steve D. “We had a great meal here.”
Central Cevicheria
Central Cevicheria in another local favorite, serving classic Peruvian cuisine.
“I love a good ceviche and this cevicheria had a delicious selection that was so fresh,” wrote reviewer Taylor F. “Besides the tasty food, I just really liked the vibe in here. It was clearly a mix of locals and travelers.”
Attractions
Not sure what to do in Bogota, besides eat and drink? Here are a couple of recommendations, provided by Skyscanner.
Botero Museum (Museo Botero)
The Botero Museum is located in the heart of Bogota, Colombia in the historic district. The museum showcases the work of Colombia artist Fernando Botero, who in 2000 donated over 200 pieces, over 100 being his own and the rest being work from other international artists.
These works of arts have only been available to the public since 2000, so you can enjoy something special with loved ones. The museum is closed on Tuesdays and is open until midday the rest of the week. Admission is free so this is an attraction that won't cost you anything to enjoy while on your vacation.
Parque El Virrey
Here’s what visitor Erick R. had to write about Parque El Virrey:
“Beautiful large Park near Calle 90, a posh area of the city. Pass through here a lot after visiting my friend at work. The park has more trees than most open field parks and is an ideal place for people to walk their dogs. There is biking trails here as well as a place to exercise with public exercise equipment (that look like play).”
