Bogotá Reflections
The Second Half of My Colombian Adventure
My second half in Bogota was truly a feast for the senses. From indulging in local delicacies to forming new friendships, every day presented an opportunity to explore and enjoy. The city's vibrant culinary landscape welcomed me with open arms. Each meal was a revelation, showcasing the rich and diverse flavors of Colombian cuisine. Beyond the food, the connections I made with locals added a personal touch to my adventure, making my time in Bogota even more special. Every encounter, whether at a bustling market or a quiet café, enriched my understanding of the city and its people, turning routine days into unforgettable experiences.
National Pizza Day Treat
February 9
Despite having a humble homemade lunch of lentils and rice, I decided to celebrate National Pizza Day U.S. style! The pizza in the building where I'm staying was delicious, and later the carrot cake (sin pasas, which means without raisins) and fancy coffee at a nearby cafe was the perfect sweet treat to end the meal.
A Day with New Friends
February 16
After a weekend getaway to Cartagena, I had a fantastic day with some new Colombian friends I met while watching the Super Bowl. We started with lunch near the university—empanadas with quinoa and mint dipped in a sweet passion fruit sauce. A taste of Pablo’s plantain with cheese and tomato sauce and a few spoonfuls of bean soup made the meal even more delightful.
We spent several hours at the Museo del Oro, learning that it's about much more than just gold. Afterward, we stopped for coffee and treats to cap off the day.
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Budget-Friendly Eats
February 19
For approximately $3, I enjoyed a lovely lunch at a small restaurant just outside my building. Though I wasn’t sure what type of fish or sauce it was, everything tasted great. In Bogota, you sometimes just have to roll with it and that is what I did. It was so delicious, authentic, and plentiful.
Food Tour Fun
February 21
I was joined for a few days by another food fan, and we set out to taste as much as possible in a short period. First, Peruvian food for dinner after drinks and a stroll around beautiful Parque 93. The next day, we had our own mini self-created food tour that included Tolú, a stall featured on Netflix's street food show and several of the stops on my official food tour earlier in my stay.
Everyday Moments and Culinary Experiments
Grocery Shopping
February 22
Some days are more mundane than others. On this day, it was time to stock up on groceries. I found a great store where they had all of the essentials and also an assortment of pre-made Colombian foods. I bought some very good tamales. I also bought ingredients to make a delicious vegetable soup as well as tropical fruit and some yogurt for breakfast.
Zona G Delights
February 23
I enjoyed a little break and took a walk to Zona G, known for its top-notch restaurants, which led to some helado (ice cream) and café. This zone within Chapinero is a must-visit for any foodie. There are so many wonderful restaurants to explore in this area of Bogotá.
Chocolate and Cheese
February 24
I gave Colombian hot chocolate with cheese a try. While the cheese cut the sweetness plus enhanced the chocolate flavor by adding a touch of salt, the non-melting cheese pieces were quite unusual. It wasn’t awful, but I think I'll stick to keeping my hot chocolate and cheese separate from now on.
Exploring Bogota’s Vibrant Spaces
Sunday Funday
February 25
I enjoyed another fantastic Sunday in Bogota! After a "second breakfast" at my favorite bakery, Arbol del Pan, I ventured to the Chico neighborhood. I enjoyed a passion fruit smoothie and a walk through Parque el Virrey, where many families and dogs were out enjoying the beautiful day. The day ended with a visit to Lourdes Plaza’s farmer’s market, where I purchased some delightful cookies from a vendor there.
Art and Culture
February 29
I finally made it to the Botero Museum, where I encountered not only Botero’s works but also pieces by Dali, Renoir, Monet, and Picasso. The museum visit was followed by a ride on the Transmilenio, an experience I’m not eager to repeat.
Final Days and Farewells
Park and Garden Strolls
March 2
Lunch at a busy local spot was excellent and filling. Later, I wandered through Simon Bolivar Metropolitan Park. Spanning over 1,000 acres, this is one of the largest urban parks in the world, featuring extensive green spaces, boat rentals, bicycle paths, sports complexes, a public library, and the Bogotá Botanical Gardens. Inside the botanical gardens, The Tropicario greenhouse, the largest in South America, reproduced tropical ecosystems and was certainly worth the visit.
Zona Rosa Exploration
March 3
Repeating my Sunday activities, I revisited Arbol del Pan for breakfast and then explored different streets and noted Zona Rosa’s appeal with its numerous shops, restaurants, and wine bars. I will have to remember to return to this area next time I visit Bogotá.
A Bumpy Start but a Great End
March 4
My last full day in Bogota started with power issues in my apartment but it was resolved quickly. I revisited Mackenzie’s restaurant nearby and enjoyed a refreshing coconut lemonade and seafood rice. The day ended with a macadamia nut cappuccino at Kaldavia Cafe while waiting for the rain to stop. Finally, packing and preparing for a full day of travel to Buenos Aires in the morning. I will miss my time in Bogotá but am excited about Argentina!
Conclusion
Reflecting on the second half of my stay in Bogota, I realize how much this city has to offer—from its vibrant food scene and rich cultural experiences to the warm and welcoming locals. Whether you're a travel enthusiast, a foodie, or a cultural explorer, Bogota has something unique for you to discover.
Feeling inspired? Let me know how I can help plan a perfect itinerary in Bogotá. After this amazing stay, I was off to Buenos Aires, Argentina!
Be sure to also check out Bogotá part 1.