Added by Hike Bike Travelon February 21, 2013
Saved under Adventure Travel, Biking
Tags: bike tours, Bogota, Colombia

Mike – our guide providing us with his insights while on the university campus

That’s just what John and I did for five hours a few days into our Colombia visit. I had heard that Bogota was particularly well set up for bikes – with literally hundreds of kilometers of mixed use bike paths. I’d also learned of a company –run by an American – Mike from California. Every day – often twice a day – he takes a group of one to twenty people out on a 12-15 kilometer (this is not a hard bike ride!!) ride that covers about 10% of Bogota – and the most interesting bits as he puts it.

I would concur. We discovered parts of the city we never would have found on our own and learned about its’ turbulent history. Even if you’re not a biker this is a tour to take. The pace is relaxed, it’s safe and if you’re traveling alone it allows you to discover the city with others from around the world. Mike also speaks several languages so if English isn’t your first language – no problem. And for 35,000 Colombian pesos (~$US 17) it’s a steal of a deal.

Here’s a look at the sights we saw on our Bogota bike tour.

The one area that we cycled through where I didn’t take photos – for obvious reasons – was the Red Light District – which in mid-afternoon was quite busy.

Interesting colours and architecture – the building is now used for apartments

Colourful buildings – though a little worn at the edges

Pigeons galore at the Plaza de Bolivar

A snail slime vendor – with products to cure all manner of skin diseases

The bullfighting ring turned into an ice rink – during bullfighting season

Statue of bull fighter Pepe Caceres (1934-1987)

Some of the fabulous street art – as opposed to the graffiti you see everywhere

Lady holding up a sign that reads Nothing Won

Catching a field hockey practice on roller blades

This lady has been serving delicious street food from the same spot for 50 years

Look for agapanthus blooming in gardens all over the city

I wasn’t game enough to try this concoction

A 3D model in one of the parks illustrating Bogota’s physical location – surrounded by mountains

Checked out the house/grave-site of Luis Carlos Galan who ran for the presidency of Colombia on two occasions. He was shot to death by the drug cartels.

Unbelievable amount of graffiti covered all buildings at the sprawling National University

More drawing on university buildings

The sign reads something to the effect – Stop the enslaving of women

The only thing that changed is the attitude if you look closely at this drawing

I don’t know who the man is but loved the drawing and colour seen on a wall leading into the city

Stopped for a coffee tour and had our best cup of Colombian coffee at a little hole in the wall (most of the high quality coffee beans are exported)

The afternoon rains hit after our coffee stop

Loved the colours but don’t know what she represents

Sampling unusual fruits at the market

A very colourful display of fruit

Vendors happy to introduce us to new fruits

Rooftop statues in the Candelaria neighbourhood of Bogota are in honour of local characters

Leigh McAdam

Vote for my article on WorldTravelist.com, sharing the best travel content on the web.

About Hike Bike Travel
Avid world traveler. Craves adventure – & the odd wildly epic day. Gardener. Reader. Wine lover. Next big project – a book on 100 Canadian outdoor adventures.
View all posts by Hike Bike Travel →