——————✈️ Airport Section ——————
If you hold a valid US visa or Schengen visa, clearing customs at Bogota’s airport as a Chinese passport holder is a breeze. All you need to do is present your visa and inform the customs officer of your departure date from Colombia.
One small tip: the airport Wi-Fi is free, but only for 30 minutes, and logging in requires filling out some details for verification. For those needing more connectivity, there’s a Claro counter right by baggage claim where you can grab a SIM card. I opted for a 7-day, 15GB plan for about $15—a bit overkill, but it worked well.
If you’re on a budget, they also offer cheaper plans starting at around 3GB. Nearby, you’ll find currency exchange counters too. I didn’t exchange much since the rate was fairly average (around 3750:1). Pro tip: if you wait until you’re in the city, you might get a better deal. In Medellin, for instance, I scored an impressive 3900:1.
—————— Accommodation Section ——————
For my stay, I booked Granada Hostel through Hostelworld, which came highly recommended. Located in the charming old town, this hostel boasts a fantastic location with a relatively safe neighborhood. That said, most locals advised me against walking alone at night, especially while holding a phone, so take extra care if you decide to explore after dark.
The hostel itself is conveniently close to several attractions, just a six-minute stroll from the iconic La Puerta Falsa Restaurant. The staff are warm and welcoming, and though the food isn’t anything spectacular, it’s reasonably priced and does the job.
—————— Itinerary Section ——————
To make the most of my trip, I pre-booked a city walk with Beyond Colombia. While advertised as “free,” tipping the guide around $12-15 is customary—and trust me, it’s worth every penny, especially when traveling solo in South America. During the tour, we passed through Bolivar Square, where many Venezuelan refugees gather. Being part of a small group added a sense of security, making the experience all the more enjoyable.
We visited two must-see museums: the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, both completely free! 🚨 The Gold Museum offers fascinating insights into Colombia’s history through its stunning collection of gold artifacts. The craftsmanship is rugged yet breathtakingly unique, and having the Beyond Colombia guide along enriched the visit immensely.
Meanwhile, the Botero Museum showcases the artist’s signature style, featuring plump renditions of classic figures like Mona Lisa. Each painting and sculpture carries that same whimsical charm, making it a delightful stop for art lovers.
—————— Food Section ——————
La Puerta Falsa Restaurant
If you’re craving something familiar, try their lotus leaf sticky rice chicken—it’s a perfect comfort food for Asian palates. Another standout dish is the salty cheese hot chocolate, though opinions may vary. A German friend of mine wasn’t a fan, claiming it disrespected cheese, but I thought it was quirky and oddly satisfying. If you’re adventurous, it’s definitely worth giving it a shot.
