On the second day, we immersed ourselves in history and breathtaking views by visiting the National Museum and Monserrate Hill. The museum captivated us for nearly three hours, with its first floor transporting visitors back to the Spanish colonial era. The second floor continued this theme, offering deeper insights into Colombia’s colonial past.
Colombia’s journey as a Spanish colony began in 1536. On July 20, 1810, inspired by the visionary leadership of Simón Bolívar, the Republic of Colombia declared its independence. In 1821, it united with present-day Ecuador, Venezuela, and Panama to form the grand Republic of Greater Colombia, though this union dissolved by 1830.
Monserrate Hill offers an unforgettable experience with its cable car ride to the summit, where tickets are more affordable on Sundays. At the top, you’ll find a serene monastery alongside panoramic vistas of the city, stunning sunrises, and mesmerizing sunsets.
Colombia’s economy is largely rooted in agriculture, with an average individual income of around $400. Despite this, the poverty rate stands at 39%, reflecting a stark wealth disparity. Contrary to expectations, prices here can be surprisingly high. Bogotá also has sprawling slums that locals avoid due to poor security and frequent incidents of theft and robbery.
However, tourist areas are well-protected by police presence. As travelers, we opted not to venture out at night and relied on taxis for transportation. For rideshare apps, we used InDrive and the international version of Didi, which were not only about half the price of Uber but also quicker—though they did involve some negotiation over fares.
