Bogotá: The Don'ts of Visiting Bogota, Colombia

Поділитися
Вставка
  • Опубліковано 18 чер 2024
  • Are you heading to Bogotá, Colombia and not sure what to expect? Well here we go through the do's and don'ts of visiting Bogotá! Whether you are debating the safety of Bogota (don't worry, it is not the 1980s anymore) or debating on the food to eat (Ajiaco is the local soup you need to try) to figuring out which seats to not sit in on the Transmilenio (don't sit in the blue ones) we have honest travel advice for your Colombian vacation in Bogota.
    Filmed in Bogota, Colombia
    Join this channel to get access to perks:
    / @woltersworld
    #bogotá #bogota #colombia
    Copyright Mark Wolters 2024
    Learn how to plan your travels like we do with our Travel Planning 101 Course: www.brighttrip.com/woltersworld
    Grab some Wolters World travel gear www.woltersworld.store
    Help Us Keep Make More Honest Travel Videos: / woltersworld
    Hey There Fellow Travelers! Thank you for watching our honest travel vlogs from all over this wonderful world. If you would like to get in contact with us please follow us & send us a message via our social media channels below. Also, if you like our travel videos please feel free to share them with other fellow travelers.
    You can find us all over the internet:
    Travel Advice & Destinations: / woltersworld
    Food Travel Videos: / woltersworldeats
    Travel Tips: / woltersworldshorts
    Business Education: / professorwolters
    Tiktok: / woltersworld
    Instagram: / woltersworld
    Jocelyn's Instagram: / jocelynwoltersworld
    Facebook: / woltersworld
    Twitter: / woltersworld
    Linkedin: / wolters-world-travel-c...

КОМЕНТАРІ • 169

  • @johannagarzon9313
    @johannagarzon9313 9 днів тому +52

    As a Bogotana my advices are:
    - Don't forget that on Sunday mornings we have the Ciclovía and many roads are open only to bikes and joggers, so plan ahead.
    - Uber works very well and you can take taxis or regular cars from the app.
    - Don't forget to visit the surrounding little villages. The landscape is breathtaking.
    - If you're in town in the same day of a soccer game or a concert, be aware of the traffic jams and plan accordingly
    - If you have problems with salt or sugar, don't forget to tell the waiter in advance. Many restaurants put those by default.
    - If you want to wonder by yourself, please do it in the daylight and don't use your cellphone in open areas without checking your surroundings.
    Bogotá is an incredible city but is a capital and has its own rules. Enjoy your visit. We bogotanos are wonderful people.

    • @josephpanzarella1417
      @josephpanzarella1417 7 днів тому +1

      I agree that you're wonderful people which is why I keep going back!

    • @shawnsavage9341
      @shawnsavage9341 3 дні тому

      Advice is never plural in English.

    • @johannagarzon9313
      @johannagarzon9313 3 дні тому

      @@shawnsavage9341 thanks for the tip. English is not my native language

    • @familiapenavasquez4946
      @familiapenavasquez4946 День тому

      @@johannagarzon9313 You have a very good english skills, don't worry about it. Instead of "advices", you can use "tips" or "recommendations".

  • @josephpanzarella1417
    @josephpanzarella1417 14 днів тому +41

    I love Bogota! I've been there four times, most recently in April, 2024.
    One of the reasons is one you mentioned. Cartagena is overtouristed. Medellin is beautiful, but it has become absurdly popular with digital nomads. It's hard to go out for breakfast without being seated next to someone who is doing business on their cell phone, in English.
    But Bogota is the real Colombia. It's big, somewhat disorganized, and filled with Colombians, not foreigners.
    One thing you forgot to mention. People in other parts of Colombia refer to their capital as "la nevera"--the refrigerator. That's because, no matter what month of the year, Bogota almost never goes above 20C (68F). It's really not that cold (at night it can go down to maybe 6-7C--around 45F) but if you're coming from the Caribbean coast or Cali, it's a very noticeable difference in climate.
    One warning. When I was last there (two months ago) they were experiencing problems with water shortages. In the building where my Airbnb was, the water was shut off for one day. They were turning off the water supply by neighborhoods for 24 hrs. The mayor of Bogota was advising couples to shower together!
    I'm going to plug a great, inexpensive restaurant for very typical Colombian food in the heart of the wonderful, bustling, Chapinero Alto neighborhood. I've eaten there numerous times.
    Las Cazuelas de la Abuela, which has two restaurants a block apart from each other, and is only open for lunch. You'll find many dishes you haven't tried before, at very affordable prices. It fills up with locals. Hardly a foreigner in sight. Always a good sign.

    • @manuelrojas8274
      @manuelrojas8274 5 днів тому

      One more thing, definitely try out local and typical dishes, but DO NOT miss out on some of the international or higher cuisine restaurantes in zona G, T and rosa. If you're from Europe or the states, its not gonna be that expensive, maybe 50 dollars per person, and you'll get some of the most wonderful and banging food you can have in America.

  • @AsepTravels
    @AsepTravels 14 днів тому +28

    One thing that surprised me about Bogota was how relatively early restaurants close compared to places like Argentina/Brazil. Then I realized they’re a city of morning birds, there was already so many people out and about even before 6am!

    • @georgemaury
      @georgemaury 13 днів тому +2

      Yes, Colombians start their days really early.

    • @kingkeeper99
      @kingkeeper99 8 днів тому +5

      Yup! As a colombian I was totally surprised in Uruguay when I saw entire families on a Tuesday with their children dinning out and eating basically a second lunch in restaurants 🍖 🥓 🥩at 8-11pm and going to sleep at 12-2am to wake up between 9 or 11am😅 They invited me out at that time, I thought it was a party or smthing similar but nope, it was just a common dinner lol, and I was having fun but couldn't stop nodding off from sleep and I felt a little ashamed as I had baggy eyes while they where full of energy. 😅🤣🤣🤣
      In Colombia we are used to have a small dinner at 6pm (biscuits and latte usually) just at sunset 🌇, by 8-11pm 🌃 most of us are already aslee and between 11pm to 3:59am streets are completely empty for most of the week. Most working people wakes up between 4-7am, so bakeries 🍞 open just at sunrise 🌄 (5am) and we wake up to the smell of tamales, fresh bread with chocolate or coffee on the streets ☕😊😊

    • @thefabfabs
      @thefabfabs День тому

      I'm Brazilian and I'm living here for 2 years and yes, this bothers me a lot

  • @jfbaquero
    @jfbaquero 14 днів тому +18

    In Bogota, there is a amazing public library system worth visiting, the best of all being Virgilio Barco library not far away from downtown, it is beautiful, it's just beside the city largest park called Simon Bolivar Park and very near the Botanical garden. This is a excellent visit to experience the vibe of the city. The Maloka interactive Museum of Science is also nearby and a great place to go with kids. There are always tons of cultural events going on throughout the year, many of them free.

    • @jorgeeduardodussanvillanue46
      @jorgeeduardodussanvillanue46 9 днів тому +1

      La Virgilio Barco y toda la zona al rededor son de lo mejor de Bogotá, ¡ese parque es una chimba pa sentarse a parchar! Y cerca está el Simón con su salpiconcito y empanaditas 😍.

  • @Chrisb8s
    @Chrisb8s 14 днів тому +15

    When I visited Colombia it was to meet my girlfriends family.. we met here in the states, and she gave me a long list of things to do and not do.
    Don't forget your manners,
    no elbows on the table, keep your hands where they can be seen
    no hats inside especially while eating,
    keep your hands out of your pockets while talking.
    look at someone when you say salud and clink glasses, when visiting someone's house, bring a small gift.
    it is considered impolite to ever turn down any invitation to go out or go to someone's house, it's actually better to not show up.. lol really .
    gifts are not opened in front of the person giving it.
    The Beso Beso is common a kiss on the cheek. but don't lean in unless they are (can be awkward)
    Learn Spanish.. like in France, you should know some French, in Colombia, if most of the speakers speak spanish, that is the language that will be spoken.
    oh and one more Don't expect anyone to ever be on time for anything.. ever

  • @sydysydy
    @sydysydy 14 днів тому +10

    Don't forget to explore the nice upscale parts of Bogota. Wander from Chapinero up to Chico, then up to Usaquen. It gets nicer and nicer as you go. I wouldn't think too much about la Candelaria, a couple hours is enough.

    • @dreamthedream8929
      @dreamthedream8929 13 днів тому +3

      In addition some of the old architecture in Bogota is not something you will see in cartagena. It's very different, English or Irish style in bogota, maybe Victorian time style architecture. In cartagena I spent a lot of time and didn't see that kind of architecture. Surprisingly compared to cartagena bogota seemed like a quiet city. Definitely didn't feel like the city of 8 million people. Many streets very quiet and empty. It's good. Although that can make people nervous regarding safety when no one else is around walking there. And that's in that beautiful old architecture area

  • @jfbaquero
    @jfbaquero 14 днів тому +7

    For those who are love art, the Museum of Modern Art of Bogota MAMBO is great just a few blocks from Museo del Oro. Barrio la Macarena neighborhood in downtown is an amazing place for restaurants, art galleries or just for plain walking, to the north of the Macarena is Plaza de Mercado La Perseverancia which is a local market with good local food, popular with the locals and tourist alike. Best market to visit is Paloquemao.The Concordia Market in the Candelaria Neighborhood is very nice and the food is better and cheaper than in Perseverancia market. Best views of the city are not from Monserrate but for the Mirador (sight spot) on the way up to the Calera town, the road goes up the mountain about 80 street.

  • @auraramirez2706
    @auraramirez2706 13 днів тому +17

    As bogotana I completely agree with this video, specially the last thing on the list (thank you), and I will give you a "DO" !! If you want to avoid the rain, try to come in december or january, maybe february as well. This time of the year is beautiful in Bogotá! Blue skies and nice weather (around 20°C during the day, max 25°C but that would be unusual), and the city is a little less busy with easier traffic because a lot of bogotanos are usually out of town for the holidays. Best time of the year in this city in my opinion :) Welcome to Bogotá! Enjoy and be safe!

    • @jcwoodstl
      @jcwoodstl 13 днів тому

      This is interesting to me because when I speak with Colombians here in the states they almost ALWAYS bring up Escobar when talking about Colombia.

    • @auraramirez2706
      @auraramirez2706 13 днів тому

      @@jcwoodstl Well, It's not like it is a forbidden topic, we can talk about Escobar and also the drugs issue. However, (and I experienced it once in Europe), sometimes foreigners bring out these topics in a disrespectful way, like mocking us or as if these were fun things about our country to talk about. If you want to break the ice with a colombian person and be fun, you can talk about Shakira for instance, or food, o whatever, just not drugs and Escobar as if we were fans of the guy, or as if we were proud of cocaine production as much as we can be about our coffee. Once there is mutual trust, we can talk about those issues in all seriousness.

    • @melissagoodwin2602
      @melissagoodwin2602 11 днів тому

      Hello, if you're able to share. Do you know of any recommended places where I can lashes pedicure and manicure done?

    • @jorgeeduardodussanvillanue46
      @jorgeeduardodussanvillanue46 9 днів тому +5

      ​@@jcwoodstl I mean, there's still people who romanticize the guy, but 99% of us Colombians absolutely despise him and his legacy.

    • @jorgeeduardodussanvillanue46
      @jorgeeduardodussanvillanue46 9 днів тому +3

      Bogotá en Enero es el mejor vividero del mundo 😍

  • @juanda1995
    @juanda1995 4 дні тому +2

    Finally Colombia, my country!!

  • @marcusroldan3611
    @marcusroldan3611 14 днів тому +27

    When you go to Colombia FORGET ABOUT BOGOTÁ OR MEDELLIN, but go to BOYACA,SANTANDER,CALDAS,RISARALDA,ARMENIA, Boyaca for example is safer than the whole of England and Germany combined, you will find better food ,better traffic, more landscape and beauty,waterfalls and beautiful Spanish towns.

    • @clydegoodrich6720
      @clydegoodrich6720 13 днів тому +2

      Nice advice. Though it's been a while ..(I lived & worked in El Viejo Caldas and in Bucaramanga in the 70s.)... those were the happiest years of my life 😅 and the main reason was the PEOPLE. Seriously!

    • @ECapo-uw2cl
      @ECapo-uw2cl 12 днів тому

      And the carribbean coast, full of cities like santa marta and cartagena; first spanish settlements and well preserved colonial cities

    • @mordux
      @mordux 9 днів тому +2

      yeah Boyaca is the goat state in Colombia hahah 100%

    • @Rikaisan
      @Rikaisan 7 днів тому

      He mentioned in the video that Bogotá is not a tourist city...
      This is a video about Bogotá, not about best Colombian tourist cities

  • @angelarodriguez1204
    @angelarodriguez1204 14 днів тому +7

    Thank you, thank you, thank you. This a good review of Bogotá.

  • @arinconp
    @arinconp 3 дні тому +1

    Thank you so much for this video!! I am from Bogotá and you are right in every thing you said❤❤❤

  • @travelescapesOFFICIAL
    @travelescapesOFFICIAL 14 днів тому +4

    I lived in Medellin for 3 years but never visited Bogota. Thanks for the video!

  • @Chrisb8s
    @Chrisb8s 14 днів тому +11

    Great tips ! I found that the Spanish spoken in Colombia is textbook Spanish. Do they still have the cyclovia ? Oh also I remember the take off in the plane was crazy , because if the altitude, it takes twice as long to get in the air.

    • @pedritonavaja13
      @pedritonavaja13 13 днів тому +1

      That’s why el dorado have 3800 meters length

  • @debbiehernandez1873
    @debbiehernandez1873 13 днів тому +15

    Don't slam the door of a taxi. My husband accidentally slammed a taxi door. Our Colombian friend explained and apologized in Spanish. He refused to accept the apology. I was afraid my friend and the taxi driver were going to get into a fight.

    • @carango1798
      @carango1798 13 днів тому +13

      Or just don’t slam anyone’s doors anywhere, ever.

    • @josephpanzarella1417
      @josephpanzarella1417 12 днів тому +3

      @@carango1798 I would add that what I consider closing the door many Colombians consider slamming. I've been told by Colombians that I slammed the door when, in my opinion, I didn't.

    • @AimeeVignes
      @AimeeVignes 7 днів тому +1

      Don’t slam the door of any car. Do you slam the doors of your own car? If you see things as disposable, you will of course not take due care of them

    • @nicolasp5459
      @nicolasp5459 7 днів тому +2

      From my experience, most Americans "slam" car doors, including their own. Basically, you should push it closed, rather than flicking it and letting momentum close it

    • @josephpanzarella1417
      @josephpanzarella1417 7 днів тому

      @@AimeeVignes I can only repeat, what one person considers closing a door normally someone else will interpret as slamming. I've had this experience.

  • @lilianacarvajalvillalba4040
    @lilianacarvajalvillalba4040 2 дні тому

    Wow! Ive been living in Bogota for the past 20 years and this video was fantastic! Everything you mentioned was Spot on! What a great job, well done!

  • @AndresJimenezGuzman
    @AndresJimenezGuzman 2 дні тому +1

    My friend im from Bogota, and im a Tourist Manager, and Bogota is the most tourism city in Colombia, the magasing trip advisor saids that is the 6 city in the hold word that the people want to visit in 2024, you have to read more.

  •  3 дні тому

    I love seeing you in my city. I have followed you for years and always wanted you to come to my country and give all your amazing tips. Hope you enjoy and have some nice vacations! And thank you for your great videos! ❤🎉

  • @joshlunt7827
    @joshlunt7827 11 днів тому +1

    Interesting video as always, Mark!

  • @Alex_Gordon
    @Alex_Gordon 14 днів тому +2

    interesting and delightful! thanks for sharing

  • @mitapollito
    @mitapollito 14 днів тому

    Thank you!!! 😊❤

  • @kingkeeper99
    @kingkeeper99 8 днів тому +3

    As a bogotan I'll say that this guide is pretty accurate, besides the weather forecast tip. I would add this:
    Don't trust weather apps and forecasts, they ALWAYS fail, to the point we don't even have any TV weather/climate forecast show nor channel 😂, Bogotá's climate is unpredictable and bipolar, we developed an instinct to try and predict climate, so do as the locals do and you'll get a 60/70% chance of getting a better prediction: go into a second floor, look out on the window and check up the landscape through the area, determine if it's completely clouded, or if there's too many clouds scattered or if the sky is perfectly blue and sunny; then observe their tone, if it is white, gray-ish or dark. If it's sunny, then feel the sunlight on your skin a little, determine if it feels too strong or mild and pleasurable, also determine the direction of the air.
    If it's blue and perfectly sunny and the sun is spicy 🥵: bring out your umbrella and a sweater, the sky will fall on your head by the afternoon 😂. ⛈️ 30% probability you'll even see a hailstorm lol.
    If there's scattered clouds and the sun is pleasurable: look at the color of the clouds and determine the direction they're moving to, the darkest ones are the ones who'll ruin your day, there may be distinct micro-climates scattered throughout the entire city on each neighborhood, so you may get a glimpse of a hailstorm on the west of Bogotá, a blue sky on the center of the city and at the south it'll be like Mordor 🥵😅
    If it's full cloudy then trust your gut, it's a 50-50 it may be a spruce rain, a few droplets or nothing, may be predictable if you manage to detect "fog" under the clouds, that's rain👍🏽🤣
    You can always intuit if the wind 🌬️ will blow a dark cloud on you area and how much time it'll take it to reach whiting your area, so plan ahead, that way you'll dodge the rain.

    • @theempireofthepeople
      @theempireofthepeople День тому

      Or just forget about it and be prepared for anything, I've lived in Bogota all my life and to this day I can't predict the weather accurately 😅😭😭

  • @mordux
    @mordux 9 днів тому +1

    As someone from Bogota, this video is amazingly accurate. well done ! Hope you enjoyed your visit.

  • @steven7813
    @steven7813 4 дні тому

    thank you so much for visiting colombia, and speaking so highly of my country! always welcome again❤

  • @DaFrancc
    @DaFrancc День тому

    One more piece of advice if you plan on renting a car. In most cities in Colombia there is a system called Pico y Placa. It's meant to curb traffic by limiting which cars can drive on certain days of the week. In Bogotá it's dependent on the last number of your license plate. Make sure to look up what hours you can drive, which days you can drive, etc. because the cops will pull you over for not following pico y placa. It's different everywhere so make sure to look online or ask a local how pico y placa works.

  • @memoechavarria
    @memoechavarria 14 днів тому +2

    Thanks for trying to show the best of Bogota

  • @melissagoodwin2602
    @melissagoodwin2602 11 днів тому

    Thanks for sharing

  • @viejoditi
    @viejoditi 9 днів тому +1

    I don't live in Colombia but as a born and raised Bogotano I want to commend you on this video. Bogotá is charming and deceptive, is glitzy and gritty at the same time, it is welcoming but harsh too. Avoid taxis if you are not local, Uber works just fine.

  • @kristofferkellinsalmi
    @kristofferkellinsalmi 14 днів тому +3

    Thanks for sharing your side of the Colombian coin! 🍷

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  14 днів тому

      Thank you

    • @kristofferkellinsalmi
      @kristofferkellinsalmi 12 днів тому

      @@woltersworld Thank you for your Street food tips! Watching that Arepas makes me hungrier! 🫓

  • @Hoochie243
    @Hoochie243 3 дні тому

    Great video 👍

  • @walkwithwan
    @walkwithwan 12 днів тому +1

    This is great video i like this thank you for share it

  • @tobiojo6469
    @tobiojo6469 14 днів тому +1

    Hey Mark, awesome video

  • @philexley1853
    @philexley1853 5 днів тому

    Great video as always. Spot on. We have relatives in Colombia and took a four day trip to Bogota this year to escape the heat in Pereira. It's 10 degrees cooler, no mosquitoes so a great climate.
    We loved the city. Museo de Oro is fantastic. Next trip we'll definitely be heading back for a few days. Oh, and the food is great too.
    As for it being dangerous. It's no more so than anywhere else. We also went to Salvador in Brazil on our trip which has a rep for being dangerous. We loved it and were absolutely fine. Just be sensible about where you go in the cities and have your wits about you just like anywhere else.
    Finally, Mr Wolters....best travel blogs out there! Keep em coming!

  • @LiticoBunenditcher
    @LiticoBunenditcher 10 днів тому

    Great video, gretings

  • @backtobaking4054
    @backtobaking4054 14 днів тому +1

    You guys are always traveling together 👍❤

  • @andreaam805
    @andreaam805 4 дні тому

    omg will have to visit!! I think it's just like 4 hrs from NY. Thanks for the video man.

  • @carlosl2142
    @carlosl2142 13 днів тому

    Great video. We are waiting the Medellin one

  • @mariawalsh335
    @mariawalsh335 9 днів тому

    Thank you for sharing this video, great information about my city and for mentioning beautiful places people can visit only a few hrs from Bogota 👋👍

  • @luisman007
    @luisman007 8 днів тому +1

    Bogotá is beautiful, I have been there several times and I have never had any trouble, just use common sense. I love the food, the weather, the people, the architecture.

  • @jorgeovalle85
    @jorgeovalle85 17 годин тому

    Hi, I m from Bogota. There also nice towns near Bogota, like chia, Tenjo, Tabio, Cota, Cajica, la calera which I recommend. 1 or 2 hours by car.

  • @fitohoyos
    @fitohoyos 5 днів тому +1

    I’m from Cali and I visit Bogotá often and every time I go I immediately remember why I don’t like to be in Bogotá at all: having to invest at least 1, 2 or 3 hours in traffic to go anywhere. Not exaggerating here. That’s the deal breaker for me even after all the cool stuff Bogota has to offer.

  • @billcortes8565
    @billcortes8565 2 дні тому

    Love Bogota💕

  • @constancewarncke9793
    @constancewarncke9793 14 днів тому +8

    Chocolate sin queso es como amor sin besos

    • @angelarodriguez1204
      @angelarodriguez1204 14 днів тому +1

      Chocolate without cheese is like love with out kisses

    • @prycelessly
      @prycelessly 14 днів тому +3

      That's a sweet saying! Now I want to try hot chocolate with cheese. 😊

    • @jocelynwoltersworld
      @jocelynwoltersworld 13 днів тому

      Ha! That's a cute saying!❤

  • @HealthyThinkingsubstack
    @HealthyThinkingsubstack 3 дні тому

    I have always loved the weather of this region, but yes, you should have a jacket or umbrella because the rain can come at any time and might last for 15 minutes or an hour but you can be cold in the morning and hot in the afternoon. 5:46 dehydration is definitely an issue due to the elevation. 7:51 food is amazing and definitely better than anything you can get in the United States because American food is tasteless and loaded with chemicals and pesticides. 13:05 yes 🙌 yes 👍 the day trips are very important to Villa de Leyva etc. 15:09 you can use Uber especially at night. 18:35 malls and food are great - Unicentro, Centro Andino

  • @asparceproton1
    @asparceproton1 14 днів тому +12

    Maybe it's less of an issue in Bogota, but drugging drinks is a huge issue in Colombia in general. Apparently their drug of choice is called scopolomine. That's a fun one to research.

  • @samuelbaquero2984
    @samuelbaquero2984 День тому

    Yes they said it right, grab your coat and put sunscreen on because Bogota... also, its not that the mountains are north, they are upwards. So you can go upwards or downwards the city by getting close or far away from the "cerros"

  • @ElJatinero
    @ElJatinero 4 дні тому

    Im going in october. Staying for like a month.

  • @Tramptraveller
    @Tramptraveller 14 днів тому +1

    ❤❤❤❤

  • @wetopam6338
    @wetopam6338 10 днів тому +1

    Surprised there was no mention of Uber being used as a transport alternative to taxis. I have travelled to Cartagena, and other countries in South America. I use Uber exclusively there. Uber does, in fact, work in Bogota.

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  10 днів тому

      I thought i talked about rideshares? My bad if i missed that

  • @theempireofthepeople
    @theempireofthepeople День тому

    I'm Bogotan and the only nitpick I have with the video is that you make the south of the city sound horrible, it really isn't (trust me, I live there), it definitely is the "poorer" part of the city but if you want to see it for some reason you definitely can without too much worries. Just, as you always should, be aware of your surroundings and if you feel something is off, maybe you should leave that specific area 😅
    Also, if you have any questions regarding this just ask, if UA-cam notifies me I'll be happy to help 😊

  • @BETOETE
    @BETOETE 4 дні тому

    I'm from Bogota (live in OrlandoFlorida), and guarantee that tap water in Bogota es safe to drink, I tell you all that because my stomach in very sensible and nothing happened.

  • @sfafew3708
    @sfafew3708 14 днів тому +3

    Don'ts, some additions
    - do not walk alone on quiet areas at dark, even in pairs etc. I do not recommend
    - it someone is approaching you, many times there is scam or something even nastier going on. Refuse politely, no eye contact and keep walking. They may pretend to be tourist, fake polices appear from nowhere etc.
    - in case of mugging, do not resist, they have always knife and the are ready to use it too.
    - taxis can be a risk for a tourist, look for the most recent information what to do on web.
    There are also some positives, most people are very friendly in Colombia, larger mall/restaurant areas with a few people relatively safe also in the evening. But bad stuff is happening, especially if you are naive and used to travel mainly on safer destinations. I have been visiting Bogota for several business trips, totalling several months on site, have been visiting expats etc. I do not like experienced travelers bragging visited sites and ignoring the negative facts, just because they have avoided problems at that certain time, with much more experience of traveling than some less experienced ones here.

    • @jocelynwoltersworld
      @jocelynwoltersworld 13 днів тому +1

      Stay tumed for our safety video. We make a point to talk about the good and bad of the places we visit. We are all about honest travel advice.

  • @BlackPawn14
    @BlackPawn14 2 дні тому

    Some additions and context:
    0:58 There's military presence around the Plaza de Bolívar because... well... the Palacio de Nariño (Colombia's White House equivalent) is right around the corner. It's essentially the same as Secret Service keeping an eye on the White House, except less subtle.
    And yeah, the point right next is unfortunately very important: pickpockets are frequent in Colombian crowded sites. Be VERY careful to not give them any chances.
    4:14 Yeah. You're not getting kidnapped. You _could_ get robbed if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time, though. Having company (either being with friends or just being part of a crowd) will help reduce the chances of this, but still: be careful when walking around. Especially at night.
    5:56 There's TONS of motorcycles circulating in Colombia. Even when cars are stopped, they always try to sneak in between cars, so watch out for them when crossing streets. Also... yeah, motorized robbers are a thing. Goes back to "be mindful of your surroundings" point.
    Getting a bicycle might not be so bad of an idea, though; we have plenty of bike lanes going around the city, and they can actually come in handy to avoid traffic. Remember that Bogotá is HUGE, though; if you're going anywhere outside the historic downtown, you'll likely need proper transportation.
    12:04 This is an important point in Bogotá in particular. Bogotá Spanish is actually pretty formal, compared to other Colombian regions. Saying "hola" (hello) or "tú" (you) to strangers can be off-putting to some people; "buenos días/buenas tardes/buenas noches" (good day/afternoon/evening) and "usted" (you, but less personal/more formal) is the proper way to refer to people there. This is less important in other regions of the country, but is still good practice if you're not sure how to refer to people in Spanish.
    14:06 There are bad areas you want to stay away from, indeed. The south end of the city (particularly next to the mountains) has some favela-like sectors you don't want to go to if you don't need to. Even near the historic downtown, a handful of streets have unfortunately devolved into "crack dens"; stay away from those at all costs.
    Overall: if you want to wander around, you can, but be VERY mindful where you are. Especially at night; after it gets dark, stick to places you _know_ you want to go to.
    18:32 This is basic decency. Many people suffered, lost their homes, or even had family members die, due to the drug wars in the 80s and 90s. In some areas of the country, there's still violence to this day. Rubbing salt in those wounds will make you no friends here. Make completely sure people are fine with talking about the subject before bringing it up. Or just... don't bring it up.

  • @todopegado01
    @todopegado01 14 днів тому +51

    I am from Bogota 🇨🇴 living in 🇨🇦 for 7 years I can say this with confidence my city is way more modern and safer than most north american cities. Thank you for your content.

    • @Holbrooks1984
      @Holbrooks1984 13 днів тому +9

      Well, when you say “North America” you probably included Mexico, so it is understandable what you say, but excluding Mexico, for safety issues, most of the US & Canadian cities & towns are safer than Bogota.

    • @todopegado01
      @todopegado01 13 днів тому +3

      @@Holbrooks1984 I think petty crime is worse in Bogota but bigger crimes are worse in North America. My car was stolen two months after I arrived to 🇨🇦 in 2017. And my bike and tires slashed on a trip to 🇺🇲.

    • @MarkBH70
      @MarkBH70 13 днів тому +2

      Good to know. I'd like to see it. I've never been to South America. I had friends from Brazil.

    • @youssef16844
      @youssef16844 13 днів тому

      ​@@Holbrooks1984Dude, Philadelphia alone is way more dangerous than Bogota. There was literally a shooting Philly yesterday where 7 people, including a teenager, were shot.

  • @user-cp8ue4zr3t
    @user-cp8ue4zr3t 13 днів тому

    Thank you again for your videos. I do have a question though. You’ve talked about different areas that although people say are not safe to travel, they may be getting a bad rep and as long as you aware, you will be OK. Are there any places you would NOT go?

    • @sfafew3708
      @sfafew3708 13 днів тому

      First, Bogota is not Amsterdam, Sydney or Rome. There are areas where police go only heavily armed. Even many popular areas are relatively safe only at daylight with more people around, some other areas are no-go all the time.
      Safe vs. not safe city does not apply to cities like Bogota. There are only more and less safe areas and day times in city area.
      Especially for naive Europeans like me, that took some time to adjust while traveling other continents.

  • @iovgrkso
    @iovgrkso 14 днів тому +6

    @Wolters World You forgot to mention: Do not flash your bling/jewelry, "No dar papaya"= don't advertise yourself as an easy target, to get robbed (with knives or a weapon). Not even necessary in bad areas, but in general.
    Great video, I hope you visit Colombia again.

    • @Emmannie
      @Emmannie 14 днів тому +2

      As a native Colombian, I’d say that’s significantly underrated advice. One can go to the nicest neighborhoods and erroneously think they’re immune from pickpocketers (and for the most part, they would be!) but unfortunately, it’s better to be safe and no dar papaya than be sorry.

    • @jocelynwoltersworld
      @jocelynwoltersworld 13 днів тому +1

      Stay tuned! That is in our Safety in Colombia video. It will be out when editing is finished.😊 but good to mention it here for ppl looking to go soon. Thank you.

  • @milomao
    @milomao 4 дні тому

    Did you find the forecast accurate? I always tell people the weather is very unpredictable.

  • @abkeener81
    @abkeener81 14 днів тому

    Hi 👋, Mark and gang! Andrew Keener here. You’ve answered some direct messages I sent you on instagram about traveling with meds. I have a video suggestion. You’ve featured a lot of places in your videos. Have you done any about The Philippines? One of my uncles (deceased) married a Filipina. The Philippines is a bucket list item for me. To visit … not relocate.

  • @diegov1290
    @diegov1290 2 дні тому

    The only advice I disagree with is the one mentioning Transmilenio as a good idea for transportation. That's a big no.

  • @shawnsavage9341
    @shawnsavage9341 3 дні тому

    How could you "forget to take in the views"?

  • @joshlunt7827
    @joshlunt7827 11 днів тому

    *surprised
    10:49

  • @aarontiffany9101
    @aarontiffany9101 2 дні тому

    that mall looks like a police headquarters other than that looks like a great place

  • @darlenerodriguez6720
    @darlenerodriguez6720 7 днів тому

    Nice review.
    But don't drink the tap water.

    • @danimalben
      @danimalben 4 дні тому

      @@darlenerodriguez6720 I've been drinking that water for 26 years, is totally drinkable

  • @juanchd4726
    @juanchd4726 5 днів тому

    11:05 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

  • @elizabethgriffiths9671
    @elizabethgriffiths9671 4 дні тому

    I’m thinking about going to Bogota as a single female traveler. Thoughts?

    • @danimalben
      @danimalben 4 дні тому +1

      You will be fine, just apply the same staff explained in the video: be aware of your surroundings, don't wear any jewelry or expensive staff on the street and try not to walk outside after 9pm. I live in Bogota and I really like it, hope you'll have a great experience 😊

    • @danimalben
      @danimalben 4 дні тому

      Also... Don't forget not to take taxis on the street, always use apps like Uber or didi

    • @elizabethgriffiths9671
      @elizabethgriffiths9671 3 дні тому

      I’m looking forward to going :)

  • @theartofMaggie
    @theartofMaggie 7 днів тому

    How many times do you think you have said don't this year? 🤔 😆

  • @kessas.489
    @kessas.489 12 днів тому

    6:30 Well according to my brother, who lives there, nothing can be happend by 10 km/h! 😂😂😂

  • @jennyoshea1958
    @jennyoshea1958 13 днів тому

    👌✨⭐🪻🌷😊

  • @quinlanwconley4010
    @quinlanwconley4010 14 днів тому

    Will there be a video called the donuts of Colombia

  • @TysonBerta
    @TysonBerta 14 днів тому +7

    My friend went to Bogota a few weeks ago, and got mugged on the first day there :|

    • @BRyeEUC
      @BRyeEUC 12 днів тому

      I was in Bogota a few weeks ago too. Things seem as safe as any other latin american city i've been in.

    • @mordux
      @mordux 9 днів тому +5

      my friend went to NYC some weeks ago and got mugged in their first day there :o

    • @philexley1853
      @philexley1853 5 днів тому +1

      @TysonBerta
      We were in Bogota four days. I'm 6'4" and my girlfriend is a foot shorter. We stand out a mile and are clearly tourists. We had no trouble whatsoever. There's not a city in the world you can't get mugged in but if you're careful you're likely to be fine.
      Or you can just stay at home and never see what the world has to offer.

  • @jaimetorres950
    @jaimetorres950 6 днів тому

    It's not Bogotá, it's Robotá

  • @ceciliamccann3146
    @ceciliamccann3146 14 днів тому +5

    I got mugged on my way to Monserrate... it was about 10am , I was in a taxi (a hotel taxi near Unicentro mall))with knifes and guns..Bogota is not that safe!

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  14 днів тому

      That sucks.

    • @-Diana_anaiD-
      @-Diana_anaiD- 6 днів тому +2

      We bogotans don't recommend taking Taxi at random places because those are not safe, some are criminals and others have zero morals and manners so they give you too much expensive services.
      For all foreigners, download Uber or Cabify and take cars or taxis through there.

  • @jimmymartinez2585
    @jimmymartinez2585 14 днів тому +2

    More like Mexico u get kidnapped 😅

  • @d.fenestrator9529
    @d.fenestrator9529 14 днів тому

    Cut out seed oils and you likely won't need sunscreen.

    • @woltersworld
      @woltersworld  14 днів тому +3

      Um... i dont think so

    • @d.fenestrator9529
      @d.fenestrator9529 12 днів тому

      @@woltersworld Actually, it's true for a lot of people. I no longer get sunburns since I've cut my seed oil consumption by about 90%. There's another reason to cut them out: Seed oils don't trigger satiation in fat cells, which makes you eat more. It's a major factor behind obesity.

  • @asellandrofacchio7263
    @asellandrofacchio7263 9 днів тому +2

    1 Don't of Bogotá: coming to Bogotá

  • @AimeeVignes
    @AimeeVignes 7 днів тому

    MON - SE - RRA -TE. Can’t believe even a university professor can’t care enough to pronounce foreign places correctly.

  • @NeoTemplar
    @NeoTemplar 14 днів тому +9

    Rule #1. dont go.

    • @BANNERMAN666
      @BANNERMAN666 14 днів тому +5

      Exactly

    • @lucastoft4948
      @lucastoft4948 14 днів тому +2

      Why? doesn't seem that bad

    • @Dragonsky88207
      @Dragonsky88207 14 днів тому +4

      It’s a beautiful city. Definitely go but as with any destination, be vigilant.

    • @jfbaquero
      @jfbaquero 14 днів тому

      I you check some stats, Bogota is safer than many US cities, including Washington and San Francisco.

    • @mrnarason
      @mrnarason 14 днів тому +1

      If you want to be scoped

  • @monikamichaelis-iw3to
    @monikamichaelis-iw3to 14 днів тому +4

    The thing is: Dont visit at all.

  • @jorgesepulveda6835
    @jorgesepulveda6835 13 днів тому

    The don'ts of visiting Bogotá: just don't

    • @BAPF123
      @BAPF123 5 днів тому

      Yeah, we don’t need you either xdd