ahoyne9Exploring Bogotá: A Cost-Saving Layover Before Peru
Planning a budget-friendly trip to Peru was more challenging than expected, with round-trip flights to Lima costing over $1,500 from the U.S. and the return leg being a red-eye—something I avoid unless I’ve snagged lie-flat business class seats using points. Even then, I typically only use points for business class when the flight is 8+ hours.
Back in early spring, I received an email from Thrifty Traveler’s premium service that had flight deals to Colombia starting at just $125 one-way! So, I booked a United flight with a layover in Houston to Bogotá for $135, while my brother managed to book for $125 from his home airport. Since I had never been to Colombia or Bogotá, I decided to turn this layover into a 2-day mini-trip.
We also booked separate one-way tickets from Cusco, Peru, back through Bogotá, where we stayed a night, though we didn’t explore due to our late arrival and early flight the next day. However, this detour saved us nearly $1,000 in total flight costs and avoided a dreaded red-eye return.
Arrival in Bogotá and the Hyatt Stay
We arrived in Bogotá on the evening of August 28, 2024, and checked into the Hyatt. The hotel was fantastic—one of the best free breakfasts I’ve ever had, which is saying something. I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Bogotá.
Day 1: Mount Monserrate & Plaza de Bolívar
The following morning, we visited Mount Monserrate, arguably Bogotá’s top attraction. Standing 3,152 meters above sea level, the monastery offers breathtaking views of the sprawling city below. The 17th-century church at the summit, dedicated to “El Señor Caído” (The Fallen Lord), has drawn pilgrims for centuries.
To reach the summit, you can choose between a cable car, funicular, or hike. We opted for the cable car since the funicular was out of service that day. A round-trip ticket costs about 24,000 COP ($6 USD) on weekdays and 28,000 COP ($7 USD) on weekends. For adventurers, the hike up is free but quite challenging due to the high altitude.
At the top, I enjoyed exploring the artisan markets offering handmade goods, jewelry, and Colombian crafts. I treated myself to some coca leaf tea and an empanada for only $1.67 USD while soaking in the stunning views.
Coca leaf tea, known as “mate de coca” in both Colombia and Peru, is an herbal infusion made from the dried leaves of the coca plant. This tea has been consumed for centuries by indigenous peoples in the Andes for its medicinal and cultural significance.
- Altitude sickness: It helps combat the effects of high altitudes, such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches. This makes it especially popular in regions like Bogotá, Cusco, and the Andes mountains.
- Energy boost: The tea provides a mild stimulant effect, increasing energy and reducing fatigue, much like coffee or green tea, but without the jitters.
- Digestive aid: Coca leaf tea is also known to ease digestion and reduce stomach discomfort.
Though coca leaves are the raw material used to make cocaine, the tea itself is not addictive and contains only trace amounts of the alkaloid. It’s important to note that coca leaf products are illegal in many countries outside of South America, so travelers should avoid bringing the tea home.
Afterward, we hailed a cab using the Cabify app, which was super convenient since we didn’t have cash in the local currency. Unlike Uber, which had cancellations due to low rates, Cabify allowed credit card payments. We headed to Plaza de Bolívar, Bogotá’s main square.
Plaza de Bolívar is surrounded by historic landmarks like the Primatial Cathedral, the Capitol Building, and the Palace of Justice. The statue of Simón Bolívar in the center highlights Colombia’s rich history and political significance. It’s also a great place to try street food—I sampled roasted corn, which was okay, but the limeade was phenomenal!
Day 2: Parque Simón Bolívar & Departure to Lima
On our final day in Bogotá, with several hours to spare before our flight to Lima, we visited Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar, the largest urban park in the city. Spanning over 400 hectares, it features a serene lake, walking paths, and open spaces perfect for relaxing. Known as the “green lung” of Bogotá, the park is a great spot to enjoy nature and even catch a local event or festival.
Our trip to Bogotá truly surprised me—friendly locals, delicious food, and vibrant culture. Spanish was essential for getting around, but everyone was helpful, and vendors weren’t pushy. I would love to explore more of Colombia in the future, though I think two days were perfect for Bogotá.
Next stop: Lima, as I get closer to crossing Machu Picchu off my bucket list. Cheers!