Sketches from the Big Bog; if you’re thinking of visiting or living in Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, these posts could be useful.

Bogotá water cuts: all you need to know

Bogotá is facing water cuts following a dry start to 2024. Here’s some info.

Bogotá: Cost of Living

How much does it cost to live in Bogotá? It’s a key question for anyone shifting to Colombian capital, whether a digital nomads seeking a new hangout, a retiree wanting to stretch out the pensions, or anyone looking for a new start in life in South America. Here I’ve compiled data from March, 2024. And looking back over 10 years, yes there’s been changes, but the overall picture remains the same: Bogotá is an affordable and stable city to put down roots.

Is Bogotá safe? 2023

“I’m visiting Latin America. Is Bogotá safe?”: the question pops up regularly on social media. Colombia’s capital is a mega-city of nine million people and spread over 1,600 kilometres squared (600 square miles) with extremes of poor and rich. Parts of the city are very dangerous, others much less. According to recent data, Bogotá is safer than most other cities in Colombia (including Medellín) – but is still a large gritty city with plenty of crime. Your safety also depends

Burundanga – it’s bad and it’s back

In Colombia you’ll hear about scopolamine, AKA burundanga , “Devil’s Breath” or “borrachero”. And perhaps you think these druggings only happen to sex tourists. But anyone can fall victim, including local people, seasoned travellers and expats settled in Colombia. You can be ‘scoped’ in a park, in a café, in the street, or on a bus, or even during a Spanish lesson. On the other had around 5 million tourists and visitors come to Colombia every year, and only a

Hiking up to Bogotá’s Cerro Aguanoso

The impressive slab of Andean mountain that dominates downtown Bogotá is Cerro Aguanoso, a 3,500 meter (11,500 feet) peak that is the highest of the Cerros Orientales bordering the city, just south of La Candelaria. The return hike from Guadalupe Sanctuary is around 3 or 4 hours depending on your speed. Kids can also enjoy the hike, but bring warm jackets as the wind howls over the peak most days. The trail opens Saturdays, Sundays and Festivos (Bank Holidays) but

Getting on Bogotá’s buses

Colombia’s capital has a vast bus network that reaches every corner of the city. But being Latin America’s most congested metropolis, many journeys are slow. You might want to take a good book to read. Here’s how to make the most of Bogotá´s buses. This was posted in June 2023, so check links for updates. For other transport stories from the Big Bog see: Make Driving Fun, or Bicycle Tribes of Bogotá, or Dying for a Breath of Bogotá Air,

Entrenubes: the Best View in Bogotá?

Locals claim their mountain park, Entrenubes, high in the Andes on Bogotá’s southeast flank has the best views in Bogotá. They’re right.

Bogotá Hiking: Quebrada La Vieja

Hike to the beautiful Cerros Orientales (Eastern Hills) up the easily accessible Quebrada La Vieja. Here’s some photos and practical advice on how to safely enjoy one of Bogotá’s best excursions, open most days of the week. And it’s free.

Is Bogotá a 15-minute City?

Is Bogotá a 15-minute city? We look at possibilities of green ubran planning in La Soledad barrio.

Boating Bogotá: Embalse de Tominé

You can sail, row and boat on beautiful Embalse de Tominé, close to Bogotá.

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