The Gold Museum and other Bogotá, Colombia Things to Do Tips

A fascinating museum that holds a collection of emeralds (4 of the largest in the world are on display here) and over 10000 gold pieces. The collection traces its beginnings back to the Quimbay and Chibcha Indian tribes. On the ground floor you will find antique pottery dating back 1000 years most if it used in burials. The most exciting part of the museum is on the third floor and when you walk up the stairs on front of you are armed guards.. guarding the vaults. The doors are inches thick, when you enter its in complete darkness and the doors are closed behind you? the room is slowly illuminated by the site of gold everywhere it's truly amazing and overwhelming. English speaking tour guides will give you all the history. You can also buy replicas in the souvenir shop and many different books in relation to the museum.
Adults Col$2.800
Sunday is Free for all
Also in the Museum is a new restaurant that l must say was very impressive. If your prepared to wait for 20 minutes it really is worth it. the food is delicious, the restaurant itself is also very clean and tidy with an impressive service. You don't have to pay into the museum if you want to eat there.

Open Tuesday to Sunday, same opening times as the Museum.

The telephone number of the restaurant is (571) 2829205.

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Phone: (571) 3432222,
Address: Carrera 6 and Calle 16 No 5-41
Directions: Tuesday to Saturday 09:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
(Last exit at 7:00 p.m.Sundays and Public Holidays
10:00 a.m. to 04:00 p.m.
(Last exit at 5:00 p.m.)
Website: http://www.banrep.gov.co/museo/eng/expo_bogota1.htm

Monserrate is 3,190 m above sea level.
You have three options of getting yourself to the top of Mount Monserrate. You can climb although this is not recommended for tourists as lots of banditos hide waiting to rob you some of them at gun point. Colombia is a very poor country and only people that can’t afford the to take the cable or funicular ride take this route. Although some guy pointed out to me that he walked up and was neither poor or robbed. The second option is a cable car that carries about 100 people and its goes through a 750 foot long tunnel excavated out of the side of the mountain that takes about 10 minutes.. That ride takes about 3 minutes. The funicular is a great way to take in the sights if your a knee photographer, the views are wonderful. The cost although l can’t remember is not very much as the peso is worthless against the American dollar. When you reach the top you have spectacular views of Bogotá. There is a statue in a glass case ( The Lord of Monserrate) which hundreds of cripples flock to and kiss and then retreat to the church to pray. You can either take a picnic with you or buy food and souvenirs from the many hawkers and stalls on top of the mountain. Great opportunity for photographs. It really is a beautiful place to visit if only for the views over Bogota City.

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The Bolívar Square (Spanish: Plaza de Bolívar) is located in the heart of the historical area of Bogotá. It has a statue of Simón Bolívar sculpted in 1846 by the Italian Pietro Tenerani, which was the first ever public monument in the city. On the Southern side of the square is the Palace of Justice, you are not permitted to enter the building. The Palace of Justice Siege took place on in 1985 when the building was taken over by the guerrilla movement M-19. They held the Supreme Court hostage, after a military raid which left 25 Supreme court justices dead and 12 rebels they released 200 hostages. Now under heavy armed presence it it not permitted to enter the building. Security guards are everywhere. The Square is also surrounded by other government buildings and the Presidents house. Sunday's is a day where you will find lots of Colombians gather around the square. People trying to sell you food, flowers or rides on donkeys. Its a great place to people watch.

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Address: Av. Circunvalar-Cra. 10, Cll. 2Sur-Av. Jimenez.
Directions: TransMilenio Autonorte southbound, switch at TM Av. Jiménez Eastbound.

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Address: Av. Circunvalar-Cra. 10, Cll. 2Sur-Av. Jimenez.
Directions: TransMilenio Autonorte southbound, switch at TM Av. Jiménez Eastbound.