From the Indigenous settlements to the colonial era; from the ancient legend of El Dorado to the very real problems of contemporary Colombians—all this and much more will be covered in the best Essential Free Tour of Bogota. Guests will walk with a charismatic local guide on an entertaining exploration of Bogota’s oldest neighborhood: La Candelaria. This area is the pulsing heart of the city, full of narrow cobbled alleys lined with typical eateries and handicraft shops. The tour will let guests enjoy the Primatial Cathedral; a stunning example of colonial architecture completed just after independence, in 1823. The temple is right next to the main square of the city, named after Simon Bolivar, hailed by most Colombians as the Liberator of America. This will be the perfect spot to learn about Colombia’s road to independence: from a Spanish colony (called “Nueva Granada” in origin) to a contemporary democracy.

Other important landmarks travelers will see in Simon Bolivar Square are the National Capitol and the Palace of Justice. After this, the group will head to an absolute must-visit landmark in Bogota: Casa Narino, the official home of the President of Colombia. The guide will explain everything about the heroic Antonio Narino and reply to any questions about the current state of politics in the country. In this area, the group will also see one of the oldest schools in all of South America, Colegio Mayor San Bartolome, as well as the interesting Botero Museum, showcasing great pieces by the most iconic Colombian artist: Fernando Botero. Strolling around the downtown area, the group will have the opportunity to appreciate the stunning Colon Theater. And book lovers will be thrilled to find the Cultural Center dedicated to preserving the memory of Colombia’s Literature Nobel Prize winner, Gabriel Garcia Marquez.

After visiting the Neoclassical San Francisco Palace, the group will head to another lovely area. Santander Square is not only a vibrant open space in the city, it’s also the place where travelers can discover one of the top-rated attractions of Bogota: The Gold Museum. Why is it so famous? This must-visit institution has a collection of more than 34,000 gold artifacts, all of unparalleled beauty and unique historical value. It’s the perfect spot to learn about pre-Columbian indigenous cultures, and how the Muisca, the Tayrona and many other local communities used gold objects both in daily life and in all kinds of sacred rituals. (Note: The group won’t enter the museum, but your guide will provide a detailed introduction so you can visit independently). Don’t miss the opportunity to discover all these amazing landmarks with a local guide! Book your seat on the Essential Free Tour of Bogota today!