We can’t believe 2020 is almost over. Just one month to go, and good-bye 2020!

This has been -arguably- the most stressful and uncertain year of our lifetime. Do you agree?

Thanks to COVID-19, most of the plans we had for this year vanished in the blink of the eye.

If there is one thing that we can learn from this year it is that we need to stop overthinking and live as many adventures as we can, when we can.

And why not start this good resolution by planning your next trip to Colombia, and specifically to Bogota?

In this article, we will give you the best reasons why you should visit Bogota in 2021.

Why should you visit Colombia in 2021?

It’s not a secret that Colombia is one of the must-visit countries in Latin America. It has gained tremendous popularity thanks in large part to its astonishing landscapes, its people and its music.

Also, its food and, of course, its globally renowned coffee are the things people fall in love with when visiting the country.

After years of difficulties and severe internal civil war, Colombia has blossomed into a fun and safe destination to travel to. Furthermore, it’s one of the most popular countries to learn Spanish thanks to its clear and neutral accent.

Colombia increasingly appears in the world travelers’ lists of countries to visit. People dream about Caribbean beaches, Andes mountains ranges and small colonial towns.

Although we suggest visiting as many places as you can if you’re planning to visit Colombia, we also suggest you don’t skip out on Bogota. The city has so much to offer in terms of cuisine, culture, history, music and art.

Bogota is a city full of surprises. It is described by The New York Times as a “Beautiful, complicated city; an essential place to visit to understand the country”.

So, if you want to understand Colombian culture, you should spend some time in Bogota, and you will be greatly surprised by its authenticity.

Why should you visit Bogota?

Bogota is the country’s beating heart. It is a modern and cosmopolitan metropolis that has become an epicenter of business, politics, and entertainment.

The city is often overlooked by travelers coming to Colombia; perhaps due to its size, its traffic or its large population (approximately 8 million people). However, it’s a city that has been transforming itself into a surprising tourist destination, too.

Bogota offers one of the best nightlife scenes of Latin America, numerous museums and world-class dining and bar culture. It also offers the best of Colombian culture, there is nothing you can’t find in Bogota!

Furthermore, its privileged location and international airport make it a highly accessible and convenient city for traveling throughout the region. Bogotá is the perfect jumping-off point to start your Colombia -or South America- trip.

It’s the best place to have a taste of what Colombia is, to get familiar with local prices and with the language.

Give it a try, spend a few weeks -or even months- in the city. We guarantee you will fall in love with Bogota in a heartbeat.

Why?

1. Bogota is art

If you love street art, museums and architecture, then you will have an amazing time in the city!

You can have a glimpse into the country’s history at the Gold Museum, home to over 55,000 gold pieces and crafts from the pre-Colombian period, before the Spanish conquest of the Americas.

Or, you can visit the Colombian National Museum, the biggest and oldest museum in Colombia.

If you’re a modern art lover, then you can visit the Botero Museum. The museum highlights the work of Fernando Botero, Colombia’s most famous artist. The museum’s collection includes some of his most popular pieces, like his interpretations of the Mona Lisa and Adam and Eve, as well as many of his unique voluminous statues. It also features art pieces from other famous artists like Picasso, Monet, and Renoir.

Or, you can visit the MAMBO (Museo de Arte de Moderno de Bogota). It offers a pluricultural, dynamic and innovative space, which gives audiences a meaningful experience around the art world.

On the other hand, if you are more into urban art, Bogota offers stunning pieces all around the city. Graffiti has been decriminalized in Bogota for almost a decade, which has given Colombian and international artists free reign of the streets.

With regards to architecture, Bogota’s style might not be easy to define at first. But if you look closely, Bogota is a city of unique architecture among Latin American countries.

Bogota is known for its red brick buildings designed by architects who mingled their modernism with colonial beauty.

One of the most influential architects is Rogelio Salmona. He gave an identity to the city. His use of red bricks and water as a connecting element revolutionized the aesthetics of the city.

Lastly, Bogota is a hub for fashion, art and design. The city’s cultural calendar is filled all year round with festivals, events, parades, exhibitions, concerts and cultural sites.

You can enjoy some of the best Latin American music festivals such as Estereo Picnic and Rock al Parque. World-class art exhibitions such as ARTBO or local exhibitions such as Barcu or La Feria del Millón. And, local design fairs such as Buró.

2. Bogota is fine dining and street food

The best way to experience a culture is through its food.

Bogota is nationally and internationally known for its gastronomy. It offers hundreds of mouthwatering culinary, coffee and beer experiences. From high-end local and international restaurants in the Zona G, Zona T, Usaquén and Parque de la 93, to traditional markets such as Paloquemao and La Perseverancia.

There are heaps of street food throughout the city. Basically in every corner you will find something for snacking (para picar), no kidding!

You will find ensalada de frutas, salpicón, obleas, pinchos, mazorca, mango biche, churros, empanadas, arepas and many others.

And, of course, fruits. Colombia is a fruit paradise, it’s home to some of the most exotic and tropical fruit in the world. You can visit one of the local markets to discover an entirely new palette of flavors. And what’s best is you will always get “ñapa”!

So, if you are a foodie, don’t wait for a second longer and plan a trip to Bogota!

3. Bogota has a hipster soul

It goes without saying, Bogota is Colombia’s hipster capital.

It is known for its diverse population and artistic vibes. Neighborhoods such as Chapinero, Zona G and La Candelaria are full of unique cafes and restaurants, bars playing live Colombian music, and people just chilling out.

Bogota is authentic, diverse and open. It is a city of “open doors”, people from all around the world and all around the country are welcomed. It’s where all cultures converge.

Apart from delicious food, world-class graffiti, and modern and colonial architecture, the city has also become one of the most open and inclusive cities for LGBTQ+ community. There are places like Theatron, one of the biggest gay clubs in the world which can accommodate up to 5,000 people on any given night!

Safe and hip, Bogota is a city that simply can’t be missed!

4. Bogota has a mesmerizing view

There’s always a great view.

We are lucky to have the Andean mountain range as our background picture. From anywhere in the city you can enjoy the best view of the Eastern Hills (Cerros Orientales).

Even though some people call Bogota “ the concrete jungle” due to its size and population, it is a city with a green soul. The Eastern Hills give the city that “green” and natural touch big cities around the world lack.

In Bogota, you can easily get away from the hectic city life to breathe pure air and get connected with nature. There are a large variety of outdoor activities such as mountain biking, hiking and climbing.

5. Bogota has the best coffee

Colombia is known worldwide for producing one of the best coffees in the world. And, we are proud to say that in Bogota you can find the best coffees in Colombia.

You might be wondering how such an urban city could have the best coffee? It doesn’t make much sense, does it?

Well, it’s not that the coffee is grown or produced in Bogota; the coffee is grown in several regions of the country but Bogota is the only place where you can get all origins.

If you want to get to know better Colombian people and Colombian culture, then you need to understand the coffee culture. For us coffee is not just coffee, it’s a lifestyle.

Colombians drink coffee all day long. There is no breakfast without a cup of coffee, there are no work meetings without a cup of coffee, there is not a visit to family relatives, or friends without a cup of coffee.

Well, maybe we are exaggerating a bit -typical Colombian feature- it’s not that we “always” drink coffee but it’s true, drinking coffee is part of our culture.

So, if you are a coffee lover or just interested in the coffee culture, you would love Bogota!

How is Bogota handling the pandemic?

We started this article by talking about the global pandemic in 2020 and inviting you to visit us in 2021. But we know you might be wondering whether it will be possible or not.

Honestly, no one knows what is happening next year. When this crazy story is going to finish and when we will be able to freely travel and move around again.

However, we do know that Colombia, and specifically Bogota, has been working hard to put all biosafety protocols in place to receive tourists.

Colombia has opened its international airport, businesses (i.e. restaurants, cafes, hotels, etc) have started receiving guests and customers.

Our school is not an exception. We have already opened our doors again and have welcomed new students. Check out one of the latest students’ testimonials.

We are confident that we will overcome this global pandemic together. We know that it has been a tough year for all and we know we are keen to travel and explore the world again.

That’s why we invite you to visit our country, our city, and to learn Spanish with us. We know that getting to know a culture is easier and nicer when you are able to communicate with locals. And that’s what we do at LMTS. We won’t only teach you the Spanish language we help you experience the Colombian culture like a Colombian.

Colombia increasingly appears in the world travelers’ lists of countries to visit. People dream about Caribbean beaches, Andes mountains ranges and small colonial towns. But its capital, Bogota, often remains behind the scenes.

When people travel they tend to avoid big and crowded cities, which is totally understandable. However, exploring and living in big cities is also fun and very interesting.

Bogota for instance is a city full of surprises. It is described by The New York Times as a “Beautiful, complicated city; an essential place to visit to understand the country”. If you want to understand Colombia, you should spend some time in Bogota, you will be greatly surprised by its authenticity.

You will fall in love with Bogota in a heartbeat. And here is why:

5 reasons to love Bogota:

1. Bogota is the best Colombian city for Art, Music & Culture

Theater

Bogota hosts the world’s biggest theater festival, Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro.

The Festival is enormous and has earned Bogota the nickname ‘World Capital of Theater’ within the industry.

There are more than 800 national and international performances across more than 100 venues and spaces.

Fashion, art and design

Bogota is a hub for fashion, art and design. The city’s cultural calendar is filled all year round with festivals, events, parades, exhibitions, concerts and cultural sites.

You can enjoy some of the best Latin American music festivals such as Estereo Picnic and Rock al Parque; world-class art exhibitions such as ARTBO; and local design fairs such as Buró.

Music

Colombia is well known worldwide for its Music. But when we talk about music we don’t just talk about Salsa, we talk about Vallenato, Cumbia, Champeta, Currulao, Bambuco, and many other music genres.

Every region of Colombia has its own rhythm. You can spend months traveling around the country to learn about these rhythms, or you can spend some time in Bogota.

In Bogota, you will find all kinds of music from Colombia and the best world music.

Museums

There are many nice museums around the world but Bogota has The Gold Museum. It is unique, it contains the largest collection of gold artifacts in the world.

It displays a large collection of pieces that testify the life and thought of the different societies which lived in Colombia before the Spanish conquest of the Americas.

Street Art

Bogota has been a mecca for street artists since graffiti was decriminalized in 2011. The city is known worldwide for its street art.

The city showcases some of the best work from local and international artists.

There is even a District dedicated to street art, “Distrito Graffiti”, in the Puente Aranda neighborhood. It’s an industrial area that has turned into Bogotá’s own Wynwood.

Books

If you love books, then this is another reason to love Bogota.

The city has one of the highest concentrations of libraries in Latin America. That’s why it’s known as “The Athens of South America”.

Also, every year Bogota hosts the International Book Fair (FILBO), one of the most important cultural events of Colombia.

Flea Markets

How would Bogota be on Sundays and National holidays without the Usaquen flea market?

The “mercado de las pulgas de Usaquen“, as we call it in Colombian Spanish, is located in the charming area of Usaquen. You can find all kinds of food, handicrafts, and street performances.

Emeralds

Bogotá has its own emeralds district. It is located in the heart of the city, on Jimenez Avenue between 6th and 7th street.

Colombia provides more than 90% of the global demand for high-quality emeralds. All emeralds come from the mines straight here to make their debut in the emerald market.

2. Bogota is the best city for foodies, coffee lovers and beer lovers

Bogota offers hundreds of mouthwatering culinary, coffee and beer experiences.

Culinary experiences

From high-end local and international restaurants in the Zona G, Zona T, Usaquén and Parque de la 93, to traditional markets such as Paloquemao and La Perseverancia.

Street Food

Lots of street food!

You will find Ensalada de frutas, salpicón, obleas, pinchos, mazorca, mango biche, churros, empanadas, arepas and many others.

Avocados

Who doesn’t love avocados?

Avocados in Colombia are big and cheap. In Bogota, you will find men and women selling avocados all around the city.

They are walking around with their wood trolley, or just parked in different corners of the city.

In Bogota, you will always find avocados nearby!

Coffee

And, how about coffee?

Colombia is also known worldwide for its delicious and high-quality coffee. Colombia has several coffee origins, each of them with specific characteristics.

Bogota, the country’s capital city, is the place you can find all kinds of coffee. Bogotanos love meeting up for coffee, there are so many nice and trendy cafés around the city

Beer

Although Bogota is not the most renowned city worldwide with regards to beer, there are very cool independent breweries. The most popular is Bogota Beer Company (BBC).

There are BBC pubs all around the city, you should definitely visit them. It’s a place where locals normally hang out. So, it’s the perfect place to meet new friends and to practice your Spanish.

3. Bogota is full of parks, nature and outdoors activities

Yes, one of the things everyone loves about Bogota is the number of outdoor activities you can do within the city and in its surrounding areas.

Simon Bolivar Metropolitan Park

Bogota’s metropolitan park, Simon Bolivar, is located just in the heart of the city.s slightly larger than New York’s Central Park and it’s a perfect place to go if you love to exercise.

It has a huge lake surrounded by grass and trees. On the weekends if full of people enjoying the time with family and friends.

Also, it is one of the main locations for festivals and concerts.

Los Cerros Orientales

Bogota’s mountains are stunning! They are not only a beautiful background but they are also excellent for orientation.

It’s important you always look at the mountains, or “cerros orientales”, to have a good sense of orientation in the city.

Check also our post: Bogota: A guide for getting around in the city.

Palm Trees

Have you ever thought that it’s possible to find palm trees in a city located in the middle of the Andes, where the altitude is 2,600m?

Well, it’s possible. That city is Bogota!

When you are walking around Calle 57, you will find beautiful palm trees along the streets with the beautiful Andes in the background.

These are things that amaze people when visiting and walking around Bogota. There is always something that will surprise you.

Hiking & Climbing

A city located in the middle of the Andes also offers amazing hikes for its residents and tourists.

If you like hiking, there are plenty of options.

You can go to La Chorrera, to Quebrada La vieja, or to the Sumapaz Paramo.

If you like hiking and climbing then you can visit Suesca. It’s a little town located just 1.5 hr from Bogota.

Ciclovía

Bogota is also known for its iconic “ciclovia” or bikeway. Ciclovia is either a permanent bike path or the closing of certain streets to automobiles for cyclists and pedestrians.

More than 120 kilometers of roads are turned into a cycle lane from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday and holidays.

All kinds of transportation are welcome —bicycles, roller skates, scooters, wheelchairs, skateboards— as long as they are not motor-driven.

4. Bogota has a unique architecture style

At first, Bogota’s architecture style might not be easy to define. But if you look closely, Bogota is a city of unique architecture among Latin American countries.

Bogota is known for its red brick buildings designed by architects who mingled their modernism with the colonial beauty.

One of the most influential architects is Rogelio Salmona. He gave an identity to the city. His use of red bricks and water as a connecting element revolutionized the aesthetics of the city.

Salmona’s work includes Torres del Parque, The Cultural Centre Gabriel García Márquez and the Museum of Modern Art of Bogotá.

What is even more interesting is that Bogota’s architecture has also English, Italian, French and Spanish influences.

You can walk around beautiful and preserved colonial districts like the Candelaria and Usaquen Districts. Or, walking around districts like Teusaquillo that resembles England’s rural architecture.

Bogota offers a photogenic fusion of past and present.

5. Bogota is the best place to learn Spanish

It might sound like a cliché but Colombian Spanish is considered one of the best Spanish in the world.

Although it’s impossible -also it isn’t fair- to affirm that there is one “best” Spanish language. It’s true that Colombian Spanish is one of the Spanish learners’ favorites.

Let’s start by clarifying that there is no such thing as a standard “Colombian Spanish”.

Like in any other language, there are many dialects within the country. However, for a matter of practicality, when people say “Colombian Spanish” they normally refer to the dialect spoken in Bogotá. Bogota’s dialect is known for being more polite, neutral and clear.

Why is Bogota the best place to learn Spanish?

• In Bogota people speak slow and paused, which makes it easy to understand for new learners.
• People pronounce almost all vowels and consonants in every word. That is why people say it is one of the “clearest”.
• People tend to use traditional Spanish words whenever possible. Although there is not a problem borrowing words for new concepts. That is why people say it’s one of the “cleanest”
• People find the accent itself very attractive. It has a slightly singing-tone that even native Spanish speakers from other countries love.

Bogota really does have it all. It’s a city that at first might not attract you because of its size, but it is a city that will surprise you every single day.

Come visit and learn Spanish with us!

Choosing the best accommodation in Bogota is as important as choosing the best Spanish school. It will impact positively – or negatively- your learning Spanish experience.

Thus, finding the right accommodation is one of the things you should definitely invest some time in. It doesn’t matter if you are staying in Bogota for a week, for a month, or for a year.

For Bogota’s first time visitors, it might be difficult choosing the best place to stay. A giant and cosmopolitan city as Bogota has all kinds of accommodations.

You will have plenty of options, from budget-friendly hostels to fancy modern apartments.

So, finding your ideal accommodation wouldn’t be a problem.

But, how to start?

Since you might not be familiar with the dynamics of the city and the different districts we have prepared this guide for you.

We will be looking at three aspects:

1. Factors to take into account when choosing accommodation in Bogota
2. Areas or Districts
3. Types accommodations

Are you ready?

¡Empecemos! (Let ‘s start!)

1. Important factors to take into account when choosing accommodation in Bogota

Budget

Of course, this is the first aspect we should look at.

For Latinamerican standards, Bogota is a moderately expensive city to live in. At the moment, our currency is very weak, which makes Bogota an affordable city compared to any North American or European cities.

But like any other capital city, you can find outstanding but expensive options. So, first, look at your budget and the length of your stay. Then you can decide what kind of accommodation suits you better.

To give you a quick idea, the average monthly cost for a single person living in Bogota is about $500 – $800 USD per month, excluding the Spanish program fees.

Proximity to the Spanish School

As you can imagine, a city of nine-million inhabitants might be quite chaotic in terms of mobility and transportation.

That’s why it’s very important you consider getting a place to stay near to your Spanish school. By “near” we mean walking distance or 30 minutes by car or public transport.

Believe us, you don’t want to get trapped in Bogota’s traffic for hours!

For instance, our Spanish school is located in the Chapinero district. It is located just in the heart of the city, a very convenient location for you to explore the cultural diversity the city has to offer.

There are plenty of options in this district. We highly recommend it. But, if you prefer to stay in a different district read our post on how to get around the city.

Proximity to friends

If you are not new in the city and have already established a good group of friends is totally understandable that you want to stay closer to them -or with them.

In that case, try to find a middle point between your friends and the Spanish school. It will save you many hours of traffic and stress.

Ask your friends or better yet, ask our team. They will surely help you find the best accommodation for you.

Proximity to attractions

If you are a Bogota’s new visitor, then you probably would like to explore the main city attractions.

In that case, try to evaluate how often you want to visit them. And then, decide if it’s worth it to stay closer to the main attractions of if it’s better to organize day trips to visit them.

As you can see on the map below from Tripadvisor, most of the tourist attractions are located in the city center.

So, to give you an idea, in normal conditions:

• It will take about 30-40minutes From Chapinero to the City Center by car (taxi or uber)
• It will take about 20-30minutes From Teusaquillo to the City Center by car (taxi or uber)
• It will take about 45-60minutes From Usaquen to the City Center by car (taxi or uber)

Easy transportation access

One last thing you should definitely look at is access to public transport.

If you are staying in Bogota for only a week or two, it might not be necessary. But, if you are planning to live in Bogota for a few months you should learn how to move around the city with public transport.

Sometimes it’s faster to walk or to take public transport than taking a taxi or an Uber. So, check out the TransMilenio map below and try to look for your accommodation accordingly.

2. Where to Stay in Bogota: The Best Districts

In our previous post, we mentioned the districts of Bogota you will more likely be living in or hanging around.

Thus, it makes sense that you look for accommodation in any of those districts: La Candelaria, Chapinero, Teusaquillo, and Usaquen.

Let’s look at those districts on the map!

It will get you a better idea of how the city is organized.

La Candelaria

La Candelaria is also known as “El Centro Histórico (Old City). It has a unique Spanish Colonial, Baroque and Art Deco style. It is one of the most popular districts for students to live in.

It’s right in the city’s downtown, it’s budget-friendly, and it has an immense cultural offer. You will find a wide variety of cafés and restaurants, museums, and libraries. La Candelaria hosts some of the Top Colombian universities.

Chapinero

Chapinero is one of the more affluent and diverse districts of the city.

It hosts the Central Business District and several important leisure, dining and nightlife areas of the city.

In Chapinero you will find dozens of local cafes, markets, and microbreweries as well as the largest LGBTQ+ nightclub in South America.

Teusaquillo

Teusaquillo is located in the geographic center of the city. It’s one of the favorite places to stay in Bogota due to its proximity to the airport, city center and other trendy districts.

It is home to the biggest park in Bogota (Simón Bolivar Park), the campus of the National University of Colombia, and the convention center Corferias. It is also known for having the best street art in the city.

Usaquén

Usaquen used to be its own small town until it was incorporated in the 1950s to become part of Bogota.

It’s located in the north of the city and it is considered as one of the city’s cutest districts.

Usaquen has also an immense cultural offer. It is rich in gastronomy, boutiques, bakeries and pubs. On Sundays and National holidays, it hosts Colombia’s most famous flea market.

3. Types of accommodation in Bogota

Now that you are more familiar with the most popular districts in Bogota, we can look at the types of accommodation.

If you are going to study Spanish in Bogota for only a couple of weeks it makes sense for you to choose a hotel, hostel or Airbnb. But, if you are planning to study for a longer period of time you can choose between a shared or a private apartment.

Hotels, Hostels & Airbnb

It all depends on your budget and preferences.

For example, if you prefer a private room and a quiet environment, a hotel or hotel boutique would be a good option for you. You can find budget-friendly hotel rooms for 60USD per night to luxury hotel rooms for 150 USD per night.

If you want to meet other travelers and students, a hostel would be a good option for you. If you stay in a hostel you can choose dorms or private rooms. There are many trendy hostels in the city, they are well located, well designed and offer a wide variety of activities. This would be a good option if you are traveling alone and want to meet new people.

If, on the contrary, you prefer your own space. You can rent a modern studio in any of the most trendy districts of the city via Airbnb. Prices also vary depending on the exact location and the size of the apartment. You can find one-bedroom studios for 60USD per night up to 150 USD per night.

If you want to get a better idea of how hotels, hostels and short-term apartments look like in Bogota you can check the following websites:

• Booking
• Agoda
• Hostelworld
• Airbnb

Shared & Private Accommodation

On the other hand, if your plan is to live in Bogota for at least three months it makes much more sense to find a shared or private accommodation.

We highly recommend to stay at first in a short-term accommodation, get to know the city and the different districts. Also, get to know some people and then decide where you would like to live your Spanish immersion experience.

Bogota short term rentals is a very useful Facebook group. You can take a look and contact the landlords directly.

With regards to prices, you can find a one-bedroom apartment for $300 – $500USD per month, or a private bedroom in a shared apartment $200USD per month.

Keep in mind that if you are renting a place long-term you would need to pay utilities separately. It would be about 100USD per month if you rent the whole place for yourself, or about $40 USD if you are sharing the place with someone else.

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We know that deciding where to learn Spanish might take some time. You should look for the best Spanish school, the best city to learn the language and the costs involved.

If you are reading this article it’s because you are interested in learning Spanish in Bogota.

That’s a great idea! You will have an unforgettable experience!

One of the questions people have before traveling to a new city is about the budget.

Let us help you with this.

In this article, we will share with you the average costs of Spanish programs and expenses for living in Bogota.

How much does it cost to learn Spanish In Bogota?

Let’s start with giving you the conversion rate to the COP (Colombian Peso) with regards to US dollars:

1 USD = $3.845 COP as of August 22, 2020.

For Latinamerican standards, Bogotá is a moderately expensive city to live in. Obviously, it varies depending on your lifestyle.

At the moment, our currency is very weak, which makes Bogota an affordable city compared to any North American or European cities.

The average monthly cost for a single person is about $500 – $800 USD per month, excluding the Spanish program fees.

For example, below are some rough costs (USD) for somebody living in a neighborhood like Chapinero, Bogota near our Spanish school.

1. Accommodation

The most substantial portion of your monthly budget will go towards rent.

Apartments in Bogotá have an extensive range of prices. You can find a one-bedroom apartment for about $300 USD per month, to a luxury two-bedroom apartment for about $1000 USD per month.

Most apartments do not include utilities and internet, so you will have to add them to your monthly budget. That would be about $100 USD per month.

If you plan to stay longer than 3 months, renting your own apartment or sharing one with friends would be the best option.

And, if you are planning to stay only for a week or two, you could stay in a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb. Rates vary from $10USD per night in a dorm to $60USD per night in a comfortable private room.

Let’s summarize:

• One-bedroom apartment $300 – $500 per month
• Utilities $100 per month
• Private bedroom in a shared apartment $200 per month
• Utilities in a shared apartment $40 per month
• A dorm bed in a hostel $10 per night
• Private room in a hotel $40 per night
• Airbnb one-bedroom apartment $60 per night

2. Transport

Keep in mind that Bogota is a big, very big city. There are about nine million people living in the city; you can imagine how traffic and distances are.

In Bogota, from 15min to 30 min drive is considered “near”. From 30min to 1hr drive is considered “moderate distance”. And, if a place is more than 1hr drive, then it is considered “far”.

Thus, it is important you try to find your accommodation near the Spanish school you have chosen. It will not only help you save some money but it will save you a lot of time in traffic.

Average costs to move around Bogota are:

• A local city bus or Transmilenio – $0.70c USD
• 15 min – 30 min Taxi or Uber trip – $4 USD
• > 1 hour Taxi or Uber trip – $8- $10 USD

If you plan to travel outside Bogota the average costs are:

• Bus trip to cities like Medellin, Cali or Bucaramanga (8-10 hours) – $25 USD
• Bus trip to closer cities (3-5 hours) – $8 USD
• Round-trip flights to the Caribbean coast – $100 USD

3. Food & Drinks

Eating in Bogota is such an experience!

Bogota is known as the gastronomical city. You can find all kinds of local and international food, for all kinds of budgets.

You can also find small local shops, markets and big supermarkets. In Bogota, you can basically find anything you want.

As in any other city, going out for dinner and drinks will take a big portion of your weekly/monthly budget. The best would be to combine cooking at home and going out for dinner once or twice a week.

Here is the average costs for food and drinks:

• $100 – $250 USD per month for groceries.
• A “menú del día” (lunch menu), which is normally a traditional Colombian dish that comes with soup, juice and sometimes even dessert – $4
• Street food – $1- $2
• Main course meal at a mid-level restaurant – $10
• Main course meal at a high-end restaurant – $25
• Craft beer in a Pub – $3
• Cocktail in a trendy rooftop– $10-$15

What are the average prices of Spanish programs in Bogota?

If you decide to join a Spanish school, the price range for group and private lessons are as follows:

Instead, if you decide to study Spanish at any of the university programs of the city, the price range varies from $300 USD per level to $500 USD per level.

If you have any questions regarding our programs, prices or about living in Bogota contact us here. We will be happy to guide you.

Hope to see you soon in Bogota!