Colombia
The Republic of Colombia is a sovereign country located in the northwestern region of South America. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north, Venezuela to the east and northeast, Brazil to the southeast, Ecuador and Peru to the south and southwest, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and Panama to the northwest. Colombia is divided into 32 departments. Bogotá is its capital and most populated city. Other important cities are Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla and Cartagena.
The name “Colombia” is derived from the Latin last name of the Italian navigator, Christopher Columbus. It was conceived as a reference to all of the New World.
Colombia is one of the world’s 17 megadiverse countries. Its territory encompasses the Amazon rainforest, highlands, grasslands and deserts. It is the only country in South America with coastlines and islands along both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
With an estimated 52 million people, Colombia is the third most populous country in Latin America, after Brazil and Mexico. Spanish is the official language, although English and 64 other languages are recognized regionally.
Its rich cultural heritage—including language, religion, cuisine, and art—reflects its history as a colony, fusing cultural elements brought by mass immigration from Europe and the Middle East, with those brought by the African diaspora, as well as with those of the various Indigenous civilizations that inhabited the region.
Colombia is a key member of major global and regional organizations, including the United Nations (UN), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Organization for the Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the Organization of American States (OAS). Its diversified economy is the third largest in South America, with macroeconomic stability and favorable long-term growth prospects.
Bogotá
Bogotá is the capital city of the Republic of Colombia and of the Cundinamarca department. It is located in the center of Colombia, in a natural region known as the Bogotá savanna, which actually constitutes a high plateau in the Andes mountains. Bogotá is the third highest capital in the world after Quito and La Paz, at an average of 2,640 meters (8,660 feet) above sea level. Bogotá has an area of 1,636 square kilometers (631 square miles) and an urban area of 307 square kilometers (118 square miles). The population amounts to almost 8 million people.
Bogotá is becoming an attractive investment market. The city offers a variety of opportunities to do business and engage in domestic and foreign trade. More than 70 shopping centers are located in the city, and Bogotá has the biggest shopping center in the country and second largest in Latin America.
Bogotá is also an international center for business and exhibitions. The city is known as the biggest exhibition center in Colombia, hosting 30 international and national fairs annually.
In addition, the city features a wide range of cultural attractions, represented by many museums, theaters and libraries.
Numerous parks adorn the city and its outskirts. Prime tourist attractions are the Tequendama Falls, about 20 miles (32 km) south, and the tram and cable car that climb more than 1,800 feet (550 meters) to the church and shrine atop Monserrate mountain.
***Altitude sickness in Bogotá***
The city’s high altitude can make visitors prone to soroche or altitude sickness due to low oxygen pressure in the air. The most common symptoms are dizziness, headache, heavy breathing, fatigue, nausea and weakness.
Recommendations to avoid altitude sickness:
- Drink plenty of water: Dehydration increases the risk of altitude sickness. It is advisable to drink plenty of water before and throughout the trip.
- Let your body adjust and get plenty of rest: A common side effect of altitude sickness is fatigue or weaknesses, due to the lack of oxygen to the body. Visitors are advised to take time to relax within the first few days of arriving in the city, and avoid heavy exercise.
- Consume carbohydrate-rich foods: Carbohydrate is an energy source for the body and help to avoid fatigue and weakness caused by the altitude sickness.
- Avoid alcohol: Alcohol, cigarettes, and medications like sleeping pills can make altitude sickness symptoms worse.
It may be advisable to see a doctor when the mentioned symptoms are present.
Climate
Bogotá is located at an altitude of over 2600 meters above sea level, and that means cold weather that is almost constant throughout the year. Temperatures normally range from 44 ºF to 66 ºF (6.6 ºC to 19 ºC).
In April temperatures are mostly mild and can reach up to 64 ºF (18 ºC) during the day. After sunset it cools down considerable. However, the weather is rather unpredictable, and it can change abruptly. April is one of the rainiest months, so it is advisable to always carry an umbrella.
Recommended clothes
To fully enjoy Bogotá’s ever-changing weather, we suggest dressing in layers. We recommend packing light clothes, closed shoes, a warm jacket and an umbrella, and also include sunglasses and sunscreen.
Entrance to the country
To enter the country, travelers must comply with the following requirements:
- Valid, eligible passport
- Air ticket to and from Colombia
- Approved visa for the trip (if the traveler comes from a country that is not included in the Colombian visa exemption agreement)
- Colombian Migration Check-Mig form. Colombian authorities recommend filling out this mandatory digital form between 24 and 72 hours before the flight closing. The Check-Mig is only valid for a single entry. You must have a separate document to enter and exit Colombia, and they must both be within their validity period.
For more detailed information, contact:
https://www.colombia-checkmig.com/es/requisitos
Airport
El Dorado International Airport is the busiest and most important airport in Colombia. It is also the first airport in South America in passenger volume. Its strategic and privileged position makes El Dorado one of the main hubs in South America given that it is located in the middle part of the American continent, thus facilitating its communication with all continents.
El Dorado is located 16 km. away from the Hilton Bogotá Hotel. The trip to the hotel takes approximately 35 minutes.
Vaccination
It is necessary to report the health status of the traveler in the Check-Mig immigration registration form (a mandatory step before traveling to the country).
There are no COVID-19 vaccination requirements for Colombia. International visitors no longer need to present a vaccination certificate to enter the country.
Travelers from Brasil, Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda or who are traveling to one of the endemic areas of yellow fever in the territory must be vaccinated against this viral disease. It must be administered 15 days before traveling to Colombia.
In addition, the Colombian government recommends having your vaccinations up to date, including those for measles and rubella.
Electricity
In Colombia electricity operates on a 110-volt current and 60 Hz.
There are two associated plug types, A / B.
Currency – ATMs
The Colombian peso (sign: $; code: COP) is the country’s official currency. In contrast to many of its neighbors, the US dollar is not generally accepted as money in Colombia, so visitors will be using pesos throughout their stay. Most banks do not exchange money, so it will be necessary to go to a money exchange. The best way to get cash is to use the ATMs that can be found everywhere.
Tipping
In most sit-down restaurants, a 10-percent service charge is automatically included in the bill. When this extra charge is not included, tipping is discretionary. Tipping is not generally expected in Colombia though it is always very appreciated.
Getting around in Bogotá
To move around the city and easily find an address or a street, it is useful to know that two different words are used for “street”: “calle” and “carrera.” They generally run perpendicular to each other. The “carreras” are those streets that run north and south, parallel to the mountains. The “calles” are those roads that run east and west and vertically cross the “carreras.”
The city of Bogotá is a bit hectic with buses, taxis, and cars going rather fast; so, to stay in the city, it is advisable to make use of public transportation and taxis. The Transmilenio is a network of buses that work as a Bus Rapid Transit system; they can be recognized straight away as they run in the middle of the road and do not share their road space with cars. Bogotá is also home to a city-wide cycling network that covers more than 600 km of streets–making it the most extensive in Latin America and one of the largest in the world.
Taxis
The fleet of yellow taxis is a generally reliable and inexpensive way of getting around. We do not recommend hailing taxis in the street. It’s preferable to ask someone at your accommodations or restaurant to book one for you. Taking a taxi from the airport arrivals area is generally safe.
Uber and other taxi apps currently operate in Bogotá, although there have been temporary suspensions of service.
Car rental
Several companies offer a car rental service in Bogotá, among which are Flexways, Sixt, Hertz, Budget, Enterprise, Avis, Dollar or National, which have a wide range of fleets that can satisfy the visitor’s needs.
Bogotá’s highlights
With a rich culture and history, this vibrant capital is home to 90 museums and around 70 art galleries, beautiful parks, and colonial neighborhoods.
The Gold Museum
It is dedicated to the history of gold in Colombia and its use by different indigenous groups. The museum houses the world’s largest collection of gold artifacts–with more than 55,000 pieces of gold, bronze, and other materials. Each artifact tells a unique story about the country’s pre-Hispanic cultures. It is located on the corner of Parque de Santander in the historic center of Bogotá.
Botero Museum
This museum features the works of Colombian artist Fernando Botero, famous for his signature style, Boterism, which represents people, animals, and other objects in highly exaggerated sizes. You will also see other pieces by Picasso, Monet, Klimt, and many other well-known artists from around the world. It is located in the historic neighborhood of La Candelaria and is free to the public.
La Candelaria
It is Bogotá’s colorful colonial neighborhood and historic center featuring vibrant street art, amazing museums, colorful cobblestone streets, and street food vendors. It’s home to Plaza de Bolívar (the city’s main square), beautiful churches, typical Bogotano restaurants, street performers, markets, and much more. It is the traditional culture hub of Bogotá.
Monserrate Mountain
Sitting at 3,152 meters (10,341 feet) above sea level, Monserrate Mountain towers above Bogotá, featuring beautiful endless views of this vast and dynamic capital city. You can either ride the funicular or cable car (“teleférico”) up to the Monserrate Sanctuary and back down–or hike. Once you’ve reached the top, you will find the Basilica Sanctuary of the Fallen Lord and Our Lady of Monserrate, as well as bars and restaurants. The funicular carries morning passengers (until noon), while the cable car handles the afternoon shift. They both leave from the same spot, a short walk from the Parque de los Periodistas.
Bolivar Square
The Bolívar Square (“Plaza de Bolívar”) is the main square of the Colombian capital. It is located in the heart of the historical area of the city. The history of Bolívar Square dates back to the pre-Columbian era, when the site was part of the Muisca Confederation. During the Spanish colonial period, Bolívar Square was the stage for circus acts, public markets and bullfights. The square is surrounded by historical buildings; the Palace of Justice, the National Capitol and the metropolitan Cathedral of Bogotá.
Simón Bolivar Metropolitan Park
This is the green lung of the city and where the locals choose to relax, meet with friends and family, take a stroll or simply escape the buzz of Bogotá. With its walking and biking paths, it is ideal for exercise. It has a large lake situated in the middle of the park where boats are available for hire.
Other places of interest
The city offers other interesting points, like the National Museum housing four collections: art, history, archaeology and ethnography; and the museums of Modern Art and of Colonial Art.
A visit to the Usaquén market is also highly recommended to discover the local handicrafts and the delicious and diverse culinary scene. Open Saturdays and Sundays.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE EVENT
Dress code
For the social meetings, elegant casual clothes are recommended, no jeans. No tie is necessary. For the closing dinner on Wednesday, the dress code recommended is formal attire, with a tie.
Punctuality
Punctuality is indispensable and will be welcomed for all programmed events.
Badges
You will be requested to show your identification card / badge at all the social and academic events to be allowed into the meeting rooms.
Don’t forget to bring with you
Prescribed glasses, personal medicines, comfortable and smart shoes, and a warm jacket.
Luggage
We suggest that you identify your luggage with bag tags (name and surname, and hotel).
Insurance
The organizers assume no responsibility for medical, travel, robbery or personal insurance.
Emergencies
In case of needing medical attention at the hotel please call Reception. Hotels may have medical insurance.
