   
Bogotá is a cosmopolitan city in continuous expansion. It is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas, not only in Colombia, but also in South America. Its almost 6 million inhabitants include a multitude of immigrants from all over the world, which makes the capital a true microcosm of the nation. Modern highrises and skyscrapers contrast with old houses of colonial and republican architecture. Bogotá offers residents and visitors everything that a modem city can give. Cultural activities abound and its enormous selection of restaurants, bars and nightclubs offers all kinds of food and entertainment.
It is known for its colonial architecture, its collection of pre-Colombian gold art, and its bookshops and splendid colonial churches. It is also a city of futuristic architecture, modern highrises, brilliant museums, and skyscrapers. Bogotá offers residents and visitors everything that a modem city can give including a vibrant and diverse cultural and intellectual life. It is also a city of Dickensian waifs, beggars, shantytowns and traffic jams.
Location
Bogotá, the Capital City of Colombia, is located in the country's geographical center, on the eastern border of the Bogotá Savannah, the highest altiplano of the Colombian Andean Region. Its average altitude is 2,600 mts. (8530 ft) over sea level.
Language
Spanish
Official currency
Colombian peso
Visa
Required by all except the following for touristic purposes for up to 90 days:
a) 1. nationals listed in the table above (except for nationals of the Republic of Ireland);
b) nationals of Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Holland, Honduras, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea (Rep), Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Norway, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, The Philippines, Portugal, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Spain, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, UK, Uruguay, USA, Venezuela.
Embassy contact information: Please contact the nearest Embassy of Colombia for information on what documentation you may require to enter Colombia.
Weather
Bogotá has an average temperature of 14°C (57.2°F), from an average low of 9°C (48°F) to an average high of 22°C (72.6°F). The dry and rainy seasons alternate during the year. The driest months are December, January, February and March; the rainiest months are April, May, September, October and November. June and July are usually not very rainy and August is sunny and very windy, a condition from which the citizens take advantage of and go out to the fields to fly kites. These conditions are very variable due to the varied weather phenomena.
Taxes
Every person travelling by air must pay a departure tax of 28 USD (This amount is periodically adjusted). The national revenue stamp tax is 15 USD. That is, the departure tax is 43 USD.
For more accurate information, go to the section of Travelers in the Act 2685 from 1999, the web page www.dian.gov.co
Tips
The tip for food and beverage services is usually 10% and absolutely voluntary. It must not be included in the check or bill. The customer decides whether to leave or not an extra amount for the service.
Sources:
http://www.festivaldeteatro.com.co/xfestival/infoenglish/ComoBogotaingles.html
http://www.learn4good.com/travel/colombia_visa.htm
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