Mobile Edition
Print
Get the Mag
Weekly UpdatesBEST HOTEL
Radisson Royal Bogota Hotel. A 24-hour business center makes this a perfect spot for business travelers. The facility offers high-speed Internet access, six multimedia PCs, a photocopying machine, color printer, scanner, fax and cellular telephones. When work is done, guests can relax at the Club & Spa or savor the seafood at La Fragata restaurant. There is also international fare at the Cafe Terraza El Bodegon and the Sports Bar for drinks. Room prices begin at US$120, but there are business packages; one adds breakfast and a city tour on Saturday for a total room rate of $159. In the executive class rooms for business travelers, the rooms have a work desk, Internet and laptop computer connections, in-room fax machines, free local calls, a free movie each night and a complimentary breakfast. Bate is $199. Teleport Business Park. Phone: [57] (1) 629-5559. www.radisson.com
BEST RESTAURANT
Pajares Salinas. An institution in Bogota, this restaurant was opened in 1958 by the Pajares brothers from Aragon, Spain. The brothers came to Colombia on business, then decided to stay and give locals a taste of traditional Spanish cuisine. Movers and shakers, including politicians, artists and executives, frequent Pajares Salinas. Favorite dishes include the homemade pate and the consome de Jerez soup. There's a variety of seafood, chicken dishes, and savory paellas valencianas. The restaurant's decor incorporates a collection of paintings from the early 20th century, Carrera 10, No. 96-08. Phone: [571 (1) 616-1524.
BEST TOUR
Catedral de Sal. Just 50 kilometers from Bogota near the city of Zipaquira is one of Colombia's architectural marvels. The Catedral de Sal, an underground chapel deep within a salt mine, is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, for her protection of miners. The chapel is covered with images and religious representations carved in the salt. A subterranean tour passes biblical scenes, a 16 meter high cross and balconies, but the highlights are a marble image of the creation of Adam and a sculpture of La Piedad. Open Tuesday through Sunday. www.catedraldesal.com
BEST THEATER
IX Ibero-American Theater Festival, Make sure yon are there when the curtain goes up on this biennal theater festival that attracts 100 theater groups from around the world. Spain is this year's guest country for the big show that involves 15 venues throughout the city from March 26 through April 11, 2004. Buy a festival pass for US$114 and enjoy up to 20 shows at the Teatro Nacional. Phone: [57] (1) 348-2917. www.festivaldeteatro.com.co
BEST TRAVEL AGENCY
Aviatur Colombia. This travel agency, which opened shop in 1957, belongs to the Aviatur network of travel agencies around the world. The reservation center operates 24 hours a day and the agency has 210 company-owned offices in 22 Colombian cities. Aviatur is divided into specialty departments, including domestic tours, international tours and conventions. www.aviatur.com.co
BEST MUSEUM
Museo de Oro. If you have time to visit only one cultural attraction during your stay, go to the Banco de la Republica's Gold Museum, with almost 35,000 metallic pieces and 20,000 objects made of ceramics and other materials that reflect the life and works of Colombia's ancient native cultures. A new building, the first phase of an ambitious 13-year renovation project, is to be completed in December 2004. Located at the corner of Carrera 6 and Calle 16 in the Santander Park. Phone: [57] (1) 342-0577/343-1424. www.banrep.gov.co/museo
BEST AFTERNOON OFF
Jardin Botanico Jose Celestino Mutis. It's not for nothing that. Colombian has become a powerhouse exporter of cut flowers. See here 5,000 different orchids as well as roses and other flowers from Colombia's varied climates. Flowers are in traditional open gardens and in greenhouses. The botanical garden also is home to a large collection of Colombian trees. Carrera 66 No. 56-84.
BEST DAY TRIP
Laguna de Guatavita. As the legend goes, a god fell to earth and created this nearly round lake 75 kilometers northeast of Bogota. Although it was more likely a meteor, the lake nonetheless has become the stuff of varying legends, including the site of the famed El Dorado, the town of gold sought by Spanish conquistadors. Local Indians believed the god continued to live at the bottom of the lake, offering it emeralds and gold in tribute, which only fueled Spanish interest in the site. The colonial town of Guatavita is nearby.
FEED