First Impressions of Bogota

We got to Bogota earlier today than we had planned.

We planned to stop in a place called Zipaquira and visit a famous salt mine that has been carved into an underground cathedral.

But when our bus got to Zipaquira it seemed to be stopping on the edge of town and not in the center. So we didn't get off. The bus didn't stop again. So we just rode on to Bogota. Since our tickets were to Zipaquira and not Bogota, it turns out we got a discount ride. No one seemed to care.

Bogota is by far the biggest city of the trip. The metro area population is nearing 9 million.

That's more than three times the size of Quito.

But fortunately Bogota has a historic center that has not changed too much since the founding of the town in the mid-1500s.

It's called La Candelaria.

It's composed mostly of three and four story buildings, some dating back to colonial times, and narrow streets. Most of the hostels are here. There are lots of restaurants and coffee shops and bars and a lot of street life.

It makes a very good first impression. Take this street scene for instance. You might never know you are in a city of nine million.

I think we are going to enjoy our time here.