Welcome to the Monserrate, the symbol of Bogotá, a must-see among the must-sees, a mountain culminating at 3152 m above Colombia’s capital, with its basilica, a place of pilgrimage and meditation.
The Monserrate looks out over the immensity of a city stretching as far as the eye can see in a verdant valley. He plays hide-and-seek with clouds, mist and sun. You see me, you don’t.
Vigil, lighthouse, control tower of a capital monster. He’s the mirador maximus, the king of vantage points, the must-see. It is the need for elevation, the desire to stand back, the need for a horizon that grips us in the midst of the maze of gargantuan Babylon.
Take the high ground!
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Disclaimer: we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.
English-speaking guide to climb Monserrate
and Candelaria City Tour
Felipe, an English-speaking guide in Bogotá, offers a guided tour of Candelaria, including the Monserrate. He also offers private tours of Bogotá’s surrounding areas, all in english.
The Monserrate in Bogotá
Must-see in the colombian Capital
Wherever you are in Bogotá, it’s impossible to miss the Monserrate. It’s a great landmark to help you find your way around the city, as it stands roughly above La Candelaria, Bogotá’s historic district.
The weather in Bogotá is temperamental. To put it mildly! We had in mind to enjoy the sunset from the Monserrate, so we had to be well connected to the weather so as not to miss out… the Monserrate often has its head in the clouds.
As we were staying with Angélica’s family in Chia, on the outskirts of Bogotá, we had to make sure we weren’t caught off guard by an untimely arrival of fog, which would have spoiled the party.
From Chia to Monserrate, it’s a two-hour journey, first the buseta, then the Transmilenio, then walking to the cable car, so we couldn’t improvise our ascent.
Of course, living in the center of town made it easier to adapt to the conditions and take advantage of a clear day to attempt the climb.
We get off at the “Universidades” Transmilenio stop and walk up to the cable car station.
The white, sunlit basilica on its dark green summit is a beckoning sight. As we get closer to the foot of Monserrate, distances become more and more contorted. But nothing prepares us for what lies ahead.
Sprawling Bogota
View from the Monserrate
It’s not until we’re inside the cable car, breaking away from a cow floor at 2640 m, that the sheer size of the capital jumps out at us.
The higher the glass cage rises to a summit at over 3,000 m, the more Bogotá swells before our eyes, stretching as far as the eye can see, like an immense river of stone and asphalt surrounded by majestic mountains.
At the top, it’s the immaculate, imposing basilica that dominates, but it’s the view of Bogotá that sucks you in. The few restaurants and tourist attractions can’t distract your attention.
Like a magnet, the landscape grabs you and won’t let go. A failed experience in Hong Kong or Taipei, an incredible memory in Caracas, Paris or San Francisco, dominating a sprawling city like Bogotá is one of the unforgettable experiences I like to have when traveling.
On one side, nature, the forest, the surrounding peaks; on the other, the city, a shapeless, magnetic form. We take a seat on the parapet, and like many people around us, wait for the show to begin.
Be patient, let the needles turn and the light fall, and above all, don’t be tempted to come down too quickly – you’d be wrong to think you’ve seen it all!
Sunset over Bogota
WHEN THE MONSERRATE BECOMES A SHOW STAGE
The temperature is dropping fast, but fortunately we’re familiar with Bogotá’s weather and we’re well covered up, exploring the surrounding area in anticipation of the first flare-ups: at the side of the Basilica there’s a gallery offering a few souvenir stores and restaurants for a bite to eat.
The interior of the basilica itself is nothing exceptional.
Then the first colors appear in the sky, it’s time for the show, the bell rings for the last spectators, everyone takes their seats, it’s not too crowded, it’s the middle of the week, all that’s left is to contemplate what will remain one of my most beautiful travel memories.
From here on in, the images are worth all the words in the world, so I’ll let you enjoy!
Where to stay in Bogotá
Staying in Candelaria, near Monserrate
Bogota, Candelaria
Finca
Double room : $250.000 to $300.000 COP
Ideally located just a stone’s throw from the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, The Candelaria House offers beautiful guest rooms set in an antique colonial house in La Candelaria. For old-world charm!
Bogota, Candelaria
Hotel
Double room : $200.000 to $250.000 COP
A hotel recommended by our readers, with a pretty nice terrace! Views of the mountains and the Monserrate, pleasantly decorated rooms and a warm welcome.
Bogota, Candelaria
Hotel
Double room : $200.000 to $250.000 COP
Sam has stayed here and the hotel is up to the standards of fine modern European hotels. Ideally located on the Plaza de los Periodistas, it’s close to the Transmilenio, the Monserrate and the entrance to Candelaria.
Bogota, Candelaria
Hostal
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $150.000 to $200.000 COP
Masaya is the success story of 3 Frenchmen who opened this renowned hostal in Bogotá. Since then, smaller ones have sprung up in Santa Marta and San Agustin, the sign of a job well done!
Bogota, Candelaria
Hostal
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $0 to $100.000 COP
A tastefully decorated hostal in the heart of Candelaria, with helpful staff and impeccable cleanliness, offering good value for money.
Bogota, Candelaria
Hostal
Dormitory : $25.000 to $50.000/Double room : $100.000 to $150.000 COP
Located in the Candelaria district, Le Botanico Hostal is renowned for its warm welcome and friendly staff. Its highlight: its garden and terrace overlooking the Monserrate!
How to get to Monserrate
During the day, if you’re in the neighborhood or nearby (Candelaria), you can walk up to the cable car station. This is best avoided in the evening, to prevent any problems.
Otherwise, the simplest solution is to take a cab to the funicular. For the return journey, even though we got off just after sunset, it wasn’t too late and we did it on foot, so we recommend taking a cab: it’s clearly the best solution.
- Nearest Transmilenio station: Universidades
- Address: Carrera 2 Este No. 21-48 Paseo Bolívar
Monserrate timetable and fares
Cable car
- Monday to Friday 5 p.m. to midnight
- Saturday noon to midnight.
- Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
Funicular
- Monday to Friday 6.30am to 4.45pm
- Saturday 6.30am to 4pm
- Sunday 5.30am to 6.30pm
Pedestrian trail
- Open every day except Tuesday, from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. to go up and from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. to come down.
Rates
- Monday to Saturday: $10,000 one way – $20,000 return ticket
- Sunday: $6,000 One-way – 12,000 return
- Tickets on sale until 10.30pm
The pedestrian trail
- Free
Restaurants with a view of Monserrate
In addition to the little “bouibouis” in the shopping mall where you can eat for not too much money, there are two “real” restaurants with a view of Bogotá at the top of Monserrate.
Casa San Isidro – english restaurant
Quite expensive, but a very famous restaurant with an exceptional view
Casa Santa Clara – Colombian restaurant
Slightly less expensive, but just as famous and with a superb view too
Practical info BOgota
For all practical information on Bogota, please visit our general post and our dedicated posts:
