At 3,152 metres, the mountain of Montserrate dominates the high plateau (already at a height of 2,640 metres) on which Bogota, the capital of Colombia, is built. It is a place of contemplation, with panoramic views of the city below, and the forested slopes around it.
A Little History of Bogota and Montserrate
Bogota was founded in 1538 when Spanish soldiers under the command of Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada conquered the Muisca people who lived on the Altiplano. He ordered crucifixes be placed on Montserrate, which was also a holy place to the Muisca people.
In 1640, a chapel was built, dedicated to the Virgin Morena de Montserrat. Soon after, in 1657, this was expanded into a monastery. The religious associations with the mountain continue today, with some climbing to the top as a penitence, before visiting the cathedral.
The funicular railway started operating in 1929, while the cable car service began in 1955.
Why Montserrate?
When in Bogota, come to Montserrate for a quick escape from the city bustle and a retreat into nature. Enjoy the fresh air and explore the paths around the mountain. Choose from the three ways of getting up (walking, funicular railway and cable car), see more below.
Though Bogota may feel warm if you are in direct sun, Montserrate is chillier, so some warm clothes are a good idea and, as it rains frequently in Bogota, an umbrella, or waterproof.
What to Eat and Drink
There are three restaurants on Montserrate (San Isidro, Montserrate Grill and Santa Clara), as well as several kiosks. The food tends to be Colombian, meat or fish with potato, rice, plantain and/or cassava, as well as some international choices.
Something to try here is the hot chocolate; it takes the chill away nicely. More intriguing is the hot chocolate with cheese. The cheese is dropped into the drink and melts, mixing into the chocolate and blending favours as it goes.
How to Get to Montserrate
The entrance to Montserrate is near La Candelaria, or the older part of the city of Bogota. It is on the eastern edge, where the roads Carrera 1 and Carrera 3 Este meet. It is reachable by taxi or by taxi apps.
Upon arrival at the foot of the mountain, you will have three options in front of you. Firstly, you can walk to the top, it is free, the record for the 1605 steps stands at 18 minutes, but best to leave about forty minutes to an hour, remember that you are a long way above sea level here and may not yet be accustomed to the thinner air; second, the funicular railway, which tends to run in the mornings; and thirdly, the cable car, which tends to run in the afternoons, it takes about four minutes.
The tickets for transport are very cheap and interchangeable, so you can go up one way and come down another. The schedule for Sunday is quite different from the rest of the week.
Things to Do in Bogota
For more to do in Bogota, see our article about Bogota Graffiti Art.
Flights and Getting to Bogota
There are direct flights from London Heathrow to Bogota.
From the USA, Avianca, Latam and American fly direct from Miami; Latam and Delta direct from Atlanta; Avianca and United direct from New York; whilst Copa flies from los Angeles, with a stop in Panama City.
Bogota Time
The UK is six hours ahead of Colombia in the UK summer (GMT+5). New York City is an hour ahead.
Further Information
The website for information on Montserrate: https://monserrate.co/en/welcome-a-monserrate/
Official website for tourism in Bogota: https://visitbogota.co/en
And for Colombia: https://colombia.travel/en
Images Mike East, unless stated.
