Bogota is located in the geographical centre of the country and it stands on a plateau 2,574m (8,445ft) above sea level (which makes it a third highest capital in South America, after La Paz and Quito).

The old historic city centre, La Candelaria, the main centre of interest to tourists, lies between two very different parts of the town; northern Bogota is mainly residential and up-market; whereas areas in southern Bogota are lower income suburbs which, as you go further south to the outskirts of Bogota, become shantytowns.

La Candelaria covers the site of the old Santa Fe, which the first settlers made their home, and from which the city developed. It is a fairly well preserved historic district. Just south of La Candelaria, the business district is an area dominated by Manhattan like skyscrapers and with offices, banks, shops and cinemas.  

The City Institute for Culture and Tourism
Plaza de Bolivar
Carrera 8 no 9-83
Tel: (01) 327 4900/16.
Website: www.bogotaturismo.gov.co

The above information desk is open seven days a week 0800-1800, and the staff speak English.

There is another one at El Dorado airport, at the bus terminal (tel: (1) 295 4460).

There is currently no sightseeing pass available in Bogota.