Information about Bogotá, Colombia

About Bogotá, Colombia

Being the capital city of Columbia, Bogotá is also known as the largest and most populous city in the country. It is a city with many layers. It is a city that caters to a population that has been exposed to European and North American influences, which ensures that anything from traditional dishes (Ajiaco) to sushi or fast food restaurants can be found. It's one of the most modern and metropolitan cities of South and Central America. Bogotá is divided by 4 sections: aThe south which is mainly the poorer section of the city, El Centro where the main financial headquarters are established, El Occidente which is where Bogotá’s main middle and some upper class lives, and The North which is where most of the affluent live and where you will find many upscale boutiques, cafes, nightclubs, and many new multinational headquarters.

Traffic and transportation

The city of Bogotá is built on a grid system. Carreras (streets) are abbreviated as Cr, K and Crs and run parallel to the mountains from South to North. The Calles (also streets) cross the Carreras and run from East to West. Calles are abbreviated as C, Cll and Cl. Avenidas, abbreviated as Av, are usually larger and main streets. For the Avenidas a numerical system is used but some have names such as Avenida Jimenez. Each address consists of a series of numbers, for example: Calle 16 # 2-43. This indicates that the building on Calle 16 is 43 meters from the corner of Carrera 2 towards Carrera 3.
Bogotá has a modern transportation system. It includes an international airport, bus lines, taxis, the transmilenio rapid transit system, and a train that serves as transportation for the outskirts of the city.

Getting Around in a Cab in Bogotá

Bogotá has several types of taxis. Yellow taxis (cabs) are the most common. People often use them in order to get to their destination faster, although they are more expensive. Bogotá also has white taxis, used mostly as shuttles by hotels or companies to transport customers.
Taxi cabs are ubiquitous and affordable. They can be flagged down anywhere. Also they can be called by phone at 311-1111 or 411-1111. For security reasons, be sure to order taxis by telephone and only catch them in the street if you are in a group.

Getting Around in a Bus

Buses are the main means of mass transportation. There are two bus systems: the traditional system and the Transmilenio.
The traditional system runs a variety of bus types, operated by several companies on normal streets and avenues. They cruise all the main streets and many side streets, and are the principal form of transport for the working class and student class. Though they do follow specific routes, they do not have bus "stops"; you merely call to them like taxis and they will stop for you where you are standing
Bogotá’s new Transmilenio rapid bus service is the more modern bus system, but it is still extremely affordable, clean and efficient. While it carries commuters to numerous corners of the city, there are some main routes that are not yet reached by Transmilenio.

Getting Around by Bicycles

Renting a bike and having a ride on Bogotá’s modern circular route called Ciclo-Ruta is a very exciting and healthy way to get to know the city and get closer to the people. There are certain rules that must be followed: You have to wear a helmet and a reflective vest. The bicycle must have reflective panels in the wheels and back. On Sunday many main and secondary roads are closed to serve the so-called Ciclovia, a special feature of Bogotá, where people can walk, ride bicycle or just dance.

Airports

Bogotá's principal airport is the El Dorado International Airport, which is one of the largest and most expensive airports in Latin America. Currently, a major expansion of El Dorado airport is on the way. The planning stage is finished and works should start before the end of 2007. This will expand the airport's capacity from the current 8 million passengers a year to 16 million.
The second airport - Guaymaral Airport – is a base for Police Aviation and all general aviation activities.