Bogota

Bogota in Colombia is a city on the up. Once upon a time you’d stop here for a night or maybe two on your way to Cartagena or the Northern Beaches, but never really hang around. How times have changed. Major development and investment, not just in urban infrastructure but in culture and arts – and it should be said, in luxury – has tempered what has always been one of Latin America’s most exciting and cosmopolitan cities.

Already a major hub for business trips and commerce, a massive influx of glamorous hotels and designer boutiques has seen it become a leading luxury vacation destination. It’s nightlife remains as spicy as ever, while it’s taken its place at the table of the continent’s top gastronomic cities. It’s a city that seems constantly on the lips of those discussing the hottest new places to visit in travel.

It’s also a city full of surprises. Despite its urban sprawl, there are over 4,500 parks and green spaces. People cycle everywhere and its temperate climate means it avoids the oppressive heat of some South American cities. It has an almost European feel in some areas. The historic quarter of La Candelaria is home to shaded plazas, streets lined with pavement cafés, graceful old churches and museums. And despite its extravagant party scene reputation, Bogota has quieter side; it’s crammed full of interesting little art galleries, while Unesco has named it a World Book Capital.

The location is outstanding too. Bogota sits on a sweeping plain, 2,600m above sea level in the foothills of the Andes. As part of a tailor-made itinerary you can visit surrounding coffee plantations or take a steam train to the world-famous Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral. There’s adventure to be had too from biking, paragliding and skydiving in the mountains to kayaking and whitewater rafting on the Rio Negro.