The Andean city of Santa Fe de Bogota, the capital city of Colombia, is where most visitors begin their experience in the country.
Founded in 1538 by Spanish conquistadors, Bogota lies at the Western base of a mountain range that includes the shrine-topped peaks of Monserrate and Guadalupe.
The city is set at 8,500 ft/2,600 m—if you fly in from a much lower elevation, take it easy for a day or two to adjust to the altitude. Allow three days to see Bogota's sights.