Usaquén Travel Guide

Explore the top places to visit, best things to do, hiking and biking routes, food scene, accommodations, local culture, safety and health tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations in Usaquén, Bogotá, Colombia.


Usaquén is an upscale cultural and residential district located in the northern part of Bogotá, Colombia, in South America. This district is popular for its historic center, colonial architecture, street markets, cultural events, and natural attractions. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about Usaquén, including the top places to visit, the best things to do, the food and drink scene, the accommodations, local culture, safety and health tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations.

Introduction to Usaquén

Usaquén is a historic and cultural district in Bogotá that dates back to the pre-Columbian era. Since the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors arrived, Usaquén was one of the most important agricultural and trade centers in the region. Today, Usaquén has evolved into a trendy residential neighborhood with a mix of colonial and modern buildings, cultural venues, parks, and cafes.

List of Places to Visit in Usaquén

Whether you’re interested in history, art, nature, or food, Usaquén has a lot to offer. Here is a list of places to visit in Usaquén:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Usaquén Flea Market: This open-air market is held every Sunday and is popular for its artisanal crafts, food, and music.
  • The Independence Museum: This museum showcases the history of Colombia’s independence movement in the 19th century.
  • The Hacienda Santa Bárbara: This historic estate is now a shopping destination with upscale boutiques, restaurants, and cafes.

Natural Attractions of Usaquén: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Cerros Orientales: This mountain range offers hiking and biking trails, as well as scenic views of the city and the Andes.
  • The Bogotá Botanical Garden: This garden has over 19,000 plants and serves as a research hub for Colombian flora.
  • The Humedal La Conejera: This wetland is home to a variety of birds, reptiles, and mammals and has educational exhibits for visitors.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Usaquén

Usaquén has a variety of hiking and biking routes that take visitors through its scenic parks, mountains, and trails. Here is a list of the top routes to try:

  • El Cerro de Monserrate: This mountain trail leads visitors to a stunning view of the city and has a variety of restaurants and shops at the top.
  • El Humedal La Conejera: This nature reserve has several trails suited for hiking, bird watching, and wildlife observation.
  • Bogotá Bike Tour: This guided tour takes visitors through the streets of Usaquén and highlights the district’s history and culture.

Best Things to Do in Usaquén: Activities and Tours

Besides hiking and biking, Usaquén has a range of exciting activities and tours for visitors to enjoy. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Street Art Tour: This walking tour takes visitors through Usaquén’s street art scene and highlights the famous murals and graffiti.
  • Coffee Tasting Tour: This tour takes visitors to several cafes and roasteries in Usaquén and teaches them about the history and culture of Colombian coffee.
  • Cooking Class: This class teaches visitors how to make traditional Colombian dishes and includes a visit to the local market.

Week-Long Itinerary for Usaquén

If you’re planning a week-long trip to Usaquén, here is a suggested itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Explore the Usaquén Flea Market and the Independence Museum
2 Go hiking in the Cerros Orientales and visit the Hacienda Santa Bárbara
3 Take a street art tour and visit the Bogotá Botanical Garden
4 Try a coffee tasting tour and visit the Humedal La Conejera
5 Take a cooking class and go on a Bogotá bike tour
6 Relax and enjoy the local food scene and nightlife
7 Visit nearby destinations such as Zipaquirá or La Candelaria

Food and Drink Scene of Usaquén

Usaquén is known for its traditional dishes, craft beer, and coffee. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ajiaco: This soup is made with chicken, potatoes, corn, and herbs and is served with avocado and capers.
  • Bandeja Paisa: This dish is a hearty platter that includes beans, rice, meat, plantains, and avocado.
  • Empanadas: These are fried or baked dough pockets stuffed with meat, cheese, or vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Colombian Coffee: Colombia is known for its high-quality coffee, and Usaquén has several cafes and roasteries where visitors can try different varieties.
  • Chicha: This is a fermented beverage made with corn or rice and can be sweet or sour.
  • Craft Beer: Bogotá has a thriving craft beer scene, and Usaquén has several bars and breweries where visitors can try local beer.

Where to Stay in Usaquén: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Usaquén has several options for accommodations, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels. Here are a few suggestions:

  • NH Collection Royal Teleport Bogotá: This five-star hotel has deluxe rooms, an outdoor pool, and a spa.
  • Selina Usaquén: This hostel has private and shared rooms, an on-site cafe, and a rooftop terrace.
  • La Casa de Juana: This guesthouse has cozy rooms, a garden, and a shared kitchen.

What to Buy in Usaquén: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Usaquén has several markets and shops where visitors can find unique souvenirs and local products such as:

  • Handwoven textiles and crafts: Usaquén has several artisanal markets where visitors can buy handwoven textiles, handmade jewelry, and other crafts.
  • Coffee: Visitors can buy freshly roasted coffee beans or ground coffee at the local roasteries.
  • Handcrafted leather goods: Usaquén has several shops selling high-quality leather bags, shoes, and accessories.

Local Culture and Customs of Usaquén

Usaquén has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience it through its festivals, music, and dance. Here are a few customs to be aware of:

  • Respect for elders: In Colombian culture, respect for elders is highly valued, and visitors should show respect to older people.
  • Celebrate festivals: Colombia has several festivals throughout the year, and visitors should participate in the celebrations.
  • Learn basic Spanish: While many people in Usaquén speak English, it’s helpful to learn basic Spanish phrases to communicate with locals.

Best Time to Visit Usaquén

Usaquén has a mild climate throughout the year, but the best time to visit is from December to March and July to August when the weather is dry and pleasant. The district also hosts several festivals during these months, such as the Usaquén Summer Festival and the International Theater Festival.

Do’s and Don’ts of Usaquén

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Usaquén:

Do:

  • Do try the local food and drinks: Colombia has a vibrant culinary scene, and Usaquén is home to several unique dishes and beverages.
  • Do respect the customs and culture: Colombians are friendly and hospitable, but visitors should show respect to the local culture and customs.
  • Do explore the outdoors: Usaquén has several parks, mountains, and nature reserves that offer scenic views and outdoor activities.

Don’t:

  • Don’t flash valuables: Like any other urban area, Usaquén has some petty crime, so visitors should avoid wearing expensive jewelry or carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Don’t disrespect the wildlife: Usaquén has several parks and reserves with diverse wildlife, and visitors should not disturb or harm the animals.
  • Don’t engage in illegal drugs or activities: Colombia has laws against drug use and trafficking, and visitors should not engage in any illegal activities.

Safety and Health

Usaquén is generally safe, but visitors should still take basic precautions to stay safe. Here are a few safety and health tips for Usaquén:

Safety in Usaquén

  • Stay in well-lit areas: Visitors should avoid walking in dark or isolated areas, especially at night.
  • Use licensed taxis: Visitors should use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Beat to avoid scams or robberies.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: Visitors should stay alert and aware of their surroundings to avoid pickpocketing or theft.

Health in Usaquén

  • Drink bottled or boiled water: Tap water in Colombia is not safe to drink, so visitors should buy bottled water or boil tap water before drinking.
  • Wear sunscreen: Usaquén has a high altitude, and visitors should wear sunscreen and protect themselves from the sun.
  • Avoid street food: While Colombian street food is delicious, visitors should be cautious when eating street food to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Getting to Usaquén: Transportation Options and Logistics

Usaquén is easily accessible by public and private transportation. Here are a few options:

Airports Near Usaquén

  • El Dorado International Airport: This is the closest and largest airport to Usaquén, and it’s located about 35 minutes by car or taxi.

Bus Stations Near Usaquén

  • Salitre bus station: This is the main bus station in Bogotá, and it’s located about 30 minutes by car or taxi.
  • Terminal del Norte: This bus station is located in the northern part of Bogotá, and it’s about 15 minutes by car or taxi.

Other Options

  • Taxi or ride-sharing: Visitors can take a taxi or ride-sharing app like Uber or Beat from anywhere in Bogotá to Usaquén.
  • Public transportation: There are several buses and TransMilenio (Bogotá’s rapid transit system) routes that go to Usaquén. Visitors should buy a TransMilenio card beforehand to use the system.

How to Get Around in Usaquén

Usaquén is mostly walkable, but visitors can also use taxis, buses, or bikes to get around. Here are a few options:

  • Taxis: Taxis in Usaquén are safe and affordable, and visitors should use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber or Beat to avoid scams.
  • Buses: Usaquén has several bus routes that connect to other parts of Bogotá, and visitors should ask the driver for the fare before boarding.
  • Bikes: Usaquén has several bike rental shops that offer bikes for rent by the hour or day, and visitors should be aware of traffic rules and safety precautions when using a bike.

Where to Go Next from Usaquén: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Usaquén is close to several nearby destinations and excursions, including:

  • Zipaquirá: This town is famous for its salt cathedral, a massive underground cathedral built in a salt mine.
  • La Candelaria: This historic district in Bogotá has colonial architecture, museums, and theaters.
  • Villa de Leyva: This colonial town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and has well-preserved 16th-century buildings and cobbled streets.

Conclusion

Usaquén is an exciting and diverse district in Bogotá, Colombia, with a rich cultural heritage and natural attractions. With this comprehensive travel guide, you’ll be able to plan your trip and explore the top places to visit, the best things to do, the food and drink scene, the accommodations, local culture, safety and health tips, transportation options, and nearby destinations.

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