Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings

Bogotá , Colombia

Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings

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About this experience

Calling all foodies. Come and join our small-group Bogota food tour and get to grips with the capital's cuisine. While on the surface Colombian cuisine seems like a mystery, those whose delve deep into its underbelly will find some of the most complex and nuanced fare in South America. Join our food-obsessed (and fully licensed) local guide on a feasting extravaganza through the streets of downtown.

Stop en-route to sample around 13+ different tastings including exotic fruits, lechona (roasted suckling pig), ajiaco soup, tamale at an historic bakery, Colombian sweet desserts and much, much more. Visit a truly local chicheria. Later play a round of explosive tejo, Colombian's national pastime - all washed down with a local beverage. Sign off the tour with an immersive coffee workshop to get to grips with why Colombia roasts some of the finest beans in the world.

Available options

Viejo Bogota Food Tour with 12+ Tastings

What's included

Coffee tasting workshop

All 12+ food tastings and bottled water

Professional foodie guide

Small group tour with a maximum of 8 exclusive guests

Tripadvisor Badge of Excellence

A game of tejo

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Our first stop is La Perseverancia Market, learning about exotic fruits with a food obsessed guide. Then we'll dive into a truly local chicheria. For carnivores, there's no happier place than the next hole-in-the-wall eatery, which does nothing more than lechona - stuffed suckling pig with crunchy, golden skin.

Your taste buds are going to thank us later, when you then savour the innovative twists of ajiaco soup. Continue winding through the streets of old town, and try buñuelos, a deep-fried doughnut-like pastry. We'll next play a round of tejo, Colombian's rather explosive national pastime, all washed down with a cold beer (or juice!). Then we'll jump into one more seriously historic restaurant which has been serving hungry locals for 200+ years. Tuck into steamy leaf-wrapped tamale, with frothy hot chocolate. Sounds like an odd combo? It's good. Trust us.

Stop 2

Over the course of the tour you'll have a rich understanding of our food culture - with 13+ tastings, and the guidance of a local expert who is a bonified foodie!

Sign off with a coffee workshop to find out why this country roasts some of the finest beans in the world. The tour ends at Casa Magola cafe, along Carrerra 3. It's a short walk from the Museo Botero and the Plaza de Bolívar in the popular La Candelaria district.

Your guide can help you find transport back to your hotel if you wish. The tour duration is approximately 3.5 to 4 hours depending on the pace of the group.

Special dietary restriction or food allergy? These local joints have signature menus that don't always have alternatives but we'll find alternatives where we can! We unfortunately cannot recommend the tour to severe allergies, as street food always has a risk of traces and cross-contamination.

Come take a bite into Colombia's cuisine. Buen Provecho!

What's not included

Pick up and drop off from your hotel excluded

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.9

93 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

378 reviews

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Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

The tours operate come rain or shine. Bring an umbrella if rain looks likely.

Not recommended for severe allergies, due to risk of traces and cross-contamination.

We recommend comfortable shoes for the walking tour.

Meeting point

Our meeting point is outside the La Perseverancia Distrital Marketplace. It is a colorful building that's hard to miss. Your guide will meet you at the parking lot on the corner of the roads ‘Carrera no.5’ and 'Calle 30a'.

Important notes

• The tours operate come rain or shine. Please bring an umbrella if rain looks likely.
• We recommend comfortable walking shoes for the walking tour.
• Not suitable for vegetarians/vegans as limited alternatives are available.
• No pork or gluten-free guests would have a few less tastings.
• Not recommended for severe allergies, due to risk of traces and cross-contamination
• Alcohol drinking age is 18+ years (a soft drink alternative will be provided if underage)
• Come hungry, there's plenty of food to sample en route!

About Bogotá

Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andes Mountains. Known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and bustling urban life, it offers a unique blend of colonial charm and modern sophistication. The city's high altitude and pleasant spring-like climate make it an appealing destination year-round.

Top Attractions

La Candelaria

La Candelaria is Bogotá's historic center, known for its colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene. It's home to museums, churches, and colorful houses.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, museum entry fees vary

Museo del Oro

The Gold Museum is one of the most important museums in Colombia, housing an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold artifacts and offering insights into the region's indigenous cultures.

Museum 1-2 hours COP 4,000 ($1 USD)

Montserrate

Montserrate is a mountain overlooking Bogotá, offering panoramic views of the city. Visitors can reach the summit by funicular, cable car, or hiking trail.

Nature Half day Funicular: COP 16,000 ($4 USD), Cable car: COP 18,000 ($4.50 USD)

Zona G

Zona G is Bogotá's upscale dining and shopping district, known for its high-end restaurants, boutique shops, and trendy cafes.

Cultural Few hours Varies by establishment

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bandeja Paisa

A hearty platter featuring beans, rice, ground beef, chicharrón, plantain, avocado, and arepa. A must-try for meat lovers.

Lunch Not vegetarian or vegan

Ajiaco

A creamy chicken and potato soup with corn, capers, and guascas herb. A comforting and traditional dish.

Lunch Can be made vegetarian with tofu

Arepa

A versatile cornmeal flatbread that can be stuffed with various ingredients like cheese, meat, or beans.

Snack Can be vegetarian or vegan

Bogotá Brewing Company Craft Beer

Bogotá has a thriving craft beer scene, with local breweries offering a variety of unique and flavorful beers.

Drink Contains gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Chingaza National Park Paragliding in Zipaquirá Spa day in Chapinero Coffee tasting in La Candelaria Visiting museums in La Candelaria Attending a concert at Teatro Mayor Julio Mario Santo Domingo Boat tour on Lake Guatavita Skiing in Nevado del Ruiz (seasonal)

Best Time to Visit

December to February, June to August

These months offer the best weather with lower rainfall and mild temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

12°C to 21°C (54°F to 70°F) 54°F to 70°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Colombian Peso (COP)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

110VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Bogotá has made significant improvements in safety in recent years, but it's still important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions, especially in certain areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in less touristy areas
• Use reputable transportation services, such as app-based taxis or official tour operators
• Be cautious with valuables, especially in crowded areas

Getting there

By air

El Dorado International Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By bus

Terminal de Transportes de Bogotá

Getting around

Public transport

TransMilenio is Bogotá's primary public transport system, consisting of a network of bus rapid transit (BRT) lines and feeder buses. It is efficient but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Didi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

La Candelaria Chapinero Usaquén

Day trips

Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral

48 km (30 miles) from Bogotá • Half day

The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral is an underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine. It's a unique and awe-inspiring attraction that offers a glimpse into Colombia's mining history.

Villa de Leyva

150 km (93 miles) from Bogotá • Full day

Villa de Leyva is a charming colonial town known for its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and historic plazas. It's a popular day trip destination for those looking to explore Colombia's colonial past.

Lake Guatavita

50 km (31 miles) from Bogotá • Half day

Lake Guatavita is a scenic lake known for its association with the legend of El Dorado. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake, learn about its history, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Festivals

Bogotá International Book Fair • April Bogotá Festival of Theater • June

Pro tips

Learn some basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Visit the Museo del Oro early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a quieter experience
Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each offering a unique atmosphere and attractions
Try the local street food, such as empanadas, arepas, and chorizos, for an authentic and delicious culinary experience
Take a day trip to the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral or Lake Guatavita for a unique and unforgettable experience