When I was in Bogota one of the things that captivated my attention the most was the landscape surrounding the city. Let me give you some context so it makes sense. I’m from London where the highest hill we have is Primrose Hill other than that everything is pretty flat, the highest “anything” you see are buildings such as the Shard popping out over everything else. Understandably when I got to Bogota and saw that we were completely surrounded by mountains I was quite astonished because there was something to look at everywhere. One place that particularly captured my attention was a white church on the top of a mountain and on the opposite end a statue of Virgin Mary (think of “Christ the Redeemer” in Rio).
Phographer: I. O’leary
After a long car ride through the dense traffic of Bogota we started to leave the city behind. A long steep road was our way of climbing up. Filled with curves, wild mountain flora and a huge fall on the other end. After some time, and some assertive driving from our driver, we popped out into the centre of the city. We were finally close to our destination and after some more traffic we made it to Monserrate. Once you are there you are oddly welcomed by a llama and it’s owner asking you if you want to ride and take some pictures with it, and just like that we start a very fun journey up filled with folklore mixed with that touristic environment. There’s two ways up you either take funicular /train up or go the fitness way up hundreds of stairs. The scenic views of the city on the way up are spectacular, however if you are not one for heights then I suggest not looking down as it is quite a steep way up. Once I arrived at the top of the mountain, I was stunned at how beautiful the view was and how amazing the church is at the top.
Phographer: I. O’leary
The church is devoted to ‘El Señor Caido’ who is the Fallen Lord and for centuries people hiked to the top to offer their prayers to his shrine. I was also told that during holy week some people go up the stairs on their knees to repent for their sins. It is filled with touristic shops and traditional Colombian food like Hormigas Culonas (Giant ants) that the Colombians say taste like peanuts. Chicharones Colombianos, which is a pork belly crackling and the experience is definitely one to remember. And of course the one thing that such a folkloric place can’t miss: Aguardiente. The people working there are also very friendly, which is a delight and there are a couple of restaurants to eat in if you decide that you want to stay up there for a while. The breathtaking views of the whole city blew me away when I visited and I would go back again as it is a peaceful place to view the sunset in a chaotic but lively city.
Phographer: I. O’leary