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Bogota is Colombia’s modern capital city with glass and steel skyscrapers juxtaposed against a mountainous backdrop of lush green landscape. Steeped in ancient history, culture and art, this sprawling city of over 7 million inhabitants is a wealth of museums, architecture and natural beauty. It also happens to be one of the most LGBT-friendly Latin American countries. In fact, it was the 6th country in the Americas to legalize gay marriage one year after the US. Bogota is a friendly and welcoming city for all travelers as diversity is embraced as a valued part of this city’s social identity. It should come as no surprise that you’ll find hundreds of places for gay nightlife and entertainment, all centered around Chapinero, the gay neighborhood.

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Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Bogota
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Bogota
5. Gay Tours in Bogota
6. Restaurants and Cafes
7. Bogota Gay Bars
8. Bogota Gay Clubs and Parties
9. Bogota Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
10. Gay Events in Bogota
11. Day Trips

General Tips

Since Colombia lies on the equator, the temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year. With that said, you can expect lows in the 40s and highs in the mid 60s any time of year due to Bogota’s high altitude and location just north of the equator. The best time to visit Bogota is December through March when there is the least chance for rain. However, this also happens to be peak tourist season, so be prepared for higher prices. Regardless of when you visit, there are no guarantees for dry weather, and it’s always smart to carry an umbrella and wear layers, just in case.

As we mentioned, Chapinero is the center of gay style and culture in Bogota and perhaps the country. This is where you’ll find the majority of the gay bars, restaurants, cafes, saunas and clubs including the famous mega club, Theatron, which is sure to not disappoint. If you’re looking for a break from the party scene, there are numerous day trips to Colombia’s picturesque countryside to see waterfalls and natural wonders.

Transportation & Airport Transfer

El Dorado International Airport is clean and modern with 2 passenger terminals connected by an airport shuttle. It’s located just 15 km (9 miles) west of the city center. Most international flights arrive in Terminal 1, and there are several transport options to get to your accommodations in Bogota including Transmilenio (bus), Uber and Aport Taxi. If you want a budget friendly option we recommend to book your bus and ferry tickets in Bogota and around Colombia via Bookaway.

If you’re staying in the Santa Fe or La Candelaria neighborhood and on a budget, we recommend taking the Transmilenio Bus. It’s by far the cheapest option at less than a dollar a ride and relatively quick taking about an hour. If you’re looking for something more convenient and faster, then you can book an Uber from the airport to your hotel. You’ll save a few dollars over taking an airport taxi. There are also a handful of other rideshare apps available in Colombia.

Typically we don’t recommend taking taxis in Colombia, however, there is an official airport taxi called Taxi Imperial. For these, you book and pay before exiting the gates at the counter where you’ll then get a confirmation slip to show your driver in one of the white taxis. The ride will be about 35 minutes and cost around $18.

Gay Hotels in Bogota

Luxury

Sofitel Bogota Victoria Regia – this 5-star hotel situated in Chapinero offers an on-site restaurant and bar, indoor pool, valet parking, a sauna, 24-hour room service, wireless internet access in public areas and express check-in and check-out. All the stylish rooms provide a mini bar, an iPod docking station, a refrigerator, a laptop safe and a private bathroom with bathrobes.

W Bogotá – this luxury accommodation provides an on-site night club, beauty center, restaurant and bar as well as an indoor pool, gym, valet parking airport transfers, a dry cleaning service and laundry service. Enjoy one of the 168 ultra-modern and chic rooms that are filled with all the essentials to ensure an enjoyable stay. The area surrounding the hotel is well-known for its shopping.

Mid-Range

Hilton Bogotá – recently refurbished, this modern and comfortable hotel is conveniently located for those wanting to discover the area's attractions. Guests can make the most of the outdoors on the terrace, have a beverage at the bar or a meal at the on-site restaurant as well as enjoy the gym and outdoor pool. Rooms at Hilton Bogota are stylish and offer a mini bar and all the essentials.

Hotel Estelar Suites Jones – this 4-star hotel boasts a great location for tourists and offers meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi, massage services, a beauty center and an in-house restaurant with a terrace and lounge bar. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms equipped with a telephone plus all the necessities to ensure an enjoyable stay. Honeymoon suites are also available.

Budget

Hotel Boutique San Sebastian – 3-star Art Deco inn catering to LGBT visitors in Chapinero. This hotel offers a friendly staff, full-service spa with sauna, free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool and an in-house restaurant. All 8 rooms feature modern comforts like LCD TVs with cable channels, refrigerators, room service and free local calls are among the other amenities available to guests.

Hotel Casona del Patio – charming 3-star accommodation in Bogota that's ideally located for guests wanting to visit local attractions. This bed & breakfast has 24 rooms and has been recently refurbished. On-site dining options include a restaurant, which is an ideal spot to enjoy a meal. A wide variety of cafés and restaurants are also found in the area.

Apartments - misterb&b

We’ve partnered with misterb&b to help curate the most LGBT+ friendly homestays. misterb&b is not a hotel or chain, but rather a booking platform for rooms, apartments and homes and it allows you to book from gay and gay-friendly hosts around the world. They have hosts in more than 200 countries and territories with more than 1 million total listings. Understanding the gay scene is much more easily done with the help of a local and home-sharing is one of the best ways to meet someone living in the city who knows how things work, where and when are the best nights to go out, and what places to eat at and which to avoid. misterb&b is our top choice if your priority is exploring the local gay scene.

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Sightseeing & Activities in Bogota

La Candelaria – this neighborhood is the heart of Bogota, consisting of narrow streets lined with shops, a colonial-era cathedral, neoclassical Capitol and impressive street art. It’s also home to some of the most popular attractions like the Botero Museum, the Gold Museum and the oldest restaurant in the city. Book tour →

Museo del Oro – one of the most popular museums in the world, it boasts the world's largest collections of pre-Columbian ceramics and jewelry (over 55,000 objects) all produced by the region's diverse indigenous culture. This includes the Muisca Raft, which illustrates the ritual that inspired the great legend of El Dorado. Book tour →

Monserrate – whether you reach the top by foot, cable car or funicular railway, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the city, especially at sunset. At the top of Mount Monserrate you’ll find the church of Monserrate housing the shrine of El Señor Caído making this a popular destination for pilgrims. Book tour →

Plaza Bolívar – the center of the Colombian capital named after Simón Bolivar who led Colombia and neighboring countries to independence from the Spanish Empire. The square is the site of many cultural events and framed by historic buildings like the Palacio Liévano, the Capitol and the Cathedral. Book tour →

Iglesia de San Francisco – Bogota’s oldest surviving church built between 1557 and 1621. Inside you’ll find a dark interior with stunning artwork and an extravagant u-shaped altar gilded in dazzling gold. It’s the largest and oldest altarpiece of its kind in the city. Book tour →

Gay Tours in Bogota

Cruise Bogota Gay District – starting in Plaza de Lourdes, this tour will take you to some of the city’s gay hotspots. In addition to learning about the LGBT history and culture, your guide will take you to Hotel Gay SanSebastian Bogota, El Perro y la Calandria (bars), Dagoa Hostel & Sauna and Theatron (gay club). Book tour →

Gay Bar Crawling in Bogota – Bogota’s first and only professional gay bar crawl, you’ll see the best that the gay party scene has to offer. This includes visits to 4-5 different bars and clubs throughout the night with VIP entrance, cover and drinks included. The night ends at Theatron, Latin America’s biggest gay club. Book tour →

Restaurants and Cafes

El Recreo de Adán –  casual and trendy restaurant and bar located in the Zona Rosa area of the city. Stop in with a group of friends for a meal and a tasty cocktail and stay to play the tabletop games like UNO, Jenga and Scrabble while enjoying the fun atmosphere. It’s a great place to celebrate with friends!

El Solar Patio-Café – a relaxing spot for a meal or casual drinks boasting a very nice outdoor patio, spaces to accommodate large gatherings, creative cocktails, salads, pasta and burgers. Make your way over for happy hour as well as food and drink specials.

La Esquina de la Mona – a well-established local restaurant featuring a large menu of traditional Colombian cuisine meaning heavy, meat and potato dishes with large portions at reasonable prices. This is a no frills spot that’s also open late night.

San Parrillon – located in Chapinero, this nondescript local spot offers traditional Colombian home cooking at a great value. It’s where you can enjoy a hearty dish while rubbing shoulders with locals for an authentic dining experience.

Distrito Gayina Piqueteado Gourmet – another local restaurant specializing in Colombian food in Chapinero. This LGBT-friendly neighborhood cafe serves up tasty treats like roasted meats and vegetables at wallet-friendly prices. Try a combo plate including beef, pork, chicken and sausages.

Bogota Gay Bars

Village Café – Since 1997 this quaint and colorful bar has been serving up craft cocktails for its LGBT patrons. Housed in a purple building, a visit will have you walking into a whimsical fantasy world with pink lighting, stained glass, and a quaint pink bar with lots of fun, kitschy decor.

Cavu Bar – On Wednesday nights, this is the place to be for happy hour cocktails, great music and a crowd that know how to have fun. During the day stop by for a chill lunch spot to hang out with friends. Check their Facebook page for the latest updates including themed parties and guest DJs.

El Perro Y La Calandria – gay bar in Chapinero with a warm and friendly atmosphere that’s popular for rumba and traditional Latino and Spanish music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s where patrons often sing along. It’s a good first stop for a few drinks before going out to other bars or clubs like Theatron.

Estación Café – named after the original site of the stagecoach station, this bar in the heart of Chapinero features pop and rock music in Spanish and English, tasty cocktails, brunch, lunch and dinner in a cozy and intimate venue that brings the outdoors in with plants, floral, wood beams, and natural decor.

Leos Bar Mistica – self proclaimed as the best LGBT rumba in Bogota, here you’ll find a dance floor and club-like atmosphere. It’s also known as the ‘bear cave’ attracting a lot of 30-somethings that are on the prowl. Check their website for upcoming events like White Party and rumba shows on Saturday nights.

Bogota Gay Clubs and Parties

Garage Disco Bar – chic party venue located in Bogota’s Chapinero neighborhood. It attracts a large 20-something crowd that’s ready to rumba and party with great music, go-go boys, an attentive staff and incredible drag shows. Visit their Facebook page for updates about upcoming events and themed nights.

Theatron – occupying an entire city block that can accommodate thousands of party-goers, this is a gay club complex with over 10 bars and 13 dance floors each with a different theme and music including outdoor and rooftop spaces. The entry fee includes an open bar until 2am, and it’s only open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. For the full experience, visit on a Saturday night.

Punto 59 – gay club with a space age atmosphere. From the colorful lights to the futuristic furnishings, you’ll feel like you're out of this world. Here you’ll find an attractive staff, fabulous drag queens, guest DJs and events like White Party. It’s open Thursday through Sunday and late-night on the weekends.

Disco Jaguar – not to be missed, this funky and psychedelic dance venue features 2 different dance areas, a disco ball DJ booth and an on-site sex shop. Dance to a variety of music from electronic and house to traditional Colombian at this large, neon-lit nightclub.

Bogota Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

Cómplices Spa – Spa, video bar and sauna for gay men that caters to a younger crowd. It features clean and modern facilities with a steam room, jacuzzi, Roman pool, private rooms and lockers. Enjoy strip shows and themed parties throughout the week, but it’s most popular on Fridays.

Dark Club Nudista – Bogota’s infamous sex club geared for the gay male and bisexual community. Live out your deepest, darkest sexual fantasies – where almost anything goes. There’s a bar with music and erotic videos on the screens, cages, slings, private rooms and a dark dungeon for your ultimate pleasure.

Baños Turcos Ulises – popular with bears and mature gay men, this gay sauna and Turkish bath is on the small side offering a sauna, steam room, showers and a TV room. Join the party on Nude Tuesdays, Bear Wednesdays and No Trousers Saturdays.

Gay Events in Bogota

Bogota Gay Pride – (no official website) – Taking place annually in July, this celebration of Bogota’s LGBT community is when 50,000 people unapologetically take to the streets for a day of partying. After the parade, everyone heads to the mega club, Theatron, for a massive afterparty with thousands of tourists and locals.

Day Trips

Guatavita Lake & Zipaquirá – about a 1.5 hour drive from Bogota, Lake Guatavita is a small, circular lake in a crater surrounded by forest in central Colombia. This was the sacred ritual site where the Muisca people would cast offerings of gold into the water and this gave way to the legend of El Dorado. Nearby you can also visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá where you’ll explore an underground Roman Catholic church carved out from the tunnels of a salt mine. Book tour →

Villa de Leyva – a 2.5 hour drive or 3 hour bus ride from Bogota, you’ll come upon a beautifully preserved colonial village with a historic town square, shops, restaurants and stunning rural landscape. Sights include the magnificent Church of our Lady of the Rosary, the prehistoric museum, the paleontology museum and the fossil museum. Take a tour of the desert area stopping at the manmade blue pools (Pozos Azules) which change colors depending on the weather. Book tour →

La Chorrera – just over an hour outside of Bogota, the breathtaking Cascada la Chorrera is the tallest waterfall in Colombia. This gem is accessed by crossing the mountains where you’ll be surrounded by lush green vegetation. The hike to the waterfall and back takes about 4 hours, but the views and natural landscape are worth it. You’ll also encounter a smaller waterfall called El Chiflon at the beginning of the hike. Book tour →

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