Colombia / Bogotá

Modern and historic Bogotá

Only after conquering the Inca empire in Peru and Bolivia did the Spanish turn their attention to Colombia's highlands, founding Santa Fé de Bogotá in 1538. Today Bogotá is Colombia's capital and, alongside São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Lima, one of South America's five great metropolises. In Bogotá, wander the La Candelaria district and admire its many artistic and political murals, stroll across Plaza Bolívar, Colombia's central square, and visit the Museo del Oro, home to what is arguably the most impressive collection of pre-Hispanic gold work in the world.