bogotá - Empresario

BOGOTÁ
Contents
Introduction
5
Bogotá, Gateway to Colombia
9
Bogotá Convention Bureau 10
Bogotá, a destination for
congresses and events
11
Bogotá, a destination for tourists
31
Colombia, a destination to be discovered
41
Convention Centers
and non-traditional venues
49
Hotels
63
Prime Cathedral
San Francisco Historic Church and Avianca building
Internacional Center
3
Introduction
S
askia Sassen’s «The Global City», 1991, prophesied that the most successful cities of
the 21st-century would be those that have the capacity to influence world affairs be-
yond their own economic, social, cultural and political power. She is a Dutch sociologist
and specialist in urban planning from Columbia University, and currently a Guest Lecturer
at the London School of Economics. She believes that there are just eight key factors for
that success: its name must be familiar on the international scene; it must be a regular
place for events of artistic and cultural importance, it must be the center of a great conurbation, with a sufficiently large metropolitan population, with an airport which acts as an
international and local hub; it must be cosmopolitan - it must have a cultural environment
of its own, generated by film festivals, musical events, art galleries, and so on; and finally, it
must be the home of a wide range of international concerns which make it a major business city.
If indeed the secret of success of cities lies in these eight factors, in this changing,
challenging, globalized world of the 21st century, in a society of knowledge and technology, then Bogotá is on the right track to occupy a privileged place in a virtuous circle of
cities that have confirmed their positions as new poles of social, economic cultural and
political development.
The World Bank’s recent survey of the most attractive cities for doing business, ranks
Bogotá as number 37 in 2010. Only two years ago, the city ranked only No. 83. This survey,
reflects the effort that Bogotá has made to cut red tape and other obstacles, and so, encourage foreign direct investment.
The fact is that we have gone about this task with great care. Procedures are shortereven in local building permits: taxpayers can make electronic payments, and we continue
to work on improvements from there on up.
The World Bank survey classifies Bogotá as the most attractive city for investment
anywhere in Latin America. Investor confidence is on the increase, and indeed, Bogotá is
now one of the most attractive capitals in the world to do business.
Perhaps I should explain why: Bogotá and the region around it generate almost a
third of Colombia’s GDP and its economy is greater than Ecuador and Uruguay.
Facing page. View of the International Centre, the Church of San Diego in the
foreground. Bogotá stretches out over the savannah from the high hills to the
east.
5
Bogotá, a city of contrasts, where colonial houses in the historic center stand side
by side with modern infrastructure
Facing page. Palacio Lievano, Bogotá’s City Hall on the west side of the Bolivar
Square.
The importance of Bogotá can be summarized in some figures which show how
cosmopolitan it is and its importance as an economic and cultural capital. There are 860
multinationals home based in the city;, last year only USD1, 200 millions flowed in. 690,000
visitors made it the most important tourist destination for foreigners visiting Colombia;
hotel occupancy is 67%; the most recent version of the Ibero-American theatre festival
attracted 3 million spectators and artists from more than 45 countries; 80% of Colombia’s
research is conducted in Bogotá. There are over 200 miles of permanent bikeways, and
another 70 miles of thoroughfares used as “bike-streets” for cyclists at weekends. There are
114 higher education institutions, which take in 450,000 students every year.
We have set up an agenda for 24 major issues to be resolved together in order to
La Candelaria Neighborhood
create the first major city-region in Colombia. Among these issues are: the cleaning up
of the Bogotá River, water supplies, the creation of satellite cities, and the promotion of
production and export´s culture. I firmly believe that our city faces the world with a global
and modern mission and solidarity, determined to be able to place the benefits of economic development at the service of all. The future begins here.
Samuel Moreno-Rojas
Mayor of Bogotá
Calle 63 by Av. 68 Parkway
TransMilenio - Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system
6
Museo de Arte Colonial
Bogotá, Gateway to Colombia
E
very city has a tourist authority. Its job is to ensure that tourism is a factor in local economic development. It works to generate an innovative portfolio of tourist products
addressed to fulfill expectations, capitalizing on the city’s offer of attractions. It must bring
an even larger numbers of tourists, and establish the city as a competitive destination, that
is, one which satisfies tourists, businessmen and investors.
The authority in Bogotá is Instituto Distrital de Turismo (IDT), responsible for promoting the economic development of the city through tourism, and for securing the best
conditions of competitiveness and sustainability.
IDT also works on building up relations between the public and private sectors, for
joint actions which will have an impact on the city, strengthen tourism service providers,
bring forward tourist products, encourage local tourism management and arrange trainSculpture by Fernando Botero, El Renacimiento Park
ing events. This has led to a substantial increase in the number of tourists, the positioning
of hotel projects, and many other successes.
Further, IDT has drawn up Bogotá’s tourism policy, a plan for tourism marketing, and a
plan for the transformation of the city into a sustainable tourist destination.
The destination
T
he population of Bogotá is about 8 million, with the largest share of Colombia’s GDP,
and one of its leading centers of tourism. Major international hotel chains are there,
alongside others that addressed the specialized market for business visitors. It is a truly
national city. It has the largest number of museums - almost 70, including, of course, the
Gold Museum. Bogotá is home to over a hundred different nationalities, and the offer of
good food has made it a destination with the greatest number of restaurants in the coun-
Avenida Chile financial center
try, many of them specializing in international cuisine.
Other special features of Bogotá include offers of health – clinics, spas and beauty
treatments. For shopping, it offers the largest number of malls with all the best known
luxury brands: Bulgari, Loewe, Louis Vuitton are just some of them.
A large number of businesses have set themselves up in Bogotá, and this has attracted
a generation of families with children and teenagers, who are a driving force in “the cosmopolitan, dynamic and youthful” face of the city. This can be seen in the intensive social
life at the “Zona Rosa”, and “Parque de la 93 “.
Bogotá is framed by the majestic hills along its eastern side, and the meadowlands
which stretch out to the west to a large number of places of interest such as the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, which is part of Colombia’s national, cultural and religious heritage.
We invite you to discover our culture, and to come to Bogotá, the gateway to Colombia.
The Capitol
Nohora Isabel Vargas-Castro
Director, IDT
9
A strategic ally for
events in Bogotá
T
he Bogotá Convention Bureau (BCB) is a private non-profit organization, created to
promote Bogotá as a destination for meetings, events, conventions, fairs, business
rounds, and incentive travel.
BCB is therefore your ally to provide innovative forms of attractions for international
meetings, and to support the convention and incentive travel industry. It has marketing
and sales programs, and is a point of contact between the organizers of the events (institutional or professional), affiliated members, and the city government.
Among its affiliates are the travel agencies, hotels, restaurants, theme parks, convention centers, auditoriums, and professional event’s organizers. On an institutional level, the
Bogotá Chamber of Commerce and Instituto Distrital de Turismo (IDT) are also members
of the Bureau.
Bogotá Convention Bureau
Calle 99 No. 9A-45 Suite 401 - Bogotá, Colombia
Tels. (571) 610 3879 - 610 3895
www.bogotacb.co
e- mail: [email protected] / [email protected]
BOGOTÁ
A destination for Congresses
and Events
This is Bogotá
B
ogotá is a busy, bustling city, full of sounds, colors, and flavors. It is a city with a spirit
of ongoing discovery, which by day is cosmopolitan and perfect for any kind of local
or international corporate event, and by night and at weekends offers a very wide range of
amusement, excellent cuisine, nightlife, shopping, and interesting gatherings of all kinds,
especially cultural ones.
Bogotá stands on the central range of the Andes, at 2,640 m.a.s.l (8660 ft) with a
spring-like weather throughout the year. The average temperature is 14°C (57°F) by day,
and falls by night to 10°C (50°F). There are no seasons, but some months are wetter than
others.
Its privileged location means that there are a large number of daily connections by
air with the world’s major cities, making it a strategic option for business and international
The high hills to the east tower over the city with its dense vegetation and
pleasant tropical climate, 2,660ft above sea level.
13
The Historic Center and the International Center offer some of Bogotá’s most
characteristic architecture.
Facing page. The Avenida Jiménez, environmental corridor, designed by Rogelio
Salmona and built in 1998-2000 over San Francisco River. In the background,
Monserrate.
events. The time zone is the same as the US East Coast, which is highly convenient for
work activities throughout the continent.
Bogotá is the political, administrative and economic center of Colombia; it houses
the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary branches, and is the home of the President of the
Republic. The metropolis is divided into 20 “localities”, which in turn represent more than
1000 districts. The city government is in the hands of a Mayor and a Council, elected every
four years.
In the last ten years there have been important changes in the face of Bogotá. Modern architecture stands in contrast to the magic of the Spanish colonial past, with public
space marked by squares and the distinctive grid of streets and avenues. There are attracThe Cathedral, on Bolivar Square, national
cultural heritage
tions of all kinds, with a wide choice of accommodation and facilities for business, events
and conventions, making of Bogotá a unique destination.
Bogotá in the world
• Bogotá and its surrounding areas form the fourth largest city in South America, and the
main employment market in Colombia (4 million people at work).
• It is the sixth largest city in Latin America after Mexico, São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Rio de
Janeiro and Lima.
• Bogotá and its surrounding region has a population of 8.5 million, of whom 40% are
under 40 years old.
Early Republican houses in the Historic Center,
national cultural heritage
• The city of Bogotá itself accounts for 25% of Colombia’s GDP.
• The estimated per capita income of those who live in the city is the highest in Colombia,
and one of the highest in Latin America.
• The business structure of the Bogotá-Cundinamarca region is driven by micro-businesses (89%) and SMEs (11%). Large businesses account for 1% of the total. Many companies in the region specialize in personal and business services. In 2008, the largest sector
was commerce (39%) followed by manufacturing industry (13.7%).
• Bogotá’s privileged location makes it the natural center of large number of direct daily
flights to major cities in the world, and a strategic option in the hemisphere. Figures
from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism show that 52% of tourists arriving in
Torres del Parque complex, national arquitectural
heritage. By Rogelio Salmona
Colombia have Bogotá as their final destination.
15
• During January-June 2009, the number of foreign visitors to Colombia grew 10.2% compared to the first half of 2008.
• In 2009, for the seventh consecutive year, Bogotá improved its ranking among the best
cities to do business in Latin America. According to the annual America Economia Intelligence report, now ranks sixth among 50 major cities in the region.
• In 2008, Bogotá-Cundinamarca confirmed its position as the most attractive region for
foreign direct investment, with 70% of the total investment arriving in Colombia in sectors such as industry (49%) and services (45%), mainly in transport, financial and commerce sectors.
• According to the region’s Observatory managed by the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce,
Bogotá is recognized by foreigners as the fourth most important city-brand after Santiago, Buenos Aires and São Paulo.
• Every year more multinationals and other foreign companies come to Colombia to do
business and open offices. In 2008, there were 825 foreign companies in Bogotá, which
is more than other cities considered as business centers such as Santiago and Rio de
Janeiro.
• In the first quarter of 2009, the Bogotá region was the main exporter of goods in Colombia; the most important markets were Venezuela (30%), United States (20%) and
Ecuador (10%).
• According to ICCA (International Congress and Convention Association) who ranks
countries and cities around the world by the number of international events held each
year; Bogotá continues to improve its position. During 2009 it escalated 29 places, beating others such as Hong Kong, Miami, Los Angeles and Frankfurt.
• Bogotá is one of the most important` historic sites in South America, with 132 National
Monuments, 28 Spanish-colonial churches and large numbers of squares used for celebrations to commemorate landmarks in Colombia’s history.
• There are 329 hotels and other forms of accommodation, 180 receptive travel agencies,
165 first-class local or international restaurants, 73 meeting centers and auditoriums, 90
art galleries, 58 museums, and 45 theaters to be visited.
• Bogotá has the best-quality drinking water in Latin America.
16
Principal International
Destinations
Atlanta
Aruba
Barcelona
Buenos Aires
Caracas
Curaçao
Fort Lauderdale
Guayaquil
Habana
Houston
Lima
Los Ángeles
Madrid
México D.F.
Miami
New York
Orlando
Panamá City
Punta Cana
París
Quito
Rio de Janeiro
San José de Costa Rica
São Paulo
Santiago de Chile
Toronto
5 hr. 30 min.
1 hr. 45 min.
11 hr.
6 hr. 10 min.
50 min.
1 hr. 50 min.
3 hr. 30 min.
2 hr.
2 hr. 30 min.
5 hr.
3 hr.
11hr.
13 hr.
4hr. 20 min.
4 hr. 40 min.
5 hr. 30 min.
3 hr. 40 min.
1 hr. 30 min.
2 hr. 40 min.
11 hr. 30 min.
1 hr. 30 min.
3 hr. 50 min.
1 hr. 45 min.
3 hr. 50 min.
5 hr.
7 hr. 10 min.
Principal Domestic
Destinations
Bucaramanga
Barranquilla
Cali
Medellín
Pereira
Santa Marta
San Andrés
Cartagena
1 hr.
1 hr. 25 min.
50 min.
30 min.
50 min.
1 hr. 25 min.
2 hr.
1hr. 20 min.
+6
+6
+7
+8
+9
+10
+1
-/-12
-11
-10
-9
-8
-7
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
+1
+2
+3
+4
Estocolmo
Londres
Montreal
Seattle
Chicago
Pekín
Tokyo
Seoul
Madrid
Estambul
Teherán
Jerusalén
El Cairo
Riyad
México
Manila
Moscú
Atenas
Miami
Hong Kong
Varsovia
Paris
Roma
Nueva York
Los Angeles
Berlín
Caracas
Panamá
Lagos
Nairobi
Lima
Johanesburgo
Río de Janeiro
Sidney
Santiago
El Cabo
Buenos Aires
+7
+8
+9
+10
+1
-/-12
-11
-10
-9
-8
-7
-6
-5
-4
-3
-2
-1
0
+1
+2
+3
+4
Airlines operating in Colombia
Avianca
Aerorepública
Aerolíneas Argentinas
Air Canadá
Air France
American Airlines
Continental
Copa Airlines
Cubana de Aviación
Delta
Dutch Antilles
Emirates Airlines
Iberia
Jetblue
Lacsa
Lan Chile / Lan Perú
Lufthansa
Mexicana de Aviación
Spirit
Singapore Airlines
Taca
17
The street infrastructure is modern and is being continuously improved. The
TransMilenio mass transit system a model for the world.
Geo-strategy and world confluence
B
ogotá is the largest center for cargo and the third largest passenger mobilizer in Latin
America.
El Dorado International airport
El Dorado located 11 km (7 miles) from downtown, occupies 690 ha, with two runways
and a freight terminal. It is the hub for national and international traffic in Colombia.
The main international airlines serving Bogotá include Avianca-TACA, COPA, LAN,
American Airlines, Delta, Continental, Air France, Iberia, Lufthansa, Emirates Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and some low-cost operators. Many of them have daily connections to other
Avenida El Dorado, con su cicloruta
major cities in Colombia.
Today this airport is undergoing its greatest restructuring ever, a radical modernization program will enable it to move 16 million passengers and 1.5 million tons of freight a
year in the medium term, becoming one of the most functional terminals in Latin America.
There are two terminals: the International terminal to the south, for those going on
to other countries and the domestic terminal to the north, for local flights only.
Puente Aéreo terminal
The “Puente Aéreo” terminal is half a mile from El Dorado International Airport , and used
exclusively by Avianca to operate local flights to Medellín, Cali, Bucaramanga, Cartagena,
Bridges on Calle 92
Santa Marta, Montería, Pasto and other domestic destinations.
It’s VIP rooms have been nominated and won awards for the quality of its installations, facilities and technology such as wireless Internet, buffet and working areas.
Intercity transport
F
rom Venezuela in land transportation starts in Cúcuta and from Ecuador, the route
stars at Ipiales.
The bus terminal has modern installations with on-line information points, public
service information desks round-the-clock, taxi operations, shops, banks, ATMs, and tour-
18
Avenida Caracas
Principal domestic destinations
Name
Time
Armenia
292
7 hr.
Barranquilla
986
17 hr.
Bucaramanga
393
8 hr.
Cali
487
8 hr.
1073
18 hr.
Ibagué
206
6 hr.
Medellín
399
9 hr.
Manizales
362
8 hr.
Neiva
308
5 hr.
Pereira
334
7 hr.
Santa Marta
951
16 hr.
Villavicencio
98
3 hr.
Cartagena
Pedestrian bridges for the TransMilenio system
Distance (km)
ist information points where English-speaking staff provides free advice on all aspects of
Bogotá.
Satellite terminals
Four satellite terminals are now in the process of construction at exit points of the city,
with improved environmental benefits, better mobilization, security, productivity and less
A TransMilenio station
damage to the road system.
TransMilenio, the pride of Bogotá
T
ransMilenio is a mass transit system with its own carriageways, which came into service in 2001. It uses two- or three-module “bendy-buses”.
This system is an example, not only for the improvement of the traffic system, but
also to help control climate change, since it works on diesel, and produces less than half
the nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emitted by the former generation of buses.
The TransMilenio model has been adopted by 12 other cities around the world including Mexico, Jakarta and Ahmedabad (India). Its efficiency is recognized by major pubAvenida Jimenez at Carrera 7
lic and private organizations including the United Nations.
19
With its pleasant public spaces and modern infrastructure – including South
America’s longest bikeway – and generous green zones, Bogotá offers excellent
quality of life.
The bikeway network, the longest in
Latin America
T
he bikeway network has some 344 kilometers (215 miles) covering almost the whole
city.
These routes are fun to ride along, safe and healthy. You don’t have to be a high
performance sportsperson to pedal your way almost anywhere in the city.
At some times of day, and for some destinations, it is often quicker to go on a bicycle
where any other forms of transport are excluded.
Model bikeride streets for South
America
O
n Sundays and public holidays, between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. some of Bogotá’s
thoroughfares become recreational bikeride streets, and all other forms of transport
are excluded. Skaters, athletes or simple walkers also use them.
The bike ride streets are not only a model in South America, they have also become
the most important focus of recreation and sporting amusements, where more than a
million people use them every weekend
The system uses main streets so that one can easily cross the city from north to
south and east to west. The idea behind it is to encourage peaceful coexistence, integration, and appropriate uses of public space. The scheme is also designed to create aware-
Bikeway in Parque El Virrey
ness of good ways to use free time, and a sense of belonging to the city.
A 5-star destination
Bogotá hotels offer highest international standards led by major chains, such as Sheraton,
Marriot, Hilton, GHL, nh, Estelar, Crowne Plaza, Royal and Summit.
These hotels offer some 12,000 rooms, which will be increased by 4,000 new rooms
in the next five years, as a result of investment by international chains such as Hilton,
Sonesta, Ibis, Diplomat and Holiday Inn.
Aside from the offer of accommodation, many of these hotels offer excellent installations for conventions, equipment audiovisual aids and infrastructure to organize events.
20
Lobby of the Hotel Crowne Plaza Tequendama
4 and 5-star Hotels in Bogotá
Hotel
70
30
El Belvedere GHL
39
50
190
400
92
180
Bogotá Royal
142
500
Capital GHL
215
180
Casa Dann Carlton
242
750
Charleston
64
45
Charleston Casa Medina
58
80
Cosmos 100
300
800
Crownw Plaza Tequendama
578
2.500
80
300
102
250
96
140
Estelar La Fontana
218
230
Estelar Suites Jones
92
200
GHL Hamilton Court
41
70
Hacienda Royal
82
80
Hotel de La Ópera
43
150
La Boheme Royal
66
35
Marriot Bogotá
239
800
Pavillon Royal
72
20
Radisson Royal
251
250
Rosales Plaza
61
120
Sheraton GHL
247
1.000
68
160
127
300
Bogotá Regency
Dann Colonial
De La Feria Estelar
Embassy Suites
Puentes de la Calle 92
Suites 101 Park House
Windsor House GHL
Golf course at the Country Club
Largest meeting room
Andino Royal
Bogotá Plaza Summit Hotel
Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada Convention
Center
Rooms
All hotels have a Business Center and boardband Internet
Hotel projects in progress in 2010. Hotel NH 93 (150 rooms), JW Marriott (265 rooms), Estelar Eldorado
(134 rooms), Hilton 72 Gran Hotel (245 rooms), Hotel Gran Estación (367 rooms), Sonesta (127 rooms),
Diplomat (261 rooms), NH Bogotá (256 rooms), Ibis Bogotá Museo (218 rooms).
21
A major destination for Fairs and
Conventions
B
ogotá is Colombia’s main destination for congresses, fairs and events. Its facilities account for 31% of the total national offer.
Aside from 195 venues in high-class hotels and specialized centers, there are 65
convention centers and auditoriums available, a large international fairground with a wide
selection of services and leading-edge technology. The Corferias international fairground
has 22 pavilions, a covered area of 62,500 square meters, and 15,000 square meters of
open-air exhibition area.
The offer of non-traditional venues include colonial museums, modern facilities,
Maloka Interactive Center
converted farmhouse-mansions in the outskirts of the city amid spectacular scenery,
theme-restaurants and bars with original offers and exquisite menus, audiovisual aids and
leading-edge technology. Andrés Carne de Res, El Portico, Museo Nacional, Maloka, the
Botanical Garden, Monserrate, Casa de la Moneda, Museo del Chicó, Castillo del Mono
Osorio and Castillo de Marroquín are just some of the items on a very long list.
There is also a wide offer of professional congress operators, trained to provide logistics required in catering, professional organization, simultaneous translation, booth and
panel rentals, displays, furniture and decoration, communications technology, lighting,
specialized transport, tour operators, support personnel-and much more.
A center of major international events
Jose Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden
E
very year Bogotá is the regular venue of a large number of concerts, fairs and events
such as:
January/February
• Destino Colombia – (Travel Mart). A business round held every year during the ANATO
tourism industry fair, addressed to travel agencies, hotels and event organizers. The
purpose of the event is to promote the development of specialized tourist products for
Colombia and to look into alternatives for sustainable tourism.
• Semana de la Moda – (Fashion Week). For a whole week, designers and manufacturers of clothing, leather-goods and shoes come together to display the latest trends.
22
The Bogotá Chamber of Commerce building
Bogotá has the largest installed capacity in Colombia for events, congresses, fairs
and exhibitions.
The Corferias international fairground has 22 pavilions and hosts specialized
events year-round.
23
The capital has an active cultural life. Many number of events take place round
the year, many of world class, such as the Iberoamerican Theatre Festival, held
every two years, Rock al Parque and the International Book Fair.
24
• Temporada Taurina (Bullfighting season). Colombian and foreign bullfighters show
off their talents in the Santa Maria bullring.
March/ April
• Festival Iberoamericano de Teatro (Ibero-American Theater Festival). This festival is
one of the largest scenic art festivals in the world, bringing together a great numbers
of visitors, functions, and diversity in various types of performances. Held every two
years.
• Feria del Entretenimiento y Juegos de Azar (Entertainment and Gaming Fair). The
fair is a specialized trade show for the entertainment, recreation and games of chance
industries; it promotes business, technology transfer, and marketing tools.
Rock-in-the-Park
May/June
• Temporada de Zarzuela (Zarzuela Season). A first-class selection of lyrical works from
around the world.
• Feria de Jóvenes empresarios (Young Entrepreneurship Fair). A unique event in Latin
America, the fair promotes exchange between young entrepreneurs and buyers interested in financing and investing in their projects.
• Expoconstrucción y Diseño (Construction and Design Fair). This is a specialized event,
bringing together the construction industry, architects, designers, decorators, and the
most important schools of architecture, engineering and design in Colombia. It is the
largest national show for materials, machinery, input and equipment for architectural,
The Santamaria bullring
visual and industrial design, interior and exterior decoration.
• Feria Internacional del Libro (International Book Fair). One of the three largest publishing events in Latin America. An important source of business for the Colombian and
international publishing sector. Many would agree that it is the most important cultural
event in Colombia and the Andean region.
• Rock al Parque (Rock-in-the-Park festival). This is a free, open-air festival, the largest of
its kind in Latin America, and the most important mass event in Bogotá. It takes place
once a year, with bands well known in Colombia and throughout the world. The event
is organized by City Hall, the city culture recreation and sports department (IDRD), and
the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra.
• Feria de Belleza y Salud (Health and Wellness Fair). The fair brings together the best-
Opera season
known Colombian and foreign professionals in a wide range of skills related to com-
25
prehensive personal care for men and women, showing off the latest trends in beauty,
facial and body aesthetics, hairdressing and cosmetology.
• Bogotá Inernacional y Espectacular (International, Spectacular Bogotá). An opportunity for visitors to take a trip through the countries that exhibit their tourist offer, and
their leading commercial and cultural attractions. Other features include concerts, films
cycles, musical groups, food and shows of typical dances and more.
July/August
• Festival de Verano (Summer Festival). This festival is a highly popular event, mounted
to commemorate the foundation of Bogotá with a cultural, sporting and recreational
program.
• Agroexpo. This event is probably the largest agribusiness generator in Latin America.
Here, you will find a superb exhibition of the farming and agribusiness sector, with judging and auctions of cattle, sheep and goats. There are seminars and lectures, exhibitions
of agricultural machinery, materials, and exhibits from the food service industry.
• Footwear and Leather Show. Leather-goods makers show the public the best of Colombian and international products, with the newest ideas and latest developments in
Jazz-in-the-Park
clothing, shoes and materials.
• Feria de las Colonias. A cultural and commercial and fair in which all the regions of
Colombia come together. It is a platform, on which the public has the opportunity to
“do the rounds of Colombia in a day”, and enjoy a broad-based program with exhibits of
commerce, culture, good food and a wide range of products, services and projects, with
the most important offer from each of Colombia’s provinces.
• Media Maratón de Bogotá (Bogotá Half-Marathon). The half-marathon is Colombia’s
premier public athletics event, in which more than 300,000 people from around the
world take part. The IAAF has awarded it the Gold Label, a distinction enjoyed by only
24 cities, including New York, Boston and Chicago.
• Carnaval de Bogotá (Bogotá Carnival). This is an annual event, designed to encourage collective festivities to celebrate life, creative expression, fun, and the sense of belonging to the city.
September/October
• Jazz al Parque (Jazz-in-the-Park Festival). This event is a free, open-air festival, mounted by the best bands from Colombia, and major figures on the world stage.
26
Corferias pavilion
Proflora flower fair
Feria de las Colonias- Region´s Culture Fair
Summer Festival
Expoartesanias Crafts Fair
A Sunday biking street
Bogotá Carnival
27
• Festival de Cine (Film Festival). The festival attracts the best of Colombia and foreign
films in theatres and in the open-air. There are prizes for new directors, film workshops
and exhibitions.
• Proflora. This show is the most important flower industry exhibition in the Americas.
Colombian and foreign species are on display, and providers of plant material and services and other materials come in from all corners of the world.
November/December
• Expoartesanias. This event is the most important crafts fair in Latin America, the product of high standards of quality, design and innovation.
Success stories
I
n addition to the regular annual events, Bogotá has also become known for other successful international encounters.
Event
Dates
III Jornada de Solaci Región Andina
November 30, 2008
World Implantology
August 30, 2008
DEMHIST General Assembly of House-Museums
September 22, 2008
XXIII Latin American Neurosurgery Congress
October 27 – 30, 2008
Extravaganza Herbalife
February, 2009
PEN World Assembly
September 17-22, 2008
200
VI Latin American Congreso of Legal Anthropology
October 28-31, 2008
800
II Latin American Congress –Forum on Emerging Markets
April 1-2, 2009
80
Eurodent Congress
June 5-6, 2009
2.600
XVI Latin American Conference of ESRI users
October, 2009
600
CIBIA –VII Latin American Congress of Food Engineering
September 6-9, 2009
800
ACRIP Conference - XVII Nacional Human Management Congress.
September 23-25, 2009
600
III China – Latin America Business Summit
November 22-26, 2009
1.600
Latin America Shared Sevices
February 2010
XI Encounter Colombiano Compite
March 18 – 19, 2010
VIII Forum on leadership in infrastructure
March 21-23, 2010
More information: www.bogotacb.com - www.esbogota.com
28
Attendance
700
2.500
400
1.600
10.000
170
1.500
400
The world’s media have said the
following:
August 2, 2010 - Kolumbien will zum touristischen Höhenflug ansetzen.
The German magazine Touristik Aktuell which is probably the most important specialist
publication for the tourist industry, wrote about Colombia in its latest issue, and classed it
as a high-quality destination, particularly recommending Bogotá as an interesting tourist
attraction, with infinity of possibilities.
July 15, 2010 - The Temptation of the New Colombia
The Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail speaks of the rapid changes that have taken
place in recent years, and the way in which Canadian businesses have increased their investments, finding a whole new world of opportunities. It points to Bogotá as the symbol
of the rebirth of Colombia.
International Center
La Candelaria Church
Parque Nacional
29
June 7, 2010 - Cultural Revolution in Bogotá
The well-known Catalan newspaper La Vanguardia mentions Bogotá as a city of major
changes. The article adds that other countries in Latin America are looking at Colombia’s
capital closely as an example to follow.
April 17, 2010 - Bogotá Moves Beyond its Bad Boy Image
The well-known newspaper USA Today published a note about the transformation of
Bogotá in the last 10 years. The note calls the city one of the most important centers in
the continent, with a completely new image, a wide offer of tourism, and culture of international standing.
January 19, 2010 - The 31 places to go in 2010
Detail of a balcony on an early Republican-era house
The New York Times includes Colombia among the “31 destinations to visit in 2010”, highlighting the transformation of Bogotá in recent years, and calling it “impressive”.
July 26, 2009 - Bogotá Meets the World
The Sunday issue of the New York Times published a page about Bogotá in its Travel
section, comparing the bohemian district of La Macarena with New York’s SoHo or Buenos Aires’ Palermo.
July 9, 2009 - Buses may aid climate battles in four cities
The New York Times published an interesting article on TransMilenio. It highlights the
way in which the mass transit system has helped the city to win the battle against climate
change, and points to the benefits which have made it a reference-point for implementa-
Decorative mask, Teatro Colon
tion in other cities around the world.
May/June 2009 - The Food Networks, Ingrid Hoffmann and Bogotá, Colombia delicious
The Magazine Washington Flyer in its May/June 2009 issue gives a charming and detailed
account of Bogotá, with particular emphasis on its offer of good food.
May 2009-Bad Reputation - Great Destination
The specialist travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler published an article in its May issue
recommending Bogotá as a tourist destination. Journalist Stephen Dudley described the
city as the cultural and intellectual center of Latin America, with its unfortunate past behind it.
30
The Botero Museum in Casa de la Moneda
BOGOTÁ
A destination for tourists
Tourism around
Bogotá
I
n addition to facilities for doing business, and organizing events and conventions,
Bogotá has a wide choice of possibilities for local and foreign tourists to find an offer for
all tastes. There are cultural programs year-round, nightlife, shopping, first-class restaurants, children’s activities and spectacular scenery all around you.
View of La Candelaria, the most typical district of old Bogotá, with Bolivar
Square and other symbolic buildings around it – the Cathedral, the Capitol,
Lievano Palace and the Palace of Justice.
33
Bogotá has many museums. Some of them are housed in spectacular mansions
of the Spanish colonial era, such as this, Casa del Marquez de San Jorge (facing
page).
History and Culture
B
ogotá has 58 museums and historic houses, 161 monuments which are part of the
national heritage, 28 churches of tourist interest, 90 art galleries, and 50 theatres.
The historic center is called La Candelaria. It surrounds the Plaza Bolivar, and since
the 16th century, when the first buildings were erected, it has preserved its standing as a
political, administrative and religious center.
The steep streets still carry the names that recall the Spanish colonial era. Today,
many of these old buildings are used as schools, universities, hotels, antique shops, cafés
Museo Nacional
or restaurants. It is this sector that concentrates most of the museums, government offices, libraries, universities and cultural centers.
Among the museums, one of the most famous is the Gold Museum, a unique institution with 34,000 pieces of pre-Columbian gold work, the National Museum-one of the
oldest in the Americas, built over 185 years ago- and the Botero Museum with 85 works
from all over the world, reflecting the most important artistic movements of the end of the
19th century, and 123 works in different techniques by Botero himself.
Monserrate Sanctuary is a symbol of the city, not only because of its natural
resources, but because of its religious connotations: the sanctuary is visited by millions of
pilgrims and travelers every year.
Las Aguas Plaza and Church
Bogotá has 20 public libraries (five major libraries, six district libraries and 10 local
libraries), which operate as a network, and service more than 4 million users a year.
Shopping-Fashion
B
ogotá is one of the focal points of commerce in Latin America, with whole districts
engaged in design and fashion, and boutiques by well-known Colombian and foreign
designers. There are 55 or more large modern shopping malls across the city, with the
offer of world-famous names at very competitive prices.
Bogotá is also the center of the Colombian emerald trade. These stones are unique
Andino shopping mall
in the world for purity, size and hardness. The quality of gold-and silver-work and jewelry
35
is world famous, and the replicas of pre-Columbian pieces are particularly interesting. The
most exclusive jewelers are to be found in the international center, on the Carrera 15, in
Zona T, and in the shopping malls.
Leather-goods also enjoy an international reputation. Suitcases, jackets, bags, shoes
and accessories are to be found in the shopping malls and in specialized stores.
There are also shopping “corridors”, in some of the more traditional streets, as a sort
of open-air shopping areas, and outlets in the industrial sectors.
The craft markets and the flea-markets are outstanding for originality and quality.
“San Alejo” in downtown and “San Pelayo” in Usaquén are the two most popular. On Sun-
Bogotá is an important fashion center
days and holidays there are antiques, crafts, textiles, books, and much more to be found
there, livened up by street performances.
Regional and national craftwork is very varied; particularly the objects in pottery,
woodwork, weaving and basketwork. The shops are in the Artesanías de Colombia at
Claustro de las Aguas, Centro Internacional, Calle 72 and in North Bogotá.
Dinning Out
T
he restaurant trade is experiencing a boom in Bogotá, making use of new trends, flavors, aromas and forms which bring together traditional and original ingredients that
combine to make it a preferred choice of experts.
The best and most varied offer is to be found in six specialized districts, located in
the north and center. Zona M, Zona G, Zona R, Zona T, Parque de la 93, Usaquén, and
Zona C. All of them offer a very special ambiance, and the best of Colombian and international dishes are to be found there, often accompanied by music, for a truly memorable
visit.
One of the reasons for this boom is the constant stream of business tourists who
pass through Bogotá. Every day, business executives from all over the world are to be
found on the streets, ready to enjoy every aroma, color and flavor of one of the richest
and most varied forms of cuisine in South America.
36
Antiques in Toldos de San Alejo
Like all major cities, Bogotá has many opportunities for pleasant cultural
activities like eating out, leisure, recreation and shopping.
Quiosco de la Luz, Parque Nacional
Virgilio Barco Public Library
Gabriel Garcia Marquez Cultural Center
Hotel de la Opera, La Candelaria
Casa Santa Clara restaurant, Monserrate
Casa del 20 de julio – Museum of Independence
San Isidro restaurant
Parque El Salitre
Luis Angel Arango Concert Hall
37
Night life
T
here is a word used on the Caribbean coast to describe the zest of the nightlife, “rumba”, evoking nights of entertainment in a bar, a disco, a casino or a restaurant. Bogotá
is the undoubted capital of rumba in Latin America.
As a cosmopolitan city Bogotá brings together persons from every region, every accent from Colombia and around the world, for such it has become a space for culture and
entertainment for all tastes, pockets, and occasions. Cross over experiences, modern and
electronic music blended with Colombian traditional styles (like salsa or vallenato) are to
be found everywhere to satisfy the most demanding tastes.
Zona Rosa on Calle 82
Parque de la 93, Zona T, Zona G, La Macarena, Usaquén and Chía are the best places
to go clubbing.
Bogotá and its surroundings
C
ity’s attractions are complemented by nearby destinations, which can be visited in a
day - a trip may last from one to three hours - to enjoy many types of scenery, climate,
historical and cultural attractions.
The list is long. It includes páramo (a high-mountain ecosystem 3,000-4,000 m.a.s.l
nature reserves, and ancient tracks built by pre-Columbian communities and the Spanish
colonial administration. These are places in which history and nature come together to
The Salt Cathedral in the outskirts of Zipaquira
offer excursions of extreme beauty and cultural interest.
This is also the ideal scenario for sports such as golf, tennis, sailing, hiking, windsurfing, waterskiing; rock climbing, mountain biking, motocross and car racing, amongst
many others.
The superb scenery, the flower farms, the good food and crafts of special interest are
to be found everywhere in the region.
The Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral -a giant temple carved out of the heart of a salt mine,
and one of the wonders of Colombia - the Suesca rocks, Chingáza Natural Park, the dams
at Neusa and Guatavita are just a few of the places to visit.
38
Sanctuary of Monserrate
Bogotá for children
O
ne of the areas to which the city administration has paid special attention is to build
recreational, educational and sports arenas for children, making the capital a safe
place, in which the child comes first.
There are regular programs for recreational activities and entertainment, and a wide
choice of museums, shops and parks.
One of the main attractions is the Maloka Science and Technology theme park,
where children and adults can learn in a new and amusing way.
Maloka Interactive Center
DiverCity is a city-within-a-city of 5,200 sqm with 46 attractions. Everything is childsized so that children can play as if they were adults - they decide what they want to work
on and how to spend their money.
The Panaca Sabana agricultural park is only 40 minutes from Bogotá, and has a
domestic animal zoo with some 2,400 animals, surrounded by crops and gardens
Macanu is another place for the family: there is interactive amusement involving
nature and demonstrations of the importance of farming, flora and fauna. This is a complete ecological park and experimental farm, with train trips, horses and a lake amongst
other attractions.
Macanu Ecological Park
Among the theme parks, there is Mundo Aventura (Adventure World) with amusing
attractions and characters suitable for all ages and family taste; the Salitre Mágico park
-which belongs to the CIE entertainment group, one of the world’s largest operators-,
present in eight countries including America and Spain. There are more than 25 child and
family attractions, all with high impact.
The Cici Aqua Park aquatic complex, the Museo de los Niños (Children’s Museum),
full of things to know about and entertain, and a number of nature reserves with rich
scenery, mountains, lakes, waterfalls and wild animals – all of them are part of this large
inventory of learning and amusement.
Salitre Mágico.
39
COLOMBIA
A destination to be discovered
Welcome to
Colombia!
C
olombia dreams to show the world its true face: a face full of color, flavor, beautiful
cities and unimaginably varied scenery. It is a country with millions of people waiting
to welcome you with open arms, and with much passion in their hearts.
Colombia’s privileged position in the continent and the presence of the three chains
of the Andean mountains, has produced a combination of all possible natural regions
from the tropics to the perpetual snows of the high mountains, the warm beaches of the
Caribbean, the exotic jungles of the Amazon basin and the Pacific coast, to the dry deserts
of the Guajira peninsular and the flatlands of the Orinoco basin.
Colombia, in the equatorial zone, enjoys all levels of climate. It is only a few miles
from the warm plains along the Caribbean to the snow-capped peaks of Sierra
Nevada de Santa Marta.
43
History and culture are present everywhere: San Agustín to the south has
massive pre-Columbian sculptures; Cartagena (facing page) and Santa Cruz
de Mompóx have some of the best-preserved colonial era building on the coast;
and Medellín, the City of Eternal Spring, adorns its parks with the sculptures of
Fernando Botero.
Colombia is also a modern and dynamic nation, with good infrastructure and excellent human capital. A mixture of races and cultural backgrounds amongst it’s people has
resulted in a country rich in tradition, particularly cheerful, welcoming and passionate.
Each region of Colombia offers huge diversity. The Amazon, with the world’s widest,
vastest and most plentiful river in the world and with the largest tropical jungle on this
planet; Cartagena, famous for having being a pirates cove, with its golden beaches and colonial architecture; the Coffee Triangle, formed by the departments of Caldas, Quindío and
Risaralda, has earned its name as the birthplace of the world’s best coffee. The San Agustín
Archaeological Park, declared by UNESCO as the largest group of religious monuments and
megalithic sculptures of South America, cosmopolitan cities such as Bogotá and Medellín,
and many other destinations are part of the long list of possibilities waiting for you.
Multi-coloured sculpture in San Agustin
Geography, vegetation and climate
C
olombia is the only country in South America with coasts on the Atlantic and Pacific
oceans, its land area is 1,141,748 sqkm, and it has 928,660 sqkm are territorial waters.
It shares land frontiers with Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador; and sea frontiers
with Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Jamaica, Dominican Republic and Haiti.
Colombia stretches from Lat 4°S to Lat 12°N, and from Long 67°W to 79°W. The climate is equatorial, determined by the trade winds, humidity, and altitude above sea level.
The higher the level, the lower the temperature.
The seasonal changes come in two modes: there are two rainy seasons affecting almost all the country from April to June and August to November; and two dry or summer
seasons in between. Daylight is almost constant through the year.
Bell-tower of the church of Santa Barbara, Mompox
Other interesting notes
• Historically, Colombia has been known for great economic stability. From the 1970’s its
GDP has grown two points more than the average in Latin America, and it has been the
least volatile country in the region. In the last five years, the Colombian economy has
grown at rates of over 4% a year.
• In 2008 GDP rose 2, 5%: a positive performance in the midst of a world recession.
• Colombia is the regional leader in entrepreneurship and has the fastest-growing workforce. According to the IMD 2009, it has the second most flexible employment regime
in Latin America.
44
Parque Botero, Medellín
Colombia’s complex geography in five huge natural regions makes for some
astonishing contrasts of scenery
• Colombia has the second largest skilled workforce available in the region, after Chile.
• The World Bank’s “Doing Business Report” for 2010 classifies Colombia as the friendliest
country in Latin America for doing business. For the fourth consecutive year, Colombia
ranked as one of the top 10 countries in the world for the number of reforms passed to
improve the business environment. Between 2007 and 2010, Colombia has raised 42
places in the chart, and now ranks 37 out of 181 countries.
• While world tourism fell 4% in 2009, Colombia’s tourism increased 10.2%.
• The country has the best-quality science and mathematics education in the region
• In environmental protection, Colombia ranks 10 in the world, and first in the region, followed by Chile, Peru and Mexico.
The snow-capped peak of Cocuy, Boyaca
International distinctions
• In the context of ABAV 2009, the most important tourism fair in Latin America, Editorial April awarded Colombia “Destino Revelador”, as the prize for institutional marketing
merit for the IX version of this contest with the magazine Viajes y Turismo, Brazil’s leading publication in this area.
• Colombia has eight UNESCO World Heritage sites, four cultural sites for forts, monuments and archaeological treasures, two natural sites for the richness of their flora and
fauna, and two for importance in the intangible heritage for mankind.
• Colombia has the greatest biodiversity in the world after Brazil
Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta
• The world’s largest opencast mining operations have made Colombia the number one
steam coal exporter, with an annual production of 50 million tons, and the fifth largest
producer of coal, located at the Guajira peninsula.
• Caño Cristales, a river of “Five Colors” has been recognized as the most beautiful river in
the world.
• In 2006, the logo of Juan Valdéz Café, the mark of the mildest coffee in the world, won
the prize for America’s most widely-recognized symbol from among 200,000 voters in
the contest for the Advertising Hall of Fame in New York. The symbolic significance of
the trademark ranked higher than McDonald’s, Energizer or Nike.
The island of Providencia
46
From the jungles of the Amazon basin to the mountains of Quindío, nature
can be seen in all her glory of colors and shapes. Colombia is one of the richest
countries in the world in flora and fauna species; but perhaps its greatest
treasure is its cheerful, pleasant and hardworking people. The variety of its
regions also makes Colombia a kaleidoscope of races and cultures.
Toucan
Barranquilla Carnival
Plant in the shape of the paramo rose.
A girl from Choco
Heliconia
Carnival mask
Butterflies in the sun
Cuna Indian textile work
Native Guambia woman
47
Visas
Nationals of the following countries do not need visas
to enter as a tourist and stay up to 90 days.
1. Andorra
2. Antigua and Barbuda
3. Argentina
4. Australia
5. Austria
6. Bahamas
7. Barbados
8. Belgium
9. Belice
10. Bolivia
11. Brazil
12. Canada
13. Costa Rica
14. Croatia
15. Cyprus
16. Czech Republic
17. Chile
18. Denmark
19. Dominica
20. Dominican Republic
21. Ecuador
22. El Salvador
23. Finland
24. France
25. Germany
26. Granada
27. Greece
28. Guatemala
29. Guyana
30. Honduras
31. Hong Kong (SAR)
32. Hungary
33. Iceland
34. Indonesia
35. Israel
36. Italy
37. Jamaica
38. Japan
39. Korea (South)
40. Liechtenstein
41. Lithuania
42. Luxembourg
43. Malaysia
44. Malta
45. Mexico
46. Monaco
47. Netherlands
48. New Zealand
49. Norway
50. Panamá
51. Paraguay
52. Peru
53. Philippines
54. Portugal
55. Rumania
56. San Marino
57. Singapore
58. Slovakia.
59. Spain
60. St Kitts and Nevis
61. St Lucía
62. St Vincent and the Grenadines
63. Sweden
64. Switzerland
65. Trinidad and Tobago
66. Turkey
67. United Kingdom
68. United States of America
69. Uruguay
70. Venezuela
Countries with visa exemption whose nationals are given
visitor permits by Colombian consulates:
1. Armenia
2. Azerbaijan
3. Bangladesh
4. Benin
5. Bhután
6. Botswana
7. Brunei-Darussalam
8. Burkina-Faso
9. Burundi
10. Cameroon
11. Cape Verde
12. Central African Republic
13. Chad
14. Comoro Is
15. Congo
16. Equatorial Guinea
17. Eritrea
18. Estonia
48
19. Etiopía
20. Fiji
21. Gabon
22. Gambia
23. Ghana
24. Guinea
25. Guinea Bissau
26. India
27. Ivory Coast
28. Kenya
29. Kirghistán
30. Kiribati
31. Lesotho
32. Lettland
33. Madagascar
34. Malawi
35. Maldive Is
36. Mali
37. Marshall Is
38. Mauritania
39. Mauritius
40. Micronesia
41. Moldova
42. Mongolia
43. Morocco
44. Namibia
45. Nauru
46. Nepal
47. Nicaragua
48. Niger
49. Palau
50. Papua Nueva Guinea
51. Poland
52. Rwanda
53. Samoa
54. São Tomé e Príncipe
55. Senegal
56. Seychelles
57. Slovenia
58. Solomon Is
59. Swaziland
60. Tanzania
61. Tayikistán
62. Timor-Leste
63. Togo
64. Tonga
65. Turkmenistan
66. Tuvalu
67. Vanuatu
68. Zambia
69. Zimbabwe
CONVENTION CENTERS
AND NON-TRADITIONAL VENUES
Convention Centers
AR Centro de Convenciones
Address: Calle 113 No. 7-80 Piso 2 Torre AR
Phone: (57) (1) 743 17 17/ (57) 320 838 43 43
Webpage: www.arcentrodeconvenciones.com
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
Internal catering, internet WIFI, parking for over 3,000 vehicles, advisory services on event
organization, audiovisual aids.
Characteristics
Name
Capacity
Area (m2)
Height (m)
Arcoíris
380
272
4.7
Arboleda
350
270
4.7
228
4.7
Foyer
Arlequín
120
76
2.2
Arcangel
60
37
2.2
Arrayanes
12
30
2.2
Argenta
10
27
2.2
Arrecife
Arándano
VIP
8
21
2.2
10
23
2.2
8
23
2.2
Centro de Convenciones CAFAM
Address: Carrera 68 No. 90–88 Bloque 3 Piso 1
Phone: (57) (1) 646 80 00 Ext: 23 05 – 23 09
Webpage: www.cafam.com.co
Contact: [email protected] / [email protected]
General Services
Advisory services on events, internal catering, high-technology audiovisuals, strategic location
Characteristics
Name
Capacity
Main Auditorium
540
Meeting Rooms
80
Room 1
15
Room 2
30
Room 3
65
51
Centro de Convenciones Compensar
Address: Avenida 68 No. 49a - 47
Phone: (57) (1) 307 70 01
Webpage: www.compensar.com/eventos
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
Intelligent audio/visual control, sound systems, computerized ambient and artistic lighting,
physical and electronic security, 1,398 parking spaces , strategic location.
Characteristics
Capacity
Area (m2)
Height (m)
Main Auditorium
800
777
6.20
Main Hall
280
444
6.50
Main Hall Lobby
400
397
2.90
80
112
2.90
Name
Room S1
Room S2
20
56
2.90
Room S3
160
225
2.90
Room S4
90
120
2.90
Centro de Convenciones Corferias
Address: Carrera 37 No. 24 – 67
Phone: (57) (1) 381 00 00 / 30 Ext. 2421 – 1970
Webpage: www.corferias.com.co
Contact: [email protected] / [email protected] / [email protected]
General Services
Food hall with international restaurants and fast food, Wi-Fi, over 3,000 parking spaces, business rounds, recording, telemarketing, logistics personnel (gatekeepers, security guards,
Supervisors, information staff ).
Capacity
Area (m2)
Auditorium
757
645
Protocol Room
155
200
6.000
6.083
50
55
20.000
44.430
Name
Main Room
Hall & Bar
Show Room (17 halls)
52
Characteristics
Height (m)
9.3
Non-traditional Venues
Andrés Carne de Res
Chía
Address: Calle 3 No. 11A - 56, Chía
Phone: (57) (1) 863 78 80
Bogotá
Centro Comercial El Retiro Calle 82 No. 12-21
Phone: (57) (1) 863 78 80
Webpage: www.andrescarnederes.com
Contact: [email protected]
Andrés Carne de Res is famous in Colombia and abroad. Most visitors who come to Colombia and to Bogotá for the first time go there for the rumba and the food, as being the
best on offer in Colombia.
Archivo de Bogotá
Address: Ca5 No. 5-75
Phone: (57) (1) 381 3000
Webpage: www.bogota.gov.co
Contact: [email protected]
A cultural complex in the center of Bogotá. Two exhibition rooms, auditorium for 200, small
meeting rooms, facilities and rooms for reading, document consultation and collections.
Archivo General de la Nación
Address: Carrera 6 Nº. 6 - 91
Phone: (57) (1) 328 28 88
Webpage: www.archivogeneral.gov.co
Contact: [email protected]
Archivo General de la Nación is a trip through Colombia’s history, an interesting opportunity to appreciate its past. It was created in 1989 to define policy for Colombia’s archives
and rescue the historic memory of Colombians.
Event Rooms
Name
Capacity
2 Rooms
50 c/u
Auditorium
200
53
Casa de la Moneda
Address: Calle 11 No. 4-14
Phone: (57) (1) 343 1212
Built in 1753 of stone and adobe, this is a Spanish colonial style house, and contains the
official numismatic collection of Colombia. There are also ten rooms housing Banco de la
República’s plastic arts collection with Works by Brueghel, Delacroix, Courbet, Tamayo and
other international artists. This is the most complete collection of Colombian plastic arts
in the country.
Casa San Isidro
Cerro Monserrate
Phone: (57) (1) 281 93 09 / 281 92 70
Webpage: www.cerromonserrate.com
On the crest of Monserrate San Isidro restaurant was built 26 years ago and is one of the
most traditional of its kind.
Event Rooms
Capacity
Name
Meeting room (1)
120
Banquets
Castillo del Mono Osorio
Address: Carrera 3 Nº. 74 - 00
Phone: (57) (1) 346 51 97 / 235 47 23
Webpage: www.castillodelmonoosorio.com
Castillo del Mono Osorio is a replica of a12th-century Belgian castle, erected in the 20th
century and now a National Architectural Monument. It is built entirely of stone and the
ornamentation of the windows is in cast iron.
Event Rooms
Name
Capacity
Meeting rooms (6)
Banquets
54
100
Castillo Marroquín
Address: Autopista Central del Norte Km 21 La Caro
Phone: (57) (1) 676 41 01
Webpage: www.castillomarroquin.com
Contact: [email protected]
Castillo Marroquín, is twenty minutes outside Bogotá, a place of history and fantasy, magic
and elegance. It was built over 100 years ago by the son of President José Manuel Marroquín on plans brought from Europe
Event Rooms
Capacity
Name
Meeting rooms (4)
1,800
Auditorium
Biblioteca Luis Angel Arango
Cultural Complex
Address: Calle 11 No. 4-14
Phone: (57) (1) 343 12 62 / 343 12 50
Webpage: www.lablaa.org
Contact: [email protected]
The complex houses Colombia’s most important public library and one of the largest in
Latin America, with over two million volumes. It is located in La Candelaria, and offers local
and international exhibitions, workshops, concerts, lectures and contests year-round.
Event Rooms
Name
Capacity
Meeting rooms (3)
Room
300
Auditorium
600
55
Julio Mario Santo Domingo
Library and Culture Center
Address: Calle 170 entre Carreras 59 y 64
Phone: (57) (1) 359 0244
Webpage: www.biblioamigos.org
Contact: [email protected]
In San José de Bavaria Park on calle 170 between Carreras 59 and 64. The Center has 23,000
s.q.m. with a theatre to hold 1,300 people. Suitable for all types of performances (opera,
theatre, concerts etc.). There is also an experimental theatre or flexible auditoriums for a
public of 300 and a focal-lighting exhibition area specifically designed to exhibit paintings,
sculptures and artistic installations in general.
El Pórtico
Address: Autopista Norte Km 19
Phone: (57) (1) 676 27 52 / 676 01 39
Webpage: www.elportico.com.co
El Pórtico was built over 40 years ago with spaces for all kinds of events around its restaurant. The site has 3 hectares of buildings and open-air facilities, holding up to 3,000 people;
eight different events can be held there at the same time. There is a small bullring.
Event Rooms
Name
Capacity
Meeting Rooms (8)
Auditorium
56
1.500
Fundación Gilberto Alzate Avendaño
Address: Calle 10 No. 3-16
Phone: (57) (1) 282 94 91 ext. 117
Webpage: www.fgaa.gov.co
Contacto: [email protected]
Fundación Gilberto Alzate Avendaño is a public organization and one of the most important centers of art and culture in Colombia. It is used for exhibitions of plastic and visual
arts, stage performances, music, literary events and audiovisual presentations.
Event Rooms
Capacity
Name
430
Auditorium
José Celestino Mutis Botanical Gardens
Address: Avenida (Calle) 63 No. 68-95
Phone: (57) (1) 437 70 60
Webpage: www.jbb.gov.co/jardinbotanico/
Contact: [email protected]
José Celestino Mutis Botanical Gardens are the center of the most important scientific
research and development work in Colombia. There are 35 ecological zones and a collection of more than 2,300 species of native and exotic plants – a fountain of discovery of
Colombia’s biodiversity.
Event Rooms
Name
Capacity
Room
50
Auditorium
100
57
Maloka
Address: Carrera 68D - Calle 43 A - Salitre
Phone: (57) (1) 427 27 07
Webpage: www.maloka.org
The gateway to the future opens up 35ft underground, welcoming the visitor to 17,000
s.q.m of science, technology and innovation, a fascinating voyage of adventure and discovery.
Event Rooms
Name
Capacity
Meeting Rooms (2)
Banquets
350
Mansión Francesa de Medina
Address: Carrera 8 No. 87-85
Phone: (57) (1) 610 3035 / 618 5378
Webpage: www.mansionfrancesa.com
Contact: [email protected]
Located north-east of Bogotá, Mansión Francesa de Medina is a private house designed
by a Frenchman in the mid-20th century. Both interior and exterior areas are spacious and
ideal for exclusive events.
Museo de Bogotá
Address: Carrera 4 No. 10-18
Phone: (57) (1) 352 18 65 / 352 18 64
Webpage: www.museodebogota.gov.co
Contact: [email protected]
This museum has temporary exhibitions and offers pedagogical events about Bogotá. Its
main objective is to interpret and represent the relationships between the city and its
inhabitants and the physical and social environment.
58
Museo del Chicó
Address: Carrera 7 No. 93-01
Phone: (57) (1) 623 10 66
Webpage www.museodelchico.com
Contact: [email protected]
An old mansión-farmhouse restored in 1911 by Doña Mercedes Sierra Pérez, one of the
wealthiest women of her day. She decorated it entirely with Works of art and antiques and
wanted this grand old house to become a museum, with the 10 hectares of park around
it to be used as a children’s playground.
Event Rooms
Capacity
Name
Meeting Rooms (3)
200
Banquets
Museo Francisco de Paula Santander
Address: Carrera 7 Nº 150-01
Phone: (57) (1) 614 75 55 / 614 15 55
Contact: [email protected]
This House-Museum honors the memory of hero, General Francisco de Paula Santander,
who struggled for independence. Also known as the “man of laws”. There are exhibits of
his clothes, furniture, objects and documents. There are also some interesting portraits of
the General and his descendants, symbols of the arms and maps of Bogotá, testimonies of
the schools he founded and the specialized documentation center related to his life and
Works. This occupies the second floor of Hacienda El Cedro.
Event Rooms
Name
Auditorium
Capacity
400
59
Museo Nacional
Address: Carrera 7 Calles 28 y 29
Phone: (57) (1) 334 83 66, ext: 502/503
Webpage: www.museonacional.gov.co
Contact: [email protected]
This is Colombia’s senior museum and one of the oldest in the Americas. It houses some
20,000 pieces that form the historical and cultural heritage of Colombia. It became a National Monument for its historical and architectural value. The building is faced in stone and
has a garden inside. For 72 years it was the Cundinamarca Central Prison, and in 1946 it was
adapted to house the museum.
Event Rooms
Name
Capacity
Meeting Rooms (3)
Auditorium
255
Parque El Renacimiento
Address: Calle 26 Carrera 22
Phone: (57) (1) 660 54 00
Parque del Renacimiento is part of Bogotá’s cultural and architectural heritage, created to
provide spaces for recreation and relaxation. It is strategically located at a short distance
from the International Center. Cultural, musical and recreational events are held there.
Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar
Address: Calles 63 y 53 entre carreras 48 y 68
Phone: (57) (1) 660 0288 /660 0277
Webpage: www.idrd.gov.co
With 360 hectares of open space “Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar” is the largest and
most important facility of its kind. It has a number of scenarios, including the Events Area,
which can hold 80,000 people and is the venue for Rock-in-the-Park, the Summer Festival
and the Iberoamerican Theatre Festival.
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Planetarium
Address: Carrera 6 No. 26-07
Phone: (57) (1) 334 4546 / 334 4548 / 334 4571 ext. 414
Webpage: planetariodebogota.gov.co
Contact: [email protected]
The Bogotá Planetarium is located at the International Center, and is part of Independence
Park (Parque de la Independencia). It has two special video projectors for projecting stars –
last modernized in 2008 – with improved teaching capacity for a public now increasingly
demanding in the area of technology. In 2011 the Planetarium will also have a Space Museum to meet demand from the schools and the general public for pedagogical activities
in relation to the universe.
Plaza de los Artesanos
Address: Transversal 48 No. 63A-52
Phone: (57) (1) 631 1998 / 630 4323
Contact: [email protected]
Plaza de los Artesanos covers 37,000 s.q.m. and is Colombia’s second largest fairground. A
center for permanent exhibitions, events, workshops and sales of products.
61
HOTELS
Bogotá Marriot Hotel
Address: Avenida El Dorado No. 69B – 53 / Occidente de Bogotá
Phone: (57) (1) 485 11 11
Webpage: www.latinoamerica.marriott.com
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
224 rooms, 15 suites, Money Exchange nearby, local restaurant meals served to your
room, own laundry, room service 24 hours a day, room cleaned daily, valet service, daily
newspaper in your room and in the lobby, internet WI-FI.
Event Rooms
Classroom
Capacity
Area (m2)
Dimensions (m)
Amatista
54
105
15 x 7 x 4
Diamante
60
120
15 x 8 x 4
Name
80
192
16 x 12 x 6
Esmeralda I, II
160
372
31 x 12 x 6
Esmeralda II
80
192
16 x 12 x 6
Jade
24
35
7x5x4
Esmeralda I
28
7x4x4
Topacio
32
49
7x7x4
Turquesa
32
49
7x7x4
28
7x4x4
Rubí
Zafiro
65
Hotel Bogotá Royal
Address: Carrera 8A No. 99-55
Phone: (57) (1) 657 87 87 / 634 17 77
Webpage: www.hotelesroyal.com
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
142 rooms, Business Center equipped with the best Internet service (free), printer, scanner, fax, copier and computer services 24 hours a day, gym, room service 24 hours a day.
Event Rooms
Name
Colombia
66
Classroom
Capacity
Area (m2)
120
317
2.80
Height (m)
Colombia 1
40
97
2.80
Colombia 2
40
111
2.80
Colombia 3
40
111
2.80
Colombia 1 y 2
100
207
2.80
Colombia 2 y 3
110
221
2.80
Symphony
40
151
3.00
Parque
65
97
3.10
Rembrandt
40
109
3.00
Renoir
20
56
3.00
Picasso
20
62
3.00
Miró
N/A
26
3.00
Dalí
N/A
31
3.00
Monet
N/A
41
2.20
Orquídea
N/A
37
2.00
Hotel Capital GHL
Address: Avenida el Dorado No. 69A-51 Int 2 Bogotá
Phone: (57) (1) 423 30 00 / Reservas: 423 30 01 / Eventos: 423 30 02 / 423 30 03
Webpage: ghlhoteles.com
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
215 rooms, broadband internet, business center, gym, sauna, massages, Jacuzzi, squash,
parking and room service.
Event Rooms
Name
Auditorium
Capacity
Area (m2)
Height (m)
180
190
3.85
Belmira
60
90
3.85
Navarra
70
100
3.85
Las Aguas
40
47
2.20
Capital (Belmira y Navarra)
70
70
2.20
Salitre
N/A
27
2.70
Los Arrayanes
N/A
17
2.70
La Calleja
N/A
19
2.70
La Candelaria
Hotel Casa Dann Carlton
Address: Calle 94 No. 19-71
Phone: (57) (1) 633 87 77
Webpage: www.casadann.com.co
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
237 rooms, gym, sauna, heated pool, Turkish baths, massage area, coffee shop, travel
agency, parking, drug store and restaurant/bar.
Event Rooms
Name
Classroom
Capacity
Britania
350
Victoria I
130
Victoria II
25
Victoria III
25
Cambridge
70
Oxford I
50
87
Oxford II
20
39
Oxford III
10
31
Imperial
35
Business
18
Area (m2)
174
67
Hotel Cosmos 100
Address: Calle 100 No. 21A - 41
Phone: (57) (1) 646 40 00
Webpage: www.cosmos100.com
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
300 rooms, hairdresser, Amiti Store (shop for certified emeralds), sports, pool, sauna, internet WI-FI free.
Event Rooms
Name
Area (m2)
Height (m)
Sol 1
50
98
3.90
Sol 2
56
98
3.90
Sol 3
56
98
3.90
56
98
3.90
300
390
3.90
Luna 1
32
58
Luna 2
32
59
Luna 3
32
59
Luna 4
32
57
130
200
Soyuz
32
101
Sputnik
16
54
Columbia
32
101
N/A
256
Saturno I
24
52
Saturno II
24
52
Saturno III
24
52
Saturno I, II y III
70
155
Torre de Oro
80
Concordé
10
Sol 4
Sol 1, 2, 3 y 4
Luna 1, 2, 3 y 4
Soyuz, Sputnik y Columbia
Apolo
68
Classroom
Capacity
8
Hotel Crowne Plaza Tequendama
Address: Carrera 10 No. 26-21
Phone: (57) (1) 382 0300
Webpage: www.ichotelsgroup.com
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
578 rooms, spa, gym, sauna, Turkish baths, jacuzzi, business center, restaurant, bar.
Event Rooms
Classroom
Capacity
Area (m2)
Height (m)
Rojo (Completo)
600
1002
4.50
Rojo 1 y Rojo 2
500
659
4.50
Rojo 1
300
395
4.50
Rojo 2
180
261
4.50
Rojo Bogotá
40
91
2.75
Rojo Naciones
40
95
2.75
Rojo Británico
60
131
2.75
180
388
3.20
Name
Esmeralda (Completo)
Esmeralda I
40
98
3.20
Esmeralda II
120
287
3.20
Bolívar (Completo)
180
351
2.75
Bolívar 1
60
104
2.75
Bolívar 2
80
186
2.75
Bolívar 3
60
114
2.75
Monserrate
180
357
2.70
Presidencial
70
158
2.45
Galería Versailles
80
124
5.90
Guadalupe
70
101
2.90
Golfistas
60
95
2.40
Cincuentenario
30
78
2.40
Empresarial
N/A
32
2.40
Ejecutivos
N/A
32
2.40
Pioneros
N/A
32
2.40
Corporativo
N/A
32
2.40
Libertadores
N/A
32
2.40
Excelencia
N/A
32
2.40
Logísticos 1
N/A
24
2.40
Logísticos 2
N/A
24
2.40
Gerencial
N/A
24
2.40
69
Hotel de La Ópera
Address: Calle 10 No. 5-72 La Candelaria
Phone: (57) (1) 336 20 66 / 336 52 85
Webpage: www.hotelopera.com.co
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
42 rooms, spa, pools, jacuzzi, Turkish baths, sauna, massage area, gym, beauty salon, two
restaurants (Colombian, international, Mediterranean and Italian).
Event Rooms
Name
Classroom
Capacity
Capacity
Name
Scala Externa
N/A
Chimenea
Scala Interna
N/A
Bóveda
25
90
Cúpula
12
N/A
Venecia
4
Amalfi
Patio Colonial
N/A
Hotel Estelar La Fontana
Address: Avenida 127 No. 15A-10
Phone: (57) (1) 615 44 00
Webpage: www.hotelesestelar.com
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
215 rooms, internet WI-FI, 2 restaurants (international and Mediterranean), business center, fitness center and room service 24 hours a day.
Event Rooms
Classroom
Capacity
Area (m2)
Height (m)
90
180
3.60
Estelar
110
125
2.50
Cigarra
80
170
4.00
Florero
50
110
3.60
Nueva Granada
40
84
2.40
Bogotá
25
63
2.50
Santa Fé
30
70
2.20
Alcalá
20
55
3.00
Segovia
20
55
3.00
Toleda
20
55
3.00
La Tertulia
20
105
2.60
Bosque
20
63
2.50
La Candelaria
15
39
2.60
La Calleja
15
39
2.60
La Castellana
15
39
2.60
Name
Fontana
70
Hotel JW Marriott
Address: Calle 73 No. 8 - 60 Phone: (57) (1) - 4856000 Webpage: www.marriott.com/bogjw
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
264 rooms (143 king size, 96 twin full size, 24 junior suites and 1 presidential suite), restaurant, bar, health club with Turkish baths, internet WI-FI, room service 24 hours a day, pool,
sauna and Jacuzzi.
Event Rooms
Name
Classroom
Capacity
Area (m2)
200
335
Real I
60
110
Real II
60
115
Real III
60
110
Ebano I and II
50
83
Ebano I
N/A
25
Ebano II
25
53
Ceiba I and II
62
104
Ceiba I
25
52
Ceiba II
25
52
N/A
19
Real I, II and III
Macondo Boar Room
71
Hotel Radisson Royal
Address: Calle 113 No. 7-65
Phone: (57) (1) 657 87 09
Webpage: www.hotelesroyal.com
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
251 rooms, internet WI-FI, 2 restaurants, 2 bars, club spa, gym, heated pool, Turkish baths,
Jacuzzi, hairdresser, massage area.
Event Rooms
Classroom
Capacity
Area (m2)
Height (m)
Millenium
90
220
2.58
Foyer
35
117
2.40
Robles
70
153
2.44
Tulipanes
40
97
2.44
Ciprés
24
45
2.44
Caobos
24
46
2.44
Sauces
12
40
2.44
Cedro
80
96
2.90
Platino
40
85
2.30
Meeting Room
10
35
2.44
Name
Hotel Rosales Plaza
Address: Calle 71A No. 5-47
Phone: (57) (1) 317 11 00
Webpage: www.hotelrosalesplaza.com
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
Internet WI-FI, restaurant, bar, room service 24 hours, laundry service, business center.
61 rooms - 6 junior suites and 55 standard with 30 and 33 s.q.m, single, double or triple
accommodation. Wireless internet, comfortable working areas, Room service 24 hours.
Event Rooms
Name
72
Classroom
Capacity
Nukak
40
Embera
12
Wittoto
16
Tikuna
40
Tikuna y Wittoto
65
Hotel Sheraton
Address: Avenida El Dorado No. 69C - 83
Phone: (57) (1) 210 50 00 / 210 50 01
Webpage: www.ghlhoteles.com
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
247 rooms, room service 24 hours, airport VIP reception and transfer to hotel, shuttle every
20 minutes, convention room, foyer and 5 meeting rooms, business center, wireless internet, parking, gym, pool, Jacuzzi and spa.
Event Rooms
Name
Gran Salón Santafé
Auditorium
Capacity
Dimensions (m)
Height (m)
1.000
40 x 25
5.5
Santafé 1
333
13.22 x 25
5.5
Santafé 2
333
13.22 x 25
5.5
Santafé 3
333
13.22 x 25
5.5
Cocuy
77
12.3 x 6.2
2.3
Mu Tata
27
3.5 x 7.5
2.3
Pocora
24
3.5 x 6.7
2.3
Cataca
35
5.8 x 6
2.3
Soata
11
3.6 x 3.0
2.3
Susacon
11
3.6 x 3.0
2.3
Tausa
40
8.0 x 8.5
2.3
73
Hotel Suites Jones
Address: Calle 61 No. 5-39
Phone: (57) (1) 592 36 36
Webpage: www.hotelesestelar.com
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
Restaurant (international), bar, concierge specialized in the organization and coordination
of events and visits to main tourist attractions.), business center, internet WIFI, travel agency, laundry, medical services, room service 24 hours and parking.
Event Rooms
Nombre
Classroom
Capacity
Área (m2)
Altura (m)
Estelar
90
127
2.65
Jones
60
70
2.47
Arco
15
46
2.64
Siam
32
68
2.23
Almirante
26
68
2.20
Paipa
32
68
2.20
Colinas
32
68
2.20
Hotel Summit Bogotá Plaza
Address: Calle 100 No. 18A-30
Phone: (57) (1) 632 22 00 / 632 22 33 / 632 22 37
Webpage: www.bogotaplazahotel.com
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
190 rooms, broadband internet, business center, gym, sauna, aesthetic center, jacuzzi, hairdresser and parking.
74
Hotel Windsor House
Address: Calle 95 No. 9 – 97
Phone: (57) (1) 634 36 30
Webpage: www.ghlhoteles.com
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
127 rooms, internet WI-FI, room service 24 hours a day, medical assistance parking, bar,
restaurant, gym, massage area, Turkish baths and business center.
Event Rooms
Auditorium
Capacity
Nombre
Área (m2)
250
249
London
90
123
Oxford
50
69
100
300
50
56
N/A
40
Bond Club
Cambridge
Gales
Meeting Room
Suites 101 Park House
Address: Carrera 21 No. 101-10
Phone: (57) (1) 600 01 01
Webpage: www.101parkhouse.com
Contact: [email protected]
General Services
Internet WIFI, fireplace in rooms, spa, Jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish baths, business center, room service 24 hours a day, currency exchange. Hotel Suites 101 Park House
has tour meeting rooms and a maximum capacity of 160. Natural light throughout and terrace with a park view. Rooms have air-conditioning and electric curtain mechanism. The terrace has gas heaters, luxury fittings and torches.
Full advisory services available.
Event Rooms
Classroom
Capacity
Área (m2)
Altura (m)
100
151
2.5
Parque
70
151
2.5
Parque 1
40
64
2.5
Parque 2
20
35
2.5
Verano
30
52
2.5
Primavera
24
48
2.45
Otoño
26
48
2.45
Nombre
Gran Parque
75
Professional Events Organizers
—OPC—
Aviatur
Address: Avenida Jiménez No. 4-50 (Segundo Piso)
Phone: (57) (1) 3 817 111
Webpage: www.aviatur.com
Contact: [email protected]
Gema Tours
Address: Calle 67 No. 6-60 Of. 404
Phone: (57) (1) 3 465 025 / 3 458 053
Webpage: www.gematours.com
Contact: [email protected]
Sphera Producciones
Address: Calle 90 No. 12-45 (Piso Quinto)
Phone: (57) (1) 5 604 613
Webpage: www.makingeventsopc.com
Contact: [email protected]
Making Events
Address: Carrera 30 No. 35-48 Sur
Phone: (57) (1) 5 604 613
Webpage: www.makingeventsopc.com
Contact: [email protected]
Panamericana de Viajes
Address: Carrera 11A No. 93A-80 Of. 104
Phone: (57) (1) 6 500 400
Webpage: www.panamericanadeviajes.com
Contact: [email protected]
Quimbaya Tours
Address: Calle 98 No. 21-36 Of. 206
Phone: (57) (1) 6 045 562 / 6 045 108
Webpage: www.quimbaya-tours.com
Contact: [email protected]
76