Tourist Trap 1: Museo del Oro While the Gold Museum might seem like a must-visit attraction, it is often overcrowded and overpriced. Consider exploring other museums in Bogota that offer equally fascinating exhibits without the tourist hordes.
Tourist Trap 2: Monserrate While Monserrate offers a stunning panoramic view of the city, it can be touristy and expensive. Consider visiting lesser-known viewpoints like Mirador de la Calera for a quieter and more authentic experience.
Tourist Trap 3: Loma de la Cruz Although Loma de la Cruz claims to be an ancient archaeology site, it is largely a modern recreation created for tourism purposes. Explore the genuine historical sites in Bogota, such as the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral.
Tourist Trap 4: La Candelaria Souvenir Shops The souvenir shops in La Candelaria neighborhood often sell overpriced and low-quality products targeted at tourists. Venture into other local markets like Paloquemao or Usaquen for authentic and fairly priced Colombian souvenirs.
Tourist Trap 5: Street Vendors in La Candelaria While street vendors offer a glimpse into local culture, they can also be pushy and overcharge tourists. Practice caution and consider shopping in established markets or stores to avoid scams.
Tourist Trap 6: Graffiti Tours While Bogota's street art scene is vibrant, be cautious when booking graffiti tours. Some tours exploit the local artists, offering little compensation for their work. Instead, explore the city independently to discover hidden street art gems.
Tourist Trap 7: Café de los Angelitos Though popular among tourists, Café de los Angelitos in La Candelaria often serves mediocre food at inflated prices. Seek out authentic local eateries or ask locals for recommendations to enjoy a truly Colombian dining experience.
Tourist Trap 8: El Dorado International Airport Taxi Scams Be wary of taxi scams at El Dorado International Airport. Avoid accepting offers from unofficial taxi drivers and always use authorized taxi services or ride-hailing apps to ensure a safe and fair-priced journey to your destination.