La Candelaria

JungleBoi says on Apr 21, 2009, 10:43:

La Candelaria is where all of Bogota's historic buildings are located. The area is one of the city's main attractions for tourists so its generally quite safe. However, it is bordered to the south beyond 'Calle 7' and west beyond 'carrera 10' by some of Bogota's poorer neighbourhoods so beggars are pretty prevalent (you can check out the streets on google maps). There have also been some tourist muggings at night reported, so its best to travel in groups of people and not alone. Saying that though its also the area where most of Bogota's hostels are and they're all pretty descent so finding a travel buddy isn't difficult. La Candelaria is also known for its many universities, therefore a large student presence keeps prices down and several bar/club spots open during the week as opposed to the weekend.

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Leeroy says on Apr 21, 2009, 18:20:

I live here in the Candelaria, and second everything JungleBoi said.

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adrimm (Moderator) says on Apr 21, 2009, 20:36:

To each their own Tone_Loc. There are many truths.

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miami55 says on Apr 21, 2009, 20:58:

what's chapinero like in terms of prices? would that be a better spot for a lone traveler?

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miami55 says on Apr 21, 2009, 21:02:

Although I will admit I'm a bit more interested in Colombia during the day than going out to clubs the whole time.. but if i'm going to be in an area that shuts down at 6:00 i might be bettter off paying a bit more

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adrimm (Moderator) says on Apr 21, 2009, 22:42:

Johnny that is what I am trying to say...

My point is that each person is different with different styles and values in travel and life. I'm happy tucked in early with a drink and book, I love history, culture, and busy daytime streets. While someone for whom nightlife really matters might go stir crazy. Different places can work well for different folks.

For travel - I love the boho vibe and heritage architecture and don't mind a bit of grit (ie. don't need yuppy-polish). Someone who is more a daytime sightseer/wanderer and doesn't mind cab-to-the-door for evenings out would be fine and save alot of commuting hassle headed in and out if they were to stay elsewhere....personally when I did stay there I had some really great nights in with other travellers, and observed that for those headed out it was easy to form groups to go with (and split cab fare with). Those who are club hounds are better off to prowl in places that are safer after dark.

As for permanent living, it would not be *my* first pick due to night security issues (girl on her own has to be aware), but I can see those who like a slight edge and can adapt their lifestyle to it doing alright. My first pick for permanent living would be Chap/Chap Altoish.

For temporary living - a month or so.. I might give it a go assuming I know I can afford a late cab home once or twice a week.

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Sam Salmon says on Apr 21, 2009, 22:47:

If 'grit' means armed drug addicts waiting to rob a person then you can keep your stupid grit-it sucks.

' a la orden!'

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adrimm (Moderator) says on Apr 21, 2009, 22:50:

No I'd don't mean that kind of grit - perhaps edgy/funky- ish. Ie Boho not Yuppy. Commercialesque not EHastingsesque.

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Robert Jorge says on Apr 22, 2009, 01:21:

If you want to party, just go to the terminal, get on a buseta for 20,000 pesos. Go to Villavicencio. If you are in la zona rosa(s) or at los capachos or Kaurzo, etc, you have NOTHING to worry about (at least while there).

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