Bogotá

Nestled against a range of misty green mountains in the Andean foothills, Colombia’s capital is one of Latin America’s most appealing cities and the country’s main international gateway. Many flight schedules require visitors to Colombia to spend at least one night there, but I recommend staying longer if possible. 

Bogotá can easily fill three or four days with its excellent museums, attractive historic neighborhoods and thriving culinary scene, along with day trips to nearby sights such as the underground Salt Cathedral in Zipaquirá. 

The northeastern section of Bogotá contains almost everything of interest to tourists, starting with pedestrian-friendly La Candelaria, the fascinating colonial quarter that is home to most of the best museums as well as some remarkably ornate churches. The cable car up to the verdant aerie of Monserrate leaves from La Candelaria’s edge. Farther north is the small Zona G neighborhood, so-called for the many gourmet restaurants concentrated there, and the nearby Zona Rosa, an upscale shopping and nightlife hub. I also liked the elegant low-rise neighborhood of Usaquén, which used to be a separate town until the capital absorbed it. Several of the city’s best restaurants and cafés are now located along Usaquén’s Carrera 6, and a couple of blocks south, the Hacienda Santa Bárbara shopping mall presents an unexpectedly diverting array of small, independently owned shops.