Mount Monserrate

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3 Reviews | Add review

Address: Bogota, Cundinamarca
Admission: Free
Transit: Funicular and Teleferico

ATTRACTION Keywords:
Good Views / Viewpoint, Walking/Hiking, Mountain

9:00 PM Thursday, May 23
Broken clouds. Cool.
7 day forecast

Mists permitting, you’ll be able to see the gleaming white Basílica del Señor de Monserrate high above the city, beckoning from the thickly forested mountains that form Bogota’s spectacular backdrop. Originally built as a monastery in 1657, it is no wonder that this glorious spot has been a site of pilgrimage ever since.

The original stone path marked by statues depicting the 14 Stations of the Cross still leads from the colonial Candelaria district up to the sanctuary. It is a steep climb to a chilly 3152m (10,339ft) still used by pilgrims (and exercise buffs), particularly on weekends and religious holidays. Most tourists take advantage of either the funicular, a steeply pitched train, or teleferico, a cable car system, which both make the trip inexpensively throughout the day. If you do choose to walk, note that there have been muggings, so it might not be the best choice if you’re alone with an expensive camera.

And you’ll definitely want your camera with you, as the fantastic city views are worth remembering. If the mountain mists pour in over your visit, obscuring the city below, you’ll still enjoy exploring the whitewashed sanctuary and its unusual icons, the Black Virgin and Fallen Christ. Wandering through the simple yet inspiring compound, with its cobbled plazas and red tiled roofs, all wrapped in luxuriant high Andean forest, is a treat no matter what the weather. Two upscale onsite restaurants offer the option of enjoying a little more ambiance with your visit.

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All Mount Monserrate Reviews

Review by Anonymous, September 2012
Doing what: Bogotá City Sightseeing Tour with Optional Lunch and Cable Car Ride

I'm glad I booked this. Bogota is a large city and I couldn't have seen everything on my own. Thanks for the help.

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Review by Bandit, USA, September 2012
Doing what: Bogotá City Sightseeing Tour with Optional Lunch and Cable Car Ride

Perfect introduction to the city! Views from Monseratte were amazing, the Gold Museum worth the visit and the city itself is a charm. The city tour was done in a small-group so we didn't have to wait around for other people to take pictures etc. Guide was the best, thanks Claudia!

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Review by Ellen H. D, February 2013
Doing what: Bogotá City Sightseeing Tour with Optional Lunch and Cable Car Ride