Usaquen in Bogota, Colombia

by Darlene Penner
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada)

Experiencing Colombia, for me, is about experiencing the local markets and neighborhoods, getting to know the people who live there, and enjoying the friendly and optimistic outlook of the Colombian people.

For me the neighborhood of Usaquen, in the capital city of Bogota, was the place that really helped me see and experience how the local people lived their lives.

Usaquen, which is located in a very popular area of Bogota, has easy access to the Canadian Embassy and other foreign Embassies nearby. It also has a variety of other shops, open air markets, modern malls, as well as local artisans selling their wares on the streets. Shopping the local markets on some of the older streets is both relaxing and stimulating with an atmosphere of what it must have been like in past times and with architecture that is stunningly beautiful to see.

If you are more interested in the modern, Hacienda Santa Fe is around the corner with many modern shops carrying both local and imported goods. As a tourist there you will have no problem finding a souvenir to take home with you. The people are friendly and have very good sales techniques!!!

Don't forget to enjoy a nice meal or a cup of coffee at a nearby restaurant or in the food court at Santa Fe as you listen to local musicians playing songs from the past.

Visiting the neighborhood of Usaquen was a wonderful experience that I would not hesitate to recommend to my friends and other visitors interested in getting to know the Latin culture and the people of Colombia, South America.