Translated by Andrés Martínez Forero 

'Bogotá, My City, My Home,' is the entry route for visitors to the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (COP16) in Colombia, set to take place from October 21 to November 1, 2024. Bogotá offers a plethora of activities, tourism, entertainment, and cuisine.

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This global event, themed “Peace with Nature,” will bring together representatives from over 190 countries, continuing the global effort to implement the Biodiversity Framework adopted at COP15 in Montreal.

While Cali will host the main discussions on biodiversity, Bogotá, with its international connectivity and infrastructure, will serve as the entry point and gateway to the country for many delegations, observers, and participants of the summit.

Bogotá is a vibrant city with a rich tourism offering that has been recognized by TripAdvisor as the sixth-best destination worldwide and the top destination in Latin America. It is also nominated for World's Leading Urban Destination at the World Travel Awards, among other prestigious recognitions.

Bogotá, a Biodiverse Destination

The Colombian capital exemplifies a balance between urban life and natural beauty. With over 163,660 hectares of biodiversity, ‘Bogotá, My City, My Home’ impresses with its vast natural territories, where 30% of the world's largest wetland, the Sumapaz, lies within its bounds and under its protection.

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The city hosts 17 wetlands, 8 mountain ecological parks, 4 rivers, and over 1.4 million trees, establishing itself as a vital green lung. Moreover, Bogotá is home to over 600 species of flora, 200 species of fauna, and more than 200 bird species, making it an exceptional destination for bird-watching. Bogotá is an unmissable biodiverse destination in Colombia.

Here are 16 reasons why ‘Bogotá, My City, My Home’ is a destination you can’t miss if you’re coming to COP16:

1. Wetlands
Bogotá has 17 protected wetlands essential for urban biodiversity. These ecosystems are home to more than 200 species of flora and fauna, contributing to conservation and climate change mitigation.

2. Trails
With 8 ecological trails like Monserrate and Quebrada La Vieja, Bogotá offers unique spaces where nature meets the city. These paths are ideal for hikes with breathtaking views. Also check out: [Link Placeholder]

3. Bird-watching
Home to over 200 bird species, Bogotá is a paradise for bird-watchers, who can revel in the species richness at the wetlands and trails.

4. Botanical Garden
The José Celestino Mutis Botanical Garden, spanning 20 hectares, is Colombia’s largest, dedicated to preserving Andean and tropical flora. It’s a place where science meets nature.

5. Street Art
Bogotá’s murals are recognized worldwide. Each piece tells a unique story, reflecting Colombian culture, politics, and society. They have become tools for social transformation and have boosted community and social tourism in areas like Ciudad Bolívar. The city features 6 graffiti tours filled with urban art.

6. Parks
With over 5,000 parks, Simón Bolívar Park stands out as the most emblematic green lung, perfect for outdoor family and recreational activities.

7. Amusement Parks
Attractions like Salitre Mágico and Mundo Aventura offer fun for all ages with thrilling rides and unforgettable moments.

8. Churches
Bogotá is home to over 900 churches, 29 of which are colonial, including the Basilica of Monserrate, the Church of San Francisco, and the Shrine of Our Lady of Carmen.

9. History
Founded in 1538, Bogotá preserves its colonial legacy in La Candelaria, where museums, plazas, and old buildings allow exploration of the city’s rich history.

10. Cuisine
In 2024, Taste Atlas ranked Bogotá sixth among the world's top culinary destinations, highlighting its diverse culinary offerings from traditional dishes like ajiaco to haute cuisine.

11. Culture
Bogotá is a cultural epicenter with events, exhibitions, and festivals celebrating the arts all year round. From theaters to live music, there’s always something new to discover in Bogotá.

12. Museums
With over 60 museums, the Gold Museum stands out, housing one of the world's most significant collections of pre-Columbian gold. Other museums explore everything from history to contemporary art. Discover more: Top 10 Must-Visit Museums in 'Bogotá, My City, My Home'

13. Bike lanes
Known as the world’s biking capital, Bogotá boasts over 600 kilometers of bike lanes, making it a global reference for sustainable mobility.

14. Marketplaces
Bogotá has 19 marketplaces, 7 of which are tourist-oriented. These markets are a feast for the senses, offering fresh products, flowers, crafts, and typical food.

15. People
Bogotanos are friendly and hospitable. The city's cultural mix makes every visitor feel welcome and part of this vibrant capital.

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16. Nightlife
Six Bogotá clubs have been nominated in the International Nightlife Association’s list of the top 100 clubs worldwide. Notable for their innovation and quality, these include: Candelario, Clandestino Club, Cumbia House, Octava, Salvador, and Theatron.

To explore all that Bogotá has to offer, visit Visitbogota.gov.co and check out the city’s free cultural agenda at the Bogotá Portal by clicking on this link: https://bogota.gov.co/what-to-do/cultural-agenda

Watch the following video to glimpse some of the city’s most iconic places, its foods, cultural plans, attractions, and natural landscapes. Located at 2,600 meters above sea level, get a taste of our city and plan your visit to ‘Bogotá, My City, My Home’:

En ‘Bogotá, mi Ciudad, mi Casa’ hay oportunidades para todos, y en paralelo a las obras de la Línea 1 del Metro de Bogotá que se adelantan a toda marcha en el suroccidente de la ciudad, se está configurando un nuevo polo de desarrollo comercial en el sector aledaño a la avenida Villavicencio entre la futura avenida Alo Sur y la avenida Ciudad de Cali, en las localidades de Kennedy y Bosa, que le traerá beneficios a todos los habitantes que residen y transitan por este importante sector. 

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Y es que además de transformar la movilidad, la Línea 1 del Metro de Bogotá ya comenzó a cambiar algunas dinámicas de la ciudad. Este es el caso de este sector de la localidad de Kennedy, que desde el mismo momento en el que comenzaron las obras reemplazó el botadero de basura que había en el lugar, y que a su vez se había desplazado al canal Tintal 2. 

Actualmente el sector evidencia positivos cambios, y aunque la avenida Villavicencio en este sector hoy no es muy concurrida, dentro de muy poco por esta área transitará el Metro y estarán ubicadas las estaciones 1 y 2. 

Esta última se conectará con el Portal de TransMilenio de Las Américas, lo que supone un gran tránsito de personas por la zona, volviéndola mucho más viva y atractiva para la ciudadanía en general. 

Esta coyuntura no es desconocida por los comerciantes del área, quienes se muestran muy esperanzados en que el Metro potencie sus negocios. Este es el caso de John Jiménez, propietario del taller de motos La Bujía Racing, quien afirmó: “Cuando el Metro ya esté finalizado, la avenida Villavicencio va a incrementar su comercio y cuando la ciclorruta pase por debajo, junto a la zona peatonal, va a haber mucho más tránsito”.

A lo que Alexander Álvarez, propietario del local A2 Movilidad Eléctrica, agregó: “El paisaje urbanístico va a quedar mucho mejor y la organización de la movilidad. Esto sin duda va a beneficiar a todos los comercios”.

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Como ellos, cientos de comerciantes, residentes y ciudadanos en general ven como crece la obra de infraestructura de transporte más grande del país y experimentan la positiva transformación de sus entornos.