Essentials

Bus Contacts

Expreso Bolivariano. The most reliable bus line, with routes nationwide, it is often simply called Bolivariano. Terminal de Transporte, Diagonal 23 No. 69 –11 , Bogotá, Bogota D.C.. 1/424–9090; www.bolivariano.com.co.

Flota La Magdalena. A good second option, their buses are comfortable and well kept. Terminal de Trasportes , Diagonal 23 No. 69 –11 , Bogotá, Bogota D.C.. 1/428–7688; www.flotamagdalena.com.

Terminal de Transporte. Diagonal 23 No. 69–60, Bogotá, Bogota D.C., 110931. 1/423–3630; www.terminaldetransporte.gov.co.

Taxis

Taxis Express. Cra. 44 No. 12B – 31, Bogotá, Bogota D.C., 111411. 1/411–1111.

Taxis Libres. Cl. 55 No. 72, Bogotá, Bogota D.C., 111611. 1/311–1111; www.taxislibres.com.co.

Visitor and Tour Info

Punto de Información Turística Centro Histórico. Casa de los Comuneros Esquina Mayor, Carrera 8 Calle 9 -- 83, Bogotá, Bogota D.C., 111711. 1/283–7115; www.colombia.travel.

Punto de Información Turístico Usaquen. Centro Comercial Unicentro, Cra. 15 No. 124 -- 30, main entrance, Bogotá, Bogota D.C.. 1/637–4482; www.colombia.travel.

Tours and Travel Agencies

Colombian Buddy. This excellent local initiative offers a unique way of getting to know Bogotá with personal guides who are quite simply there to be a local friend. The "Buddies" are mostly students, and itineraries are only rough guides, since your day can unfold exactly as you wish: you might spend a morning biking through the city's little-known nooks, an afternoon touring its best restaurants, or a night salsa dancing until sunrise. Trips are not limited to Bogotá, and a car trip with a Buddy to Villa Leyva or even further afield is an unbeatable local experience. Calle 28 No. 13A–24, Office 503, Bogotá, Bogota D.C., 110311. 1/645–7073; www.colombianbuddy.com.

Flavors of Bogotá Coffee Shop Tour. Run by an American food writer living in Bogotá, these intimate tours take you to her favorite coffee haunts in Usaquen, Zona G, and La Candelaria, and are customizable according to your needs. Informative and entertaining, with every aspect of the humble bean explored, there's plenty of tasting too, as each stop offers the chance to sample coffee from different regions. Bogotá, Bogota D.C.. www.flavorsofbogota.com.

Foodies. This is an unbeatable option for those wanting to dig deep into the best of the Bogotá culinary scene. Options range from a romantic night out to a street-food adventure to a chance to try the work of city's best chefs and top fine-dining restaurants. Bogotá, Bogota D.C.. 321–516–0483; www.foodies.com.co.

Galavanta. A high-end experiential travel company, Galavanta's knowledgeable team offers personalized immersion tours that introduce people to the country, its culture, and her people. 317–635–1851; 855/766–9912; www.galavanta.com.

Untamed Path Adventures. Run by expat Jeffrey Boyd, who has more than a decade's worth of experience in Colombia, Untamed Path caters to adrenaline junkies and less adventuresome travelers alike. They have offices in Bogotá and Charlotte, North Carolina, which makes them an excellent resource before, during, and after your trip. 704/464–2373; 800/349–1050; www.untamedpath.com.