Relaxing in Bogotá: A 5-Day Itinerary

Intro

After stepping off the ship and saying goodbye to the Bahamas sun, I wasn’t quite ready for the vacation to end. Instead of heading straight back to the NYC hustle, I hopped on a quick flight from Orlando down to Bogotá, Colombia, for a few days of pure relaxation. Sitting 8,600 feet up in the Andes, the crisp mountain air and slow-paced vibe were the exact palette cleanser I needed. From slow mornings fueled by incredible Colombian coffee to leisurely walks through Parque de la 93, and cozy evenings in Zona T, here is how I spent a few peaceful, low-key days recharging in Colombia’s vibrant capital.

Day 01 – From Orlando to Bogota

The Go Port Shuttle dropped me off at the MCO Orlando International Airport, and it was kind of weird I did not even have time go explore the city or the parks. If I had had more time I would have gone to Disney Springs for example. But well, I was now on my way to Bogota on a LATAM Airlines flight.

In the meantime, at least I had time to explore the Universal Studio Store at the airport.

At least they gave a snack in this quick flight. They would not give anything on an Avianca flight lol.

Made it to Bogota, Colombia, and the immigration process was quite quick with the Biometric entry for Colombian citizens. Now, I had to take an Uber to my hotel in Parque de la 93, and relax for the night. The renovated airport is such a great addition for this metropolis.

Made it to Parque de la 93 in the hotel Soy Local, and the room was very small but it had all I needed. Bogota has a chill temperature all year long, so AC is not really a big requirement.

Day 02 – A chill day around Parque de la 93

Parque de la 93 is one of Bogotá’s most vibrant, upscale gathering spots, nestled in the heart of the Chicó neighborhood. Centered around a lush, tree-lined green plaza that frequently hosts open-air art installations and community events, the surrounding perimeter is packed with high-end restaurants, trendy cocktail lounges, gourmet coffee shops, and boutique boutiques. By day, it’s a popular enclave for leisurely outdoor dining and relaxed people-watching, while at night, it transforms into a bustling hub for the city’s dining and nightlife scene.

I would always recommend this area to people who are looking where to stay in the capital of Colombia.

Nothing like starting the day walking around the park, and going to the Starbucks located in this area for a venti cold brew with almond milk and 2 pumps of mocha. Literally my go to order.

After a few days traveling, especially on a cruise, it was time to get a haircut, so went to Barber Shave Club, all while realizing there are some kind of Citibike system in Bogota called Bici Bogota. Bogota has the famous Ciclovia, where they would close the roads on the weekends to give people the chance to explore safely either walking, jogging or on a bike.

It was time after the haircut to go to one of the places I would visit the most during this stay, and it was Crepes and Waffles. This Colombian restaurant chain is one of the most recognized brands in the country for their amazing recipes, service and price. I would highly recommend always find of their restaurant for a nice dinner. For my first dish in Crepes and Waffles, I went with the veal crepe. As always amazing!!!

Went for a walk, for more coffee later that afternoon, and a bunch of MacLarens were just there next to the Parque de la 93 lol.

Later that night, I had to go a little more to the south, like 20 min walk from the park, to the Andino Mall, very close to Zona T, a famous nightlife area in this city.

And of course had to get the famous and my favorite, chicken, cheese and mushroom crepe from Crepes and Waffles. Please, please, get this as soon as you can when you are in Colombia, you are not going to regret it.

For desert, I got the Chocolate almond ice cream dessert cup. Crepes has amazing ice cream variations and would recommend to try them as well.

Day 03 – Cedritos and more restaurants

It was Ciclovia day, and it was my chance to start the day with arepa de huevos (egg arepas) from a famous place in Cedritos. Cedritos is a laid-back, residential neighborhood in northern Bogotá known for its quiet, tree-lined streets and strong community feel. Unlike the fast-paced energy of commercial hubs, it offers a distinct local charm filled with cozy neighborhood cafes, traditional bakeries, and casual family-run eateries. The area centers around small pocket parks and leafy walkways where residents walk their dogs, grab an espresso, and take things slow, making it a perfect spot to experience everyday bogotano life away from the main tourist crowds.

These type of arepas mostly come from the Northern Region of Colombia, the Caribbean region, and they are pretty good. Usually are filled with grounded beef as well. Spent the whole day relaxing a doing nothing. It was a Sunday after all. So, my dinner was also in the Zona T area, this time in El Retiro Mall.

Also famous it is the La Plaza de Andres, from the Andres Carne de Res restaurant chain. I love the meat cuts in this restaurant, and after eating so many crepes, it was time I consumed a big portion of protein lol.

I was so full, I did not even get to finish the fried yuccas it came with. But the maracuya juice (passion fruit) is always exceptional. My favorite drink in this country, besides coffee obviously.

Finished the night, and my third day in Colombia, with a milkshake from the Crepes and Waffles in the same mall.

Day 04 – Spa and more beef

On Day 04, I went to the Face Up Spa in Parque de la 93 for a facial, and there is something about this experience that is so relaxing. After that, I got a full body massage not too far from there. I was going to be so relaxed before getting back to work.

For lunch, I went to another Crepes and Waffles, and got the shrimp crepe. I was missing some seafood in my diet, as I always get it while traveling. I was so full of it during the Utopia of the Seas cruise lol.

Later that night, I went to get dinner at yet another steakhouse: Mis Carnes Parrilla, also close to Parque de la 93, where I got a coconut lemonade first because of course.

And the chuleta with arepa, salad, chorizo and fried yucca was too much for me probably that night. I had to take some back to the hotel. I never felt unsafe in this area even this late in the night.

Day 05 – Return to NYC

After 10 days travelling, it was time to get back to NYC. I spent 5 days in the Utopia of the Seas cruise, and 5 days in Bogota, and now it was time to get back to reality, in New York City.

But first, I had to get some breakfast in the Crepes and Waffles in Parque de la 93, something I think I had never done.

Got an Uber to BOG El Dorado International Airport, and time to board my American Airlines flight to Miami, where I would stop on the way to New York.

But first, a quick stop in Juan Valdez for a nevado, the equivalent of the Frappuccino but better I think. Also, the International terminal in El Dorado is extremely long. One time they changed the gate and we had to walk for a long time to get to the new one.

On the way to Miami, was able to see Cartagena from the plane.

And after a couple of hours, I was in Miami. The view is so recognizable.

The city sprawling forever in the Florida flatlands.

I had a couple of hours in MIA Miami International Airport, and found a Juan Valdez AGAIN. I had to get something for lunch here. I actually got a cheese arepa and coffee of course.

Made it to New York City, and after so many days, I was seeing the magnificent Manhattan skyline with the most famous towers.

Got to LaGuardia, and now the trip was over. But I have so many more experiences in 2026. Do not miss any of them.