Bogotá, the vibrant capital of Colombia, is a feast for the senses. Its culinary scene is as diverse and colorful as the city itself. From the traditional rustic flavors of La Candelaria to the sophisticated offerings of trendy restaurants in Zona G, Bogotá is a foodie’s paradise.
If you’re planning a trip to Bogotá, embarking on a food tour is the best way to explore its gastronomic delights. Here’s a guide to the 3 best food tours in Bogotá that offer a taste of the city’s culinary diversity while teaching you about it’s history.
Top 3 Best Food Tours In Bogotá Colombia
1. Discovering Colombian Regional Cuisine in La Candelaria
Located in the heart of Bogotá, La Candelaria is the city’s oldest and most historic district. Its narrow cobblestone streets and brightly colored houses make it the perfect backdrop for a culinary adventure. And an Instagram selfie or two!
Overview
The “Bogota Food Tour” tour in La Candelaria is a four-hour food extravaganza that introduces you to the unique flavors of different Colombian regions. The tour visits local markets and takes you to multiple family-owned businesses where you can interact with locals and sample traditional dishes.
What to Expect
The tour starts in La Candelaria with a tour of local markets. Where you’ll get to try arepas, buñuelos and Colombian empanadas. And you’ll even learn how they’re made.
Moving on through a sequence of family owned businesses, you’ll then get to try anything from Mapara fish and Borojo juice, to the Colombian tamale. A staple dish prepared with chicken, three types of potatoes and guasca (a local herb).
When we took the tour it also included a taste of Patacon and a Chicha Corn Drink, a crispy fried plantain dish and a fermented alcoholic drink made of maize, respectively. The food tasting session ended with Ajiaco, a popular Colombian soup made with chicken, different types of potatoes and guasca.
Key Information
- Price: $31
- Duration: 4 hours
- Location: La Candelaria
- Booking: Book here
2. Bogotá Street Food Tour
Colombia is famous for its street food and Bogotá is no exception. A street food tour in Bogotá is an excellent way to experience the city’s culinary diversity and discover the hidden gems of its bustling food markets.
Overview
The Bogotá Food Tasting and Coffee Workshop takes you on a gastronomic journey through the city’s bustling food markets, roadside stalls and historic hole in the wall eateries in the old town neighbourhoods. The tour is designed to give you an authentic taste of the city’s street food culture in a small group setting.
What to Expect
The tour begins with a visit to the Market Square district in the Perseverance neighbourhood, a vibrant marketplace known for its fresh produce and very exotic fruits. Here, you’ll get to sample various Colombian fruits and indulge in the market’s fresh empanadas and juices.
The tour also includes stops at popular street food stalls and local restaurants where you be invited to taste traditional Colombian snacks such as arepas, ajiaco, ceviche, empanadas, obelas, tamales and my personal favourite – lechona.
The tour finishes with a visit to a local cafe for a coffee tasting session. During this coffee tasting you’ll partake in a workshop. And learn the ins and outs of coffee production from three different areas of Colombia. During the coffee workshop you will get to sample three of the worlds best coffees!
On this tour we also got to try traditional Colombian drinks like chicha, a fermented corn beverage and aguadiente, a (local firewater) cocktail. So you’ll really want all three of those coffees by the end of this tour – I know I did!
Key Information
- Price: $50 per person (maximum of 10 people per tour)
- Duration: 4.5 hours
- Location: Begins in Perseverance neighbourhood and moves towards La Candelaria
- Booking: Book Here
3. Coffee Farm Tour in Hacienda La Coloma
Colombia is renowned worldwide for its coffee. A coffee farm tour in Bogotá offers a unique opportunity to learn about the process of coffee production; from the farm to your cup.
If you’re a coffee lover like me, Colombia’s coffee is likely one of the things that’s drawn you to the country. So a coffee tour, besides providing amazing vistas and Instagram worthy photo opportunities, is a chance to learn why Colombian coffee is the best in the world!
Overview
The Coffee Farm Tour in Hacienda La Coloma takes you on a day trip from Bogotá to the nearby town of Fusagasugá. Here, you’ll visit a traditional coffee farm and discover the process of coffee production.
The tour picks up from Parque de la 93 and La Candelaria neighbourhoods in Bogotá and includes transportation (some others don’t include travel). During the trip to and from Fusagasugá, you’ll pass through idyllic small towns and through lush Colombian countryside.
What to Expect
The tour starts with a walk through the lush coffee plantations where you’ll learn about the cultivation and harvesting process of coffee beans. The tour also includes a visit to the processing plant. Where you can see how the coffee beans are processed and roasted.
The highlight of the tour is the coffee tasting session where you’ll get to taste some of the world’s finest coffee and coffee liquors, that are freshly brewed from the farm’s own beans. The tour also includes an opportunity to explore Fusagasugá during lunch and try some exotic fruits produced in the region.
Key Information
- Price: $56
- Duration: 8 – 10 hours
- Location: Hacienda La Coloma, Fusagasugá
- Booking: Book Here
Bonus Recommendation: Andrés Carne de Res in Chía
For those looking for a unique dining experience in Bogotá, the restaurant Andrés Carne de Res in Chía is a must-visit. Known for its eclectic decor and lively atmosphere, this restaurant offers a unique blend of Colombian cuisine and entertainment.
The menu features a variety of grilled meats, local dishes and innovative cocktails. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a fun night out with friends, Andrés Carne de Res in Chía is the place to be.
Just imagine a steakhouse combined with a Colombian salsa club, that has the atmosphere of Cirque du Soleil!
Final Thoughts on Bogotá culinary scene
Exploring Bogotá’s culinary scene through these food tours is an unforgettable experience. Not only do you get to sample a range of delicious dishes, but you also get to learn about the city’s rich culture and history. So next time you’re in Bogotá, make sure to book a food tour and embark on a culinary adventure like no other.
Remember, the best way to experience a culture is through its food. So, whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, these food tours in Bogotá offer a unique and delicious way to explore the city.
And for those of you who don’t want to venture out of the comfort of your home or country to visit this vibrant foodie Mecca, you should follow The Bogotá Foodie on Instagram. Where you will see the delicious foods available in Bogotá and can learn the recipes to cook like a Bogotano at home!
Happy foodie adventures in Bogotá!
Where Can I Get More Information On Bogotá?
I’ve made my Bogotá Colombia City Guide available on this website. And I would strongly recommend you read it before traveling to Colombia. It will help you navigate Bogotá and Colombian society.
My Bogotá Colombia City Guide will save you a lot of time and a significant amount of money on your trip to Colombia. Colombia is not the sort of destination in which you can just arrive unprepared.
Read the Bogotá Colombia City Guide here.
