Bogota 2019 - Day 3 Monserrate

There are three ways to get to the top of Monserrate, the tram, the funicular (a small cog rail), and of course a nice hike. For one of us, the hike was a no go, and the tram was out of service.  This left the funicular. Unfortunately, our first attempt to go to the top two days earlier was dashed by the long line of folks in the queue. It was, after all, a holiday weekend and we were late to the party arriving at the base around 4:00pm.

View of Bogota from Montserrat

 On this day, our second attempt, we decided to get an early start. We had the buffet in the morning to start us out then grabbed a cab that took us up and along the top of the city over to the entrance. It was a great cab ride and the cabby even pulled off a few times to show us great views of the city. 

One of the two Funiculars 

We arrived just as it was opening and after buying tickets for the funicular we were able to board within minutes. If you haven't been on one, it's a treat. It's basically a single rail car built at about a 45-degree angle with staggered rows of standing or seating. A cable pulls the funicular up the track and as it ascends (or descends) you get a full view of the city via its glass roof. In this case, the funicular runs perpendicular to the tram. Probably a cool sight to see when it's operating. Unfortunately, not at this time.   

Once at the top the views are awesome. On the day we went, the sky was clear blue and you could see all the way to the horizon in all directions. It was cool at the top as well so be sure to bring a jacket. Plan to spend a couple of hours up there if you want to see and do it all. Start with a stroll through the Sculpture Garden.  

Looking south along the Andes

As you pass the church on the right, there is a path that continues on to the top of the Mountain. It's lined with makeshift shops full of souvenirs. A bit further up you come into some restaurants with a variety of local foods. It was early and we had already eaten, but everything smelled delicious.  

The church at the top 

Entrance to the market

Squeezing through the end of the market it opens up to the top of the peak. The top is very top is bald and you can see stumps where trees had been cleared, probably to make room for the nearby radio tower. Regardless, you can get a great 360-degree view of the surrounding hills and the city.  

The Andes to the East

View to the Northwest.

Looking West over the City of Bogota

Here, you will also see the burro's being loaded with compressed bags of trash or empty propane tanks heading off down the mountain to a nearby road where the trash is transferred and then hauled away. The burros, in turn, are then loaded with goods and sent back up. Very efficient.

Burros on the path down the mountain

Lastly, while you're up here take time to visit one of the restaurants and enjoy a snack and a beverage. It can be very quiet and peaceful up here and there are plenty of butterflies, hummingbirds and other airborne acrobats playing in the tree canopy. Grab a cold one and appreciate the day.

Well deserved break on top of Monserrate.