Bogotá Free Tour: El Dorado, Gold Museum + Monserrate

Have you ever heard of El Dorado? On this free tour, you’ll discover the truth behind one of the most famous legends in the Americas and learn how gold, Indigenous cultures, and the arrival of the Spanish shaped Colombia’s history.

We’ll begin our tour at the Gold Museum, one of the most important museums in Bogotá, where we’ll discover some of the country’s most impressive pre-Hispanic goldwork. Through these fascinating stories, you’ll learn how Indigenous peoples understood gold, as well as their rituals, gods, and connection with nature.

We’ll then head to Monserrate, one of Bogotá’s most iconic landmarks. We’ll ascend to more than 3,000 meters above sea level to discover the history and traditions of this remarkable place while enjoying spectacular panoramic views of the city.

But this tour is not simply about visiting two places.

It’s about connecting Bogotá’s past with the city you see today: from ancient Indigenous cultures and the legend of El Dorado, through the Spanish conquest and the transformation of the city, to one of Bogotá’s most impressive viewpoints.

Schedule

• Tuesday to Saturday.

• Duration: 3:30 hours.

Meeting Point

• Rosario Square, in front of Café Pasaje.

• Look for the guide with the green Oaca Colombia umbrella.

Languages

• Spanish.

What’s Included

• Local guide throughout the tour.

• Walking tour of the Gold Museum and Monserrate.

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fee to the Gold Museum.

• Wireless tour guide system (COP $5,000 per person), if required by the museum.

• Transportation up and down Monserrate.

• Food and drinks.

• Tip for the guide.

How Much Does It Cost?

• It’s a Free Tour: at the end of the tour, you decide how much the experience was worth to you.

It is necessary to have cash to purchase the tickets.

• The tour takes place rain or shine, so bring an umbrella.

• Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking for three hours.

• Leave with plenty of time: getting here from Chapinero or Calle 93 can take between 40 minutes and an hour. Check your route before leaving.