Colombia

The Republic of Colombia is the fourth largest country in South America, with around 1,139,000 square kilometers of territory. It is the only South American nation that borders both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, which allows it to have 2,900 kilometers of coastline.

The Colombian national territory also holds the three ramifications of the Andes Mountain Range and a wide range of thermal floors and agricultural conditions that are divided into 6 regions, 32 departments and 1,102 municipalities. The country has 46 million inhabitants and about 10% of the world’s biodiversity. The official language is Spanish, and the official currency is the Colombian peso (COP). According to DANE, in 2011 the country reported a growth of 5.9% in its GDP compared to the previous year.

Bogotá

Bogotá is the capital and largest city of Colombia. It is a place of convergence for people from all around the country and is therefore diverse and multicultural.

The city is also very green due to its parks and the hills that extend along its eastern boundary, dwarfed by their two highest points: Monserrate and Guadalupe. The landscape enjoyed by the people of Bogotá —the sea of green that makes up the Andes mountain range, rising in the east—would be nearly impossible to find in any other large city.

Bogotá is also known as a city where the past and present come together. It is home to the colors of modern buildings and authentic colonial roof tiles that are a true historical treasure from the colonial era.

As a result of this fusion, Bogotá is an ideal location with history, entertainment, delicious cuisine, culture, business, and much more.

Universidad de los Andes

It is an autonomous, independent, and innovative institution that promotes pluralism, tolerance, and respect for ideas.

It aims for academic excellence while providing rigorous critical and ethical character development, to enhance in all students an awareness of their social and citizen responsibilities, as well as a firm commitment to the society.

The university’s student body, in an environment of interdisciplinary and flexible integral character development, becomes the chief agent of the educational process.

A highly skilled, knowledgeable, and prestigious faculty facilitates the development of an outstanding academic and professional life project that supports research, contributes to the development of the country, and transcends its geographical boundaries.

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Accommodation

Other Options

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City Tour

Considering  AMEST 2022 will take place in Bogotá, we would like you to explore Colombia’s capital through two city tours.

Gold Museum and Cerro de Monserrate – Tuesday, July 26th

Visit to the Cerro de Monserrate located at 3,200 meters above sea level, one of the oldest and most important in the country. At its peak it houses the Sanctuary of the Fallen Lord of Monserrate, a place of pilgrimage for nationals and foreigners. The means of mechanical access Cable Car or Funicular, make their ascent in the middle of centuries-old eucalyptus forests; once at the top we will be able to contemplate the most impressive panorama that can be seen in Bogotá.

Tour of the Gold Museum, which has the largest pre-Hispanic goldsmith collection in the world, with approximately thirty-four thousand pieces made of gold and tumbaga, and nearly twenty-five thousand ceramic, stone, shell, bone and textile objects, from the different indigenous cultures settled in present-day Colombia.

It includes:

• Transport
• Specialized local guide – Spanish / English language
• Entrance ticket to the Gold Museum
• Ticket ascent and descent to Cerro de Monserrate

Does not include:

• Food and drinks
• Additional services not described in the tour

Recommendations:

• Subject to the schedule established by the tour operator.
• The use of sunscreen and a hat/cap is recommended.
• The use of comfortable shoes is recommended

La Candelaria neighborhood and Plaza de Bolivar – Thursday, July 28th 

Walk through the La Candelaria neighborhood declared a National Monument with its narrow and steep streets, mansions and balconies that are the heritage and living memory of colonial architecture. Walk through the Plaza de Bolívar and its surroundings such as the National Capitol, the Primate Cathedral of Colombia, the Palace of Justice, the Archbishop’s Palace, the Liévano Building, current headquarters of the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá, passing through the Nariño Palace, the official residence of the head of state. and Palacio de San Carlos, seat of residence and government of the Liberator Simón Bolívar. 

Additionally, visit Café Matuca, where you will learn about Colombian coffee, the secrets of a good cup: balance, body, aroma and acidity. Finally, the elaboration of artisanal ice cream made in old copper pots following an ancient technique from the 19th century, called Helados de Paila, to delight the palate. 

Approximate duration 4 hours

It includes:

• Private transport
• Specialized local guide – Spanish / English language
• Botero Museum entrance ticket
• Coffee and gastronomic experience
• Quinta de Bolívar entrance ticket

Does not include:

• Food and drinks.
• Additional services not described in the tour

Recommendations:

• The use of sunscreen and a hat/cap is recommended
• The use of comfortable shoes is recommended

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Gala Dinner

On Wednesday July 27th, the gala dinner will be held at Andrés Carne de Res restaurant, located at calle 82 # 12 – 21, Bogotá. The attendees will taste typical Colombian foods (starter, main course and dessert) and also a cultural touch of the country. 

Andrés Carne de Res D.C.

 

 

It is one of the most emblematic restaurants in Colombia, opened in 1982 in Chía, Cundinamarca, by Andrés Jaramillo. It combines the gastronomic traditions of different regions of the country with a kitsch decoration that integrates historical and heritage elements. In addition, the restaurant has experiences with dancers, musicians and actors.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 Information of interest

• Currency is Colombian Peso (COP): 1 USD= 3.953,26

• Credit cards are widely accepted

• A taxi fare from the airport to the University is approximately $30.000 Colombian pesos.

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Biosecurity Protocol

According to biosecurity measures defined by Colombian Government, the use of the mask is not mandatory. Universidad de los Andes recommends frequent hand washing and ventilation of spaces. Evidence of complete vaccination is not required to enter the country and the university campus.