Colombia (Lonely Planet, 5th Edition) - Jens Porup [98]
Return to beginning of chapter
Sleeping
Nest ( 352 8839, 312 432 6266; www.colombiaparagliding.com; Km2 Via Mesa Ruitoque; dm/r per person COP$10,000/40,000; ) The sister hostel to KGB, this fly-site hostel is located next to Colombia Paragliding’s launch pad, 20 minutes from downtown. The majority of guests are paragliding students, but it’s also a good choice for anyone seeking peace and quiet. Rooms are basic but comfortable, with shared hot showers, kitchen, hammocks and killer views of the city below.
Kasa Guane Bucaramanga ( 657 6960, 312 432 6266; www.kasaguane.com; Calle 49 No 28-21; dm/s/d per person COP$20,000/35,000/50,000; ) Better known as KGB, this spiffy new hostel opened in 2008 to rave reviews for its fantastic customer service and amenities. Located in one of the nicest neighborhoods in town, KGB has dorms and private rooms, huge bathrooms with hot water, kitchen and laundry facilities, hammocks, an internet cafe, satellite TV room and pool table. Guests get free access to the local country club’s gym, pool and tennis facilities.
Hotel Morgan No 2 ( 630 4226; Calle 35 No 18-83; s/d/tr COP$25,000/35,000/45,000; ) Just off Parque Santander, this affordable, central hotel has small rooms, most with fans only. But for COP$2000 extra, you can get a better room with fridge and air-con. Avoid the hot, noisy streetside rooms.
Hotel Principe ( 630 4317; www.hotel-principe.net; Carrera 17 No 37-69; s/d COP$59,400/79,200; ) This moderately priced hotel in the heart of downtown is popular with tourists and business guests alike. The large rooms have cable TV, private baths and super-comfy beds. Other amenities include wi-fi, bar and restaurant.
Hotel Chicamocha ( 634 3000; Calle 34 No 31-24; s/d COP$189,000/246,000; ) For those seeking ultimate comfort, the 10-story, 192-room Hotel Chicamocha is one the finest in town. Amenities include a swimming pool, gym, sauna, Turkish bath, restaurant, bar and room service.
Return to beginning of chapter
Eating
Buca is packed with restaurants, from fast-food joints to upscale bistros. Typical regional dishes include mute (a thick soup of meat and veggies) and cabro or cabrito (goat). The legendary hormiga culona is a snack you can buy in delis and neighborhood shops.
Guru ( 634 7647; Carrera 29 No 42-44; mains COP$3000-17,000; 5pm-midnight) The lovely patio at this upscale cafe facing Parque La Palmas is a perfect people-watching spot, and the food is great too. Try the scrumptious New York roast beef sandwich or chicken curry.
Radha Govinda’s ( 643 3382; Carrera 20 No 51-95; set meals COP$5000; 9:30am-6:30pm Mon-Sat) Vegetarians will delight in this Hare Krishna restaurant serving hot, healthy cuisine in a relaxing environment. The on-site store sells incense, clothing, books, CDs and groceries such as granola and yogurt.
La Ricetta Buffet (Calle 51 No 34-61; all you can eat COP$6000; lunch) Buffets are relatively unknown in Colombia, so take advantage and pig out at this all-you-can-eat experience serving filling, international comfort food.
Restaurante El Viejo Chiflas ( 632 0640; Carrera 33 No 34-10; mains COP$6000-14,000; 11am-midnight) This is an atmospheric restaurant good for lovers of meat. Try the parrillada vieto chiflas, a platter of various meats, designed for two.
Restaurante La Carreta ( 643 6680; Carrera 27 No 42-27; mains COP$14,000-30,000; noon-3:30pm & 6pm-midnight) Housed in a historic mansion, La Carreta has a 40-year-old tradition and a good address for a fine dinner.
Return to beginning of chapter
Drinking
Many great bars are located in Sotomayor near Parque Las Palmas. Café Con-Verso (Calle 44 No 28-63) is a beautiful chill-out lounge with great music and drinks. Across the street, Forty-Four ( 643 3681; Calle 44 No 28-56; 11am-11pm) is a wacky American-diner-themed bar covered in Hollywood memorabilia. Fans of The Simpsons will want to check out Moe’s Bar ( 643 1037; Carrera