the trend-setting neighborhood and where to do coffee tastings

As a Latin American capital close to celebrating 500 years since its founding, Bogotá generates the perception that it breathes History and culture in each of its cobbled streets and its squares, green and centuries-old.

Its location, at the foot of the Monserrate hill, adds another attraction, especially taking into account that it is one of the highest capitals in South America, with 2,601 meters above sea level.

Explore the historic center is a trip back in timewith its colonial monuments, the Cathedral, the Plaza de Bolívar and the Palacio de San Carlos, which narrate, with their structures, the rich history of the city.

When it comes to art, two museums stand out especially: gold Museum, in the center, contains a broad look at the worldview of pre-Columbian culture; and the El Chicó Museum, in the neighborhood of the same name, which houses different rooms dedicated to jewelry, ceramics and ceremonial artifacts. The artistic mastery and spiritual connection of the native peoples with the earth and the universe dazzle.

There is an obvious evolution in Bogotá’s offerwhich is part of that cultural heritage, and one of the best examples is how it managed to position one of its star products: coffee.

Exported globally and considered an aspirational product in many countries, coffee has been a key factor in the evolution of the city.

This is reflected in the exponential growth of the quantity and quality of its cafeswhich offer a wide variety of specialties and signature drinks, with the added value of being able to carry out tastings and tastings on site.

They’re like guided tours through the different flavors of coffeebut they also allow you to know the complete process: from harvesting the grain, through drying and roasting it, to the different ways of preparing it.

An experience of this type can be had, for example, in San Alberto: it is not the most internationally recognized coffee, but it is one of the most awarded in Colombia. In addition, this brand has several branches in Bogotá, one of them even within the Gold Museum itself.

As an anecdotal comment, for an Argentine more accustomed to wine tastings and tastings, it is curious and even funny what the Bogota native calls the coffee he drinks daily: “a red”, in reference to the black and long-sized coffee consumed in some of the cafes in the capital.

The contrast between the rich cultural footprint and the search for modernity, which every large city inherently pursues (Bogotá has more than 7 million inhabitants), finds its paradigm in the area known as the T Zonecrossed by several pedestrian streets that allow you to circulate on foot through the wide range of restaurants, bars, leading clothing and technology brands and shopping centers, all within a radius of 8 to 10 blocks.

Bogotá offers a unique culinary breadth which reflects the geographical and cultural diversity of the country, and in the T Zone this multiplicity reaches its peak, as cuisines from different parts of the world converge: Italian, Mexican, French, Asian, and even Argentine restaurants.

However, the most fascinating thing on a gastronomic level here is discovering that Colombian tradition has managed to adapt to a modern imprint that seeks – and manages – to elevate the moment of food to the level of an integral experience.

In addition to being able to taste a wide variety of Typical dishes such as ajiaco, arepas or the legendary chicharrones accompanied by brandy, the surroundings of these typical places are generally impregnated with popular iconography. The evening is combined with live music and ends with a full rumba atmosphere.

It is worth paying attention to local recommendations and discovering, for example, the famous Andrés Carne de Res restaurant, omnipresent with several locations throughout Colombia.

Taking into account two very important variables in any Latin American city, such as proximity to places of interest and the security of the area, the recently inaugurated hotel Avani Royal Zona T It is strategically located in the epicenter of the gastronomic and cultural scene.

Unlike the typical hotel offering in the area, this establishment – part of NH Hotel Group and the first of the Avani brand in Latin America – is not aimed at the corporate public but at a more type of traveler. millennial, like the digital nomad. This is reflected in its ground floor spaces, for example: a relaxed lobby, with an avant-garde imprint and neon allusions to telluric phrases; The cafeteria, restaurant and patio are all places designed for coworking, which encourage socialization and serve as a meeting point.

The hotel also has a gym and terrace, and the age profile of its visitors also correlates with the offering of a children’s menu and options for children’s games in different rooms.

It is defined as “muy pet-friendly”, and receives pets with a special welcome.