Some of the best views of Bogotá are available on the observation deck of this elegant skyscraper, which lights up in colour each night.
The Torre Colpatria is one of South America’s tallest buildings. It rises up some 196 metres (642 feet) from its entrance in downtown Bogotá and towers high over the city, offering spectacular views from the observation deck at its top. Climb to its top by day or look up at the tower by night, when it is lit up in brilliant colour by LED lights.
Every December, a tower-running event is held at the Torre Colpatria. Athletes from all over the world race to climb over 900 steps to get to the skyscraper’s top. On your visit, however, you will probably prefer to take the elevator. Ascend the tower’s 48 floors and head out onto the panoramic observation deck. Here you will enjoy uninterrupted views in all directions, a unique way to see the city from above.
Try to make out the city’s major landmarks down below. The tower is a great spot for taking aerial photographs. Seek out the Plaza de Toros de Santamaría, a coliseum-like bullring, and look down to see the Planetarium of Bogotá. In the city’s historic centre, you should be able to recognise the colonial neighbourhood called La Candelaria. Further afield stand the peaks of Guadalupe Hill and Monserrate, and on clear days you might be able to see all the way to Chingaza National Park in the east.
If the Torre Colpatria is a great place for taking photographs by day, then it turns into the star of the show each night, when the skyscraper is lit up with colourful LED lights. The tower is visible from all over Bogotá.
The Torre Colpatria is situated in downtown Bogotá, a short walk from such other city attractions as the Mercado de las Pulgas (Flea Market) and the Museum of Modern Art. The site is easily accessible using public transportation or a hop-on, hop-off tourist bus, and metered parking is available nearby. The observation deck is open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as public holidays. A small fee is charged for access.
