Green Bogotá: Lungs Breathing Among Concrete
Bogotá, a city of over eight million inhabitants, is a labyrinth of concrete, traffic, and rush. But within this urban chaos, hidden green treasures serve as lungs and refuges for the soul. These green spaces are not only recreational areas but also witnesses to the history, culture, and resilience of a city seeking to reconcile with nature. In this guide, we explore Bogotá's most iconic parks, those that offer a breath of fresh air and a connection with nature amidst the capital's bustle.
Bogotá residents have learned to value these oases. They visit them to run, to read under a tree, to take children to play, to meet friends, or simply to remember that the sky exists. Each park has its personality, its rhythm, its history. Some are immense, almost pieces of countryside within the city. Others are small havens of peace hidden among buildings. Together, they form a vital network that makes life in the capital breathable.
The 8 Parks That Define Bogotá's Green Spaces
1. Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park: The Green Giant
It is the largest urban park in Bogotá, with over 400 hectares. It's not a park; it's a world. Everything fits here: lakes, sports fields, open-air theaters, endless paths. It's the place for major events, massive concerts, fairs. But it's also the space for family Sundays, boat rides, endless picnics.
Exact location: Teusaquillo locality, between streets 53 and 63 and avenues 48 and 68.
How to get there: TransMilenio: Simón Bolívar or AV. Boyacá stations. Also various SITP routes.
Activities: Walking, cycling, skating, boat rides (lake), concerts, gastronomic fairs, sports (multiple fields), bird watching.
Hours: Open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (hours may extend for events).
Entrance fee: Free access. Some activities like boats have a cost (approximately $20,000 COP for 30 minutes).
Official website: IDRD - Simón Bolívar Park
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Reference photos: Iconic images of the lake with the Bogotá skyline in the background, or its wide meadows full of people on weekends.
2. National Park: The Classic with Views of the Hills
A park with history, inaugurated in 1938. It's a place of cobblestone paths, roundabouts, and a privileged view of the Eastern Hills. Here you can feel the Bogotá of the mid-20th century, with its ancient trees and serene atmosphere. It's the preferred park for quiet walks, for sitting to read, for watching time pass by.
Exact location: Chapinero locality, between avenues 5th and 7th and streets 36 and 39.
How to get there: TransMilenio: Calle 45 station. SITP via Carrera 7th.
Activities: Walking, photography, picnic, reading, bird watching (parrots and other species).
Hours: Every day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Entrance fee: Free.
Official website: IDRD - National Park
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Reference photos: View from the viewpoint towards the hills, the cobblestone paths among trees, the central roundabout.
3. Park 93: The Modern Heart of the Zona T
This park is the social center of Bogotá's trendiest area. Surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops, it's a place to see and be seen. But it's also a well-maintained green space, with playgrounds for children, resting areas, and a fountain that lights up at night. Here the city is experienced with a more international rhythm.
Exact location: Chapinero locality, between streets 93A and 93B and avenues 11A and 13.
How to get there: TransMilenio: Calle 93 station. It's the epicenter of the Zona T.
Activities: Socializing, eating at nearby restaurants, drinking coffee outdoors, occasional cultural events (book fairs, music).
Hours: Open 24 hours (lighted and guarded).
Entrance fee: Free.
Official website: Chapinero Mayor's Office - Park 93
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Reference photos: The park lit up at night with modern buildings in the background, or full of people on a sunny day.
4. El Virrey Park: The Athletes' Corridor
An elongated park that follows the line of Avenida Chile (Calle 88). It's the favorite spot for runners, cyclists, and skaters. It has an exclusive lane for athletes, well-lit and safe. On weekends it looks like an open-air track full of active people. There are also children's playgrounds and areas to rest.
Exact location: Chapinero locality, along Calle 88 (Avenida Chile) between avenue 7th and 15.
How to get there: TransMilenio: Calle 85 or Calle 93 stations. SITP via Avenida Chile.
Activities: Running, cycling, skating, dog walking, functional training.
Hours: Open 24 hours (the sports lane is lit until 10 p.m.).
Entrance fee: Free.
Official website: IDRD - El Virrey Park
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Reference photos: The sports lane full of runners at sunset, or the green areas with trees along the avenue.
5. Park of the Newlyweds (El Lago Park): The Romantic Lake at 63rd Street
A small but charming park, centered around an artificial lake. It's a romantic place, for pedal boat rides, for couples taking photos on the bridge. It's also family-friendly, with ducks and turtles that children enjoy feeding. A picturesque corner in the north of the city.
Exact location: Chapinero locality, between streets 63 and 64 and avenues 60 and 63.
How to get there: TransMilenio: Calle 63 station. SITP via Calle 63.
Activities: Pedal boat rides, picnic, photography, feeding ducks and turtles.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed Monday).
Entrance fee: Free. Pedal boats: around $25,000 COP for 30 minutes.
Official website: IDRD - Park of the Newlyweds
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Reference photos: The lake with colorful boats, the wooden bridge, ducks swimming.
6. San Cristóbal Park: The Popular Viewpoint
Located on the eastern hill, this park offers one of the broadest and most authentic views of Bogotá. It's less touristy, more local. From here you can see the entire city stretching westward. There are trails, a small chapel, and a neighborhood atmosphere. It's ideal for watching the sunset.
Exact location: San Cristóbal locality, eastern hill, above the San Cristóbal Norte neighborhood.
How to get there: Take a bus on the San Cristóbal route from downtown or TransMilenio to San Martín station and then a taxi or local bus. The last part is on a winding road.
Activities: Viewpoint, panoramic photography, light walking, picnic, watching sunset.
Hours: Every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Entrance fee: Free.
Official website: IDRD - San Cristóbal Park
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Reference photos: Panoramic view of Bogotá from the viewpoint, with the hills in the background.
7. Entrenubes Park: The High Andean Forest in the City
This is a mountain ecological park, part of the Eastern Hills forest reserve. It's not a traditional urban park; it's a place to walk along natural trails, observe native flora and fauna, and connect with the Andean ecosystem. It has several spectacular viewpoints.
Exact location: San Cristóbal locality, El Destino village, road to Usme.
How to get there: Accessible by car or taxi to the entrance. There are also buses from downtown Usme. Recommended to go in a group and verify access conditions.
Activities: Ecological hiking, bird watching (hummingbirds, tanagers), landscape photography, environmental education.
Hours: Friday to Sunday and holidays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (must be reserved in advance through IDRD).
Entrance fee: Free, but requires prior reservation.
Official website: IDRD - Entrenubes Park
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Reference photos: Trail through cloud forest, panoramic views of southern Bogotá, endemic flora.
8. Mirador de los Nevados Park: The Window to the White Mountains
A small park but with a unique view: on clear days, you can see the snowy peaks of the Central Mountain Range (Nevado del Ruiz, Tolima, Santa Isabel). It's in the west of the city, on a hill. It's a quiet, uncrowded place, perfect for contemplation.
Exact location: Engativá locality, Mirador de los Nevados neighborhood, near Avenida Boyacá.
How to get there: TransMilenio to Boyacá station and then taxi or uphill walk. Also SITP via Avenida Boyacá.
Activities: Viewpoint, mountain photography, picnic, quiet reading.
Hours: Every day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Entrance fee: Free.
Official website: IDRD - Mirador de los Nevados Park
Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
Reference photos: View of the snow-capped mountains in the distance (on a clear day), the park with benches and gardens.
Activities and Events That Bring These Spaces to Life
Each park has its calendar. Simón Bolívar hosts festivals like Rock al Parque or the Book Fair. National Park sometimes hosts farmers' markets. Park 93 organizes gastronomic fairs and live music performances. On Sundays, many parks fill up with free yoga classes, functional training, or workshops for children. It's a good idea to check the pages of IDRD (District Institute of Recreation and Sports) or local mayors' offices to stay updated.
Safety Tips and Recommended Hours
Bogotá is a large city, and as in any metropolis, it's important to take precautions:
- Safe hours: Visit parks during the day, preferably between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Larger parks like Simón Bolívar and National are safe during these hours. Avoid low-light hours.
- Transportation: Use TransMilenio or taxi/Uber to get there. If you go by car, park in authorized and guarded lots.
- Valuables: Don't display cell phones or cameras conspicuously. Keep your belongings in front backpacks or secure pockets.
- In groups: If you go to more remote parks like Entrenubes or San Cristóbal, go with company.
- Weather: Bogotá is unpredictable. Always bring a jacket and rain protection.
- Respect the space: Don't leave trash, don't damage vegetation, follow marked trails.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bogotá's Parks
- What is the best park to visit with children? Simón Bolívar Park has wide green areas and family activities, while Park of the Newlyweds is perfect for young children because of its lake and ducks.
- Are there parks with access for people with reduced mobility? Yes, Simón Bolívar Park and Park 93 have accessible paths and adapted bathrooms.
- Can you have a picnic in all parks? In most yes, but some like National Park have specific picnic areas. Avoid bringing glass and always pick up your trash.
- What is the best time to see the snow-capped mountains from Mirador de los Nevados? The clearest months are December to February, especially early in the morning.
- Do I need to reserve to visit Entrenubes Park? Yes, it's mandatory to reserve in advance through IDRD, especially on weekends.
Conclusion: The Experience of Getting Lost in Bogotá's Green Spaces
Bogotá's parks are more than pieces of land with trees. They are spaces where the city breathes, where people meet, where the frantic pace slows down for a moment. Exploring them is discovering another facet of the capital: a more human, quieter, more nature-connected facet. From the gigantic Simón Bolívar to the intimate Mirador de los Nevados, each offers a unique experience. We invite you to visit them, to sit on a bench, to walk aimlessly, to let the green envelop you. And then, to share your favorite experience. What will be your favorite corner?
Visit these parks and share your favorite experience.
