Historical Introduction
Fontibón is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Bogotá, founded in 1538 by Spanish conquistadors. Its name comes from "Fuente Tibia" (Warm Spring), due to the warm water springs that existed in the area. For centuries, it was an independent town until 1954 when it was annexed to Bogotá as the 9th locality.
What makes Fontibón unique is its mix of colonial tradition with modern dynamism. It still preserves its main park, the Santa Clara de Asís church (built in 1594), and republican mansions, while coexisting with important industrial and commercial areas for the city.
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What to do in Fontibón
Religious Heritage
The Iglesia Santa Clara de Asís is the historical heart of Fontibón. Its main altar, carved in wood and covered in gold, is a jewel of colonial art. On Sundays at 10 am, mass is still celebrated in Latin with Gregorian chants.
The Central Park
Fontibón's park maintains its original Spanish design with cobblestone sidewalks and centenary trees. On Saturday mornings, a fruit and vegetable market is set up where local producers sell directly to the public.
Transportation Museum
Located in the old train station, this museum showcases the history of the railway in Bogotá. Admission costs $5,000 COP (April 2026) and it is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 9 am to 4 pm.
Where to Eat and Drink
Traditional Food
- La Puerta Falsa (Cra 100 #17-05): Famous for its tamales and Santafereño chocolate since 1948. Prices start from $12,000 COP.
- Asadero Doña Juana (Cl 17 #100-20): Specializes in Llanero-style grilled meats. Signature dish: punta de anca with yuca and ají for $25,000 COP.
Bars and Cafes
- Café San Alberto (Cl 16 #100-15): Specialty coffee roasted locally. Try their "tinto de vereda" for $4,500 COP.
- La Cervecería de Fontibón (Cra 98 #18-30): Craft microbrewery with 12 varieties of beer made on-site. Average price per pint: $15,000 COP.
How to Get There and Transportation
Fontibón is located west of Bogotá. The main access roads are Avenida El Dorado (Calle 26) and the Autopista Medellín.
By TransMilenio
The closest stations are Portal El Dorado (Line B) and Fontibón (Line K). From there, you can take feeder buses that go to the historic center.
By Private Car
There are public parking lots near the main park with rates of $3,000 COP per hour (April 2026). It is advisable not to park on unauthorized streets due to the risk of towing.
Local Tips
- Visit Fontibón on a Sunday to see how locals maintain the tradition of strolling through the central park after mass.
- In December, don't miss the "Festival del Retorno" (Festival of Return) which celebrates the migration of Fontibón residents who lived abroad and returned to the neighborhood.
- Try the traditional bread that is still baked at Horno La Esperanza (Cl 18 #99-15), using century-old recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to visit Fontibón?
The area around the main park and the church is safe during the day. As in all of Bogotá, it is recommended not to display valuables and to be aware of your surroundings at night.
What typical souvenirs can I buy?
In the shops near the church, they sell miniature replicas of the colonial altar and traditional sweets like "suspiros fontibonenses" (Fontibón sighs).
Are there guided tours of the neighborhood?
The Local Mayor's Office offers free historical tours on the first Saturday of each month. The meeting point is the central park at 9 am. No prior reservation is required.
