Thing to do
Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao
Bogotá's best-known covered market, open from before dawn, with flower sellers, tropical fruit, meat, dairy and herbs brought in from across Colombia.
Ciclovía de Bogotá
Every Sunday and public holiday, more than 120 km of Bogotá's main roads close to cars from 7:00 to 14:00 for cyclists, runners, skaters and walkers.
At a glance
- Type
- Car-free Sunday streets
- Area
- Citywide, Bogotá, Colombia
- Official site
- idrd.gov.co
Good to know
- Free
- Cycling
- Running
- Family-friendly
Why we recommend it
The Ciclovía is one of the things that makes Bogotá unusual among the world's large cities. Every Sunday and public holiday, from 7:00 to 14:00, more than 120 kilometres of main roads are closed to motor traffic and handed over to cyclists, runners, skaters, walkers and families with pushchairs. Joining in is free and needs no registration, and it is the best way to see how the city spends its weekend.
The idea began informally in December 1974, when a group of cycling enthusiasts including Jaime Ortiz Mariño organised the first car-free ride, and it became an official city programme in 1976. Since 1995 it has been run by the city's sports and recreation institute, the IDRD. The Ciclovía has received international recognition for promoting healthy, active cities, and when a proposal to ban it over traffic concerns was raised in 2007, it was defeated after users protested and officials spoke up in its defence. Published estimates of participation vary widely, from around one million to two million users a week.
You do not need to cover the whole network. A good first outing follows one of the main corridors for an hour or two. If you do not have a bike, Bogotá Bike Tours in La Candelaria, listed in this guide, rents bikes and runs guided rides. Bring water, sun cream and a light layer, as the high-altitude sun is strong and the weather changes quickly.
The Ciclovía suits active travellers, families and anyone who wants a relaxed introduction to the city's neighbourhoods. Give way to children and slower riders, and remember that the routes reopen to cars at 14:00, so plan to be off the road by then, and allow time to return your bike if you rented one. Because the same hours apply on public holiday Mondays, long weekends give you two chances to take part.
Because the network covers so much of the city, there is no single starting point. Most visitors join on a corridor near where they are staying, then use a park such as the Parque Simón Bolívar for a break. Check the IDRD website for current routes and any changes for events.
Ciclovía de Bogotá FAQs
When does the Ciclovía run?
Every Sunday and public holiday from 7:00 to 14:00.
How long is the route?
More than 120 km of roads are closed to cars.
Do I need to register or pay?
No. It is free and open to anyone on foot, bike or skates.
Who runs the Ciclovía?
The city's sports and recreation institute, the IDRD, which has managed it since 1995.
When did it start?
The first informal car-free ride took place in December 1974, and it became an official programme in 1976.
Where can I rent a bike?
Bogotá Bike Tours in La Candelaria rents bikes and runs guided rides.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. Families with children and pushchairs are a common sight.
What should I bring?
Water, sun cream and a light layer, as the sun is strong and the weather changes quickly.