Attraction
Museo del Oro
The Banco de la República's Gold Museum on Parque Santander holds tens of thousands of pre-Columbian pieces, including the Muisca raft linked to the El Dorado…
Monserrate
The 3,152-metre peak above central Bogotá, reached by funicular, cable car or a steep pilgrim path, with a 17th-century sanctuary and views over the city.
At a glance
- Type
- Mountain sanctuary and viewpoint
- Area
- Paseo Bolívar (Eastern Hills), Bogotá, Colombia
- Opening
- Open daily
- Official site
- monserrate.co
Good to know
- Funicular
- Cable car
- Walking trail
- Restaurants
- Birdwatching trail
Why we recommend it
Monserrate is the mountain that rises behind the historic centre, with a sanctuary on its summit. The top sits at 3,152 metres, about 600 metres above the streets below, and the view west takes in the whole of downtown and the south of Bogotá spread across the savannah. It is one of the city's main pilgrimage sites as well as its most popular viewpoint.
The religious history goes back to the 17th century. A hermitage dedicated to the Virgin of Montserrat, named after the Catalan mountain, was authorised in 1650, and in 1656 the chaplain commissioned a statue of Christ that became known as El Señor Caído, the Fallen Lord. Over time the statue replaced the Virgin as the focus of devotion, though the mountain kept its name. Long before that, the Muisca regarded the hill as sacred.
There are three ways up. The funicular and the cable car leave from the base station on Paseo Bolívar, and run from 6:30 to 22:00 Monday to Saturday, from 5:30 to 17:00 on Sundays and from 6:30 to 17:00 on public holidays, with the last car leaving at closing time. Between 13 September and 30 October only the funicular operates. The pilgrim path, about 2.4 km long with an average gradient of around 25 per cent, is managed by the city's sports and recreation institute. It is closed on Tuesdays, you must start up by 13:00 and come down by 16:00, pets are not allowed and children under one metre tall cannot use it.
The altitude is the main thing to plan for. Walkers should take the climb slowly, carry water and a layer, and avoid it on the first day after arriving in Bogotá. At the top there are restaurants, cafés and souvenir stalls, plus the Paramuno trail, a short birdwatching route known for hummingbirds. Late afternoon is popular for the sunset over the city, while early morning tends to be clearer and quieter.
The base station is on Paseo Bolívar above La Candelaria, close to the Quinta de Bolívar museum. Monserrate pairs well with a morning in the old town, and couples, families and photographers all get something from the trip. Hours can change for maintenance, so check the operator's website before setting out.
Monserrate FAQs
How high is Monserrate?
The summit is at 3,152 metres above sea level.
What are the funicular and cable car hours?
Monday to Saturday 6:30 to 22:00, Sundays 5:30 to 17:00 and public holidays 6:30 to 17:00. The last car leaves at closing time.
Can I walk up?
Yes. The pilgrim path is about 2.4 km long. It is closed on Tuesdays, the ascent must start by 13:00 and the descent by 16:00.
Can children and dogs use the path?
Children under one metre tall cannot use the trail and pets are not allowed.
Do both the funicular and cable car always run?
No. From 13 September to 30 October only the funicular operates, and hours can change for maintenance.
Is there food at the top?
Yes. The summit has restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops.
What is El Señor Caído?
A 17th-century statue of the fallen Christ that is the focus of devotion in the summit sanctuary.
Where does the funicular leave from?
The base station at Carrera 2 Este No. 21-48 on Paseo Bolívar, above La Candelaria.