Mirador La Calera Alto de Patios
A roadside viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of Bogotá, especially captivating at night with its city lights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Safer and more relaxed
Mirador La Calera Alto de Patios
Best Time
Safer and more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A roadside viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramic views of Bogotá, especially captivating at night with its city lights.
"The views of Bogotá are beautiful, especially at night, but be prepared for parking solicitations."
🚗 Be Wary of Parking Solicitations
Unofficial attendants may pressure you for parking fees. Be firm and aware of your surroundings.
🌃 Enjoy the Nighttime Glow
The city lights at night are a major draw. Consider trying local treats like aguapanela with cheese.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bogotá Cityscape
Roadside viewpoint
Panoramic views of Bogotá, especially stunning at night with the city lights.
Nighttime City Lights
Roadside viewpoint
Experience a vibrant tapestry of colors as Bogotá illuminates the night sky.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Entrance Hassles
What to Expect: Views, Not a Deck
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Be Wary of Parking Solicitations
Unofficial attendants may pressure you for parking fees. Be firm and aware of your surroundings.
🌃 Enjoy the Nighttime Glow
The city lights at night are a major draw. Consider trying local treats like aguapanela with cheese.
🤔 Manage Expectations
It's a roadside view, not a formal attraction. Don't go out of your way if you're not nearby.
💰 Avoid Unnecessary Payments
Be cautious of individuals demanding money for parking or entry.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Be Wary of Parking Solicitations
Unofficial attendants may pressure you for parking fees. Be firm and aware of your surroundings.
🌃 Enjoy the Nighttime Glow
The city lights at night are a major draw. Consider trying local treats like aguapanela with cheese.
🤔 Manage Expectations
It's a roadside view, not a formal attraction. Don't go out of your way if you're not nearby.
💰 Avoid Unnecessary Payments
Be cautious of individuals demanding money for parking or entry.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the beautiful panoramic views of Bogotá, especially the stunning city lights at night. However, many report negative experiences with aggressive unofficial parking attendants and vendors, leading some to feel unsafe and advise against making a special trip. The 'observation deck' aspect is also considered an overstatement.
"Prepare to be greeted by a moped mob soliciting money for your parking. “Observation deck” is truly a stretch. This isn’t a deck or anything but a right turn off the main road that happens to have a view of the city. Don’t make a special trip here."
Jesse S
"Beautiful view of bogota at any time of the day"
Christian polanco
"Honestly, nothing impressive. There's a lot of individuals pressuring you to park in their lot, enter their restaurants, and asking for money. I did not feel safe at night. The views of the city were not impressive"
Luis J.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
This viewpoint is located along the road to La Calera. Most visitors arrive by car or taxi. If driving, be prepared for potential parking solicitations. Public transport options are limited for direct access to this specific roadside spot.
Parking can be chaotic. Unofficial attendants often direct cars to spots and may solicit money. It's advisable to be cautious and firm with these individuals.
Yes, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are a convenient way to reach the viewpoint. Inform your driver that you wish to stop at Alto de Patios for the view.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no official entrance fee. However, you may encounter individuals soliciting money for parking. It's important to distinguish between official fees (which don't exist) and unofficial demands.
As it's a roadside viewpoint, there are no official operating hours. It's accessible whenever the road is open. However, visitor experiences suggest it's best visited during daylight or early evening.
📸 📸 Photography
Many visitors rave about the nighttime views, when the city lights create a stunning panorama. Daylight offers a different perspective of Bogotá.
A standard smartphone camera is usually sufficient for capturing the city views. For nighttime shots, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can enhance quality.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there might be some informal vendors or small eateries nearby, it's not a destination known for extensive dining options. Some reviews mention individuals pressuring visitors to enter their restaurants.
You might find vendors selling local treats like aguapanela with cheese, especially during peak times. It's a good idea to carry some cash for these small purchases.
🎫 ⚠️ Safety & Security
Some visitors have reported feeling unsafe at night due to aggressive solicitations from parking attendants and vendors. It's advisable to be cautious and consider visiting during daylight hours if safety is a concern.
Be firm but polite when declining offers. Avoid engaging in lengthy conversations if you feel pressured. It's best to park and enjoy the view without feeling obligated to purchase anything.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the 'Mirador' Experience
Many travelers find the experience can be somewhat marred by aggressive unofficial parking attendants and vendors who solicit money. This can create a less than ideal atmosphere, especially at night. While the views are undeniably beautiful, the unsolicited interactions are a recurring theme in visitor feedback.
For those who visit, the recommendation is to enjoy the scenic beauty of Bogotá for a brief period and be prepared for the potential solicitations. It's often best enjoyed as a quick stop rather than a primary destination.
Navigating Parking and Solicitations
Travelers often advise being firm but polite when declining their services or payment requests. Some suggest simply ignoring them and finding a spot yourself if possible, while others recommend being prepared to pay a small, unofficial fee to avoid confrontation. The pressure to park in specific areas or enter nearby restaurants is also common.
To mitigate potential issues, consider visiting during less crowded times or using a taxi/ride-share service where parking arrangements are handled by the driver. If you do drive, be prepared for this aspect of the experience and prioritize your comfort and safety.
The Magic of Nighttime Views
Some visitors specifically mention enjoying the experience with traditional Colombian treats like 'aguapanela' (a hot sugarcane drink) and melted cheese, which adds a local flavor to the viewing experience. This combination of the stunning cityscape and local refreshments creates a unique atmosphere.
While the nighttime views are a significant draw, it's also important to be mindful of safety. As mentioned, the presence of unofficial attendants can be more pronounced at night, so maintaining awareness of your surroundings is recommended.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit