Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is a special place. It is located in the center of the country, at an altitude of 2600 meters above sea level. It is part of the so-called eastern cordillera, one of the three branches of the Andes mountain range, which, upon reaching Colombia, is divided into three impressive mountain ranges that define the entire geographical landscape of the country: from the southwest to the northeast.

Being located on a mountain range and at such an important height, Bogota remains with temperatures between low and mild for much of the year. However, Bogotá is far from being a cold city. The warmth and energy of its people make it a vibrant, warm place, with an unparalleled cultural offer on the continent that makes it impossible to get bored there.

You will never find the city asleep, not even on Sundays. And it is that, anyone who has been in Bogotá for a weekend will know that, far from resting on the last day, it is there when she is most active and awake. We are talking about what is, perhaps, its most important and massive social and sporting event: the Ciclovía. Do you know her? Here we tell you about her.

Bogotá: world capital of cycling

Recently, Bogotá has begun to be recognized as the world capital of cycling, and no wonder. Today, the city has more than 600 kilometers of bicycle routes, which are urban roads intended for the exclusive use of cyclists: impressive figures that show the commitment of Bogotá and its inhabitants to adopting the bicycle as their preferred means of transport.

But this is not all that Bogotá has to offer bicycle lovers, because in addition to its spectacular complex of routes for exclusive use, this city allocates a full day each week for cyclists to explore it by pedaling and take to its streets on two wheels. It is the Ciclovía.

What is the Ciclovía?

La Ciclovía, more than a sports recreation space, is an intangible heritage of the city of Bogotá where people who love cycling flow (but also skating and many other sports such as skateboarding, dancing and athletics). It consists in the fact that every Sunday, as well as during holidays, the main roads and automobile highways of Bogotá are closed to cars and motorcycles, and give way to pedestrians and cyclists so that they are the ones who travel freely.

The Ciclovía is also a space that is as cultural as it is sporting, since during the time it lasts, the streets are also filled with street artists, musicians and free live concerts, which enliven the atmosphere and liven up the weekends in the capital.

The Ciclovía space was born in 1974 in the city of Bogotá, and is administered by the City's Recreation and Reporting District Institute, and has become an example to follow for Recreational Ciclovías in Latin America and has been a pioneer in recreational sports spaces in the world.

On average, one and a half million people enjoy this activity every Sunday in the "city of bike paths". The course is recognized as the largest linear park in the world.

International recognition of the Bogota Ciclovía

The Ciclovía is deserving of several international awards that highlight its importance for the health and sports recreation of its visitors and users. First of all, the WHO (World Health Organization) and the Physical Activity Network of the Americas recognize Bogotá as the most active and healthy city in the Americas. Within the framework of the Rio+20 international summit that took place in Bogotá in 2014, the Ciclovía de Bogotá received the award for sustainable culture granted by the Global Forum of Urban Settlements.

Ciclovía: an unmissable tourist plan in Bogotá

As in any great metropolis, in Bogotá the best of the entire country comes together: the fascinating history, the spectacular art, the exuberant nature, the varied culture and the passion for sports that characterize Colombia so much and that are a source of pride for its inhabitants. And there is no other event that synthesizes all this like the Ciclovía: by participating in it you will have the opportunity to see some of the most important tourist sites in the city, while you walk through its parks to the sound of street music and urban art, and exercise your body in the most fun way.

Recommendations for the Ciclovía

1. Put on comfortable shoes.

2. Always use sunscreen.

3. Protect yourself from cold breezes and showers with a waterproof coat.

4. Don't forget to have your helmet on whenever you're on the bike.

5. Avoid wearing headphones or electronic devices that may affect your concentration and, furthermore, prevent you from enjoying the cultural environment that exists in Ciclovía.

6. Respect traffic signs to avoid accidents.

A unique cultural experience

Nueva Lengua is a Spanish school for foreigners, aimed at teaching the language to non-native people and promoting Colombia as the first language, tourist and cultural destination in the Spanish-speaking world. As part of our cultural and educational work, at the school we organize daily activities for our Spanish students, with the aim that they learn Spanish while living unique and enriching immersive experiences.

During his time at school Nueva Lengua, Spanish students will have the opportunity to carry out bike tours who depart from the school to different tourist spots in Bogotá to enjoy, learn about and visit the historical and artistic spaces full of fun, diversity, knowledge and Bogota culture.

Would you like to know more?

Check the cultural plans and activities that we have for you in Bogotá, or write to us at info@nuevalengua.com for more information about our Spanish courses and cultural immersion In colombia.