Mirador de la Calera

Info & History

Mirador de la Calera is best known as a scenic viewpoint in the area of Bogotá, Colombia. It is found in the Usaquén area, which is one of the most historical zones within the Bogotá area. The area is home to nearly half a million residents. There are many sites of interest in this general area including the Country Club, the colonial quarter with Spanish colonial architecture, shopping malls, and weekly flea markets that bring in many visitors from far and wide. It’s easy to create an itinerary filled with various awesome attractions in just a few square miles! It is also worth noting that the area is surrounded by forests which allows you to take in nature while enjoying the contrast of artificial lights to the night sky when you decide to visit at night.

The charming atmosphere will have you hooked the first time you come to visit, that’s without a doubt! This is the perfect place to head to if you’re somebody who revels in natural beauty. It brings in thousands of visitors each and every year for the sole reason that it offers unbeatable panoramic views of the capital of Colombia. It is quite a popular place for locals and tourists to go during the weekend and holidays because of the view of the lush landscape as well as the distinct clean quality of the air. It is busy at night because it’s a fantastic place to take in the sprawling views and city lights! The contrast of the lights and the dark atmosphere makes for an unforgettable night, especially if you’re viewing it with your sweetheart.

It is not uncommon to see all of the visitors at Mirador de la Calera enjoying a few glasses of wine, beer, or canelazos. Since the elevation is quite high in this area, it can get cold, which is all the more reason to drink a hot cup of agua de panela with whoever might be accompanying you on the journey! There are many coffee shops and restaurants in this general area, so you can see why it is such a social highlight in the area of Bogotá. It is quite easy to relax when you have such an astonishing view laid out before your eyes! If you happen to be a tourist that is unfamiliar with the area, you will be happy to know that this scenic overlook is located in an extremely safe area, so you don’t have anything to worry about as far as your safety is concerned.

How to Get There

There can be high parking charges, so it’s a good idea to try to take transit such as a bus or taxi to the destination if it’s possible for you to do so. Another option you have is to use the services of a knowledgeable local tour guide. The guides are very knowledgeable, so you’re sure to learn a thing or two that you did not know before if you choose to embark on a professional tour. It often includes round-trip travel from your accommodation to the destination and back, so if you decide to go this way you would not have to worry about things like parking or figuring out directions to get to the lookout. It is about an hour taxi ride from Corferias, fifteen minutes from the Financial District, and thirty minutes from the Andino Shopping Center. Some of the nearby hotels include Hotel & Spa La Casa del Agua, and Hotel Casa Vieja.

Admission

One of the best things about heading to Mirador de la Calera is the fact that there aren’t any tickets that need to be bought unless you’re embarking on a tour that is put on by a local tour guide, of course. While there might be a cover charge during a busy time at the local nightlife destinations such as bars and clubs, you can always count on this as an extremely affordable activity no matter when you decide to make the trek out here.

Tips

Try to remember to bring some cash to enjoy the souvenirs and trinkets that are being sold at the street market in the area. Restaurante El Mirador de la Calera is just one of the popular establishments that you can consider eating at while you’re here.

It has been mentioned before, but it does get very cold up at Mirador de la Calera. Be sure to bring some warm clothes with you or even a blanket so you aren’t affected by the cold weather negatively. You can also get firewood along the road to make your own fire at one of the pit areas.

Depending on when you visit the area, you could be in store for some talented local musicians putting on live entertainment.

Consider coming to watch the sunset here, as you will not be disappointed in the least. If you decide to come out on a clear sunny day, you can see the snow-dusted mountain ranges in the western part of Bogotá.

This isn’t the only lookout in the area, so do a bit a research and consider making it a road trip to see all of the highest points, as the view is different at each and every one of them.

There are local tour guides who offer tours of this area which includes drinks and live commentary about the history of the area.