Thanks to a partnership between the Bogotá Tourism Office (IDT) and Avianca, Bogotá is becoming the ideal destination for those who make a layover between international flights. It’s no longer about waiting, it’s about living. That’s how StopOver Bogotá – Love at First Runway was born: a unique opportunity to discover all the city has to offer, even if you only have a few hours to visit it.
For travelers with layovers in Bogotá—whether 6, 8, or up to 24 hours —this experience is an invitation to leave the waiting room and dive into culture, history, gastronomy, and people that make the city a world-class tourism destination. You can do it on your own or enjoy the guidance of verified tour operators who will meet you at El Dorador International Airport. They take you to the hotel and then lead you on experiences full of surprises, such as the Gold Museum—a heritage jewel that preserves the Pre-Columbian history of the country—or the Emerald Museum, where Colombia’s most famous gems tell their legends from behind the glass. Bogotá is a living story, told through every street, every facade, in each of its more than 60 museums.
Handicrafts and tejo
Also, you can shop for Colombian handicrafts at Pasaje Rivas, or stroll through Bolívar Square and the colorful, colonial streets of La Candelaria. But this city also tastes like home. At La Concordia Marketplace, a local gem in the historic center, lunch becomes an unforgettable experience. Ajiaco, Bogotá’s traditional dish, is a warm caress for the palate. Eating it surrounded by fresh fruit, crafts, and the friendly buzz of the market is to feel the city’s embrace.
Not far from the airport, you'll also find Paloquemao and La Perseverancia marketplaces, full of flavor and stories. Tasting Bogotá’s traditional dishes in these vibrant spaces will surely make you want to return.
When it's time for fun, try your hand at tejo — yes, tejo! This traditional Colombian sport involves throwing a metal disc to hit small packets filled with gunpowder — called mechas — which explode on impact. You can also sip coffee cup in the San Felipe Creative District, walk through its many art galleries, and enjoy the city’s vibrant cultural scene. You might end your day at a play in Casa E in Teusaquillo, or the Delia Zapata National Arts Center.
And like every great journey, there's always room for a special ending: shopping. Bogotá is a city full of fashion—with corners that breathe style and glamour. If shopping is your thing, you can visit shopping centers like Andino, Atlantis, El Retiro, Titán, Multiplaza, and Gran Estación, all offering a modern and exclusive atmosphere full of luxury stores, perfect for taking a little piece of Bogotá in your suitcase. You can also explore Calle de los Anticuarios, where history and contemporary style come together through a unique selection of fashion and design.
On this one-day tour, you won't just see Bogotá— you’ll feel it. Walk through its history, taste its flavor, hear its sounds, and understand its strength. When you return to the airport, just before boarding the next flight, one thing becomes clear: this city was not just another layover, it was a destination, an experience. It was love at first runway. Bogotá Stopover: an air connection turned into an emotional connection.
Gastronomy