Bogotá’s best self-guided tours let you explore Colombia’s capital efficiently and affordably.
The standout is La Candelaria Ghost Tour – it’s spooky but informative, weaving local history through haunted tales of the old town.
Another winner, the El Dorado Expedition, connects you with pre-colonial history without the tourist crowds.
The Colonial Bogotá tour comes highly recommended for its no-nonsense approach to the city’s Spanish heritage, while the interactive murder mystery tour adds fun problem-solving to historical sightseeing.
Let’s examine these tours in detail.
Key Points
- The La Candelaria Ghost Tour offers an immersive, self-guided audio experience exploring Bogotá’s spooky history with 5-star ratings.
- The El Dorado Expedition Tour provides a self-guided audio adventure through the city’s iconic landmarks, with a 5-star rating and flexible cancellation policy.
- The Colonial Bogotá Tour is a self-guided audio experience accessible through the VoiceMap app, showcasing the city’s colonial history.
- The El Dorado Expedition, Part I tour is a private, self-guided audio experience from Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo to Catedral Primada de Colombia.
- The Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game is an immersive, self-guided detective experience in Bogotá, combining history and deductive reasoning with a 4.8-star rating.
La Candeleria (Historic Old Town) Self-Guided Ghost Tour (Feb )
Situated within the historic heart of Bogotá, the La Candelaria (Historic Old Town) Self-Guided Ghost Tour invites adventurous travelers to uncover the city’s paranormal past at their own pace.
Armed with a pre-recorded audio app, participants can explore the haunted streets and landmarks of La Candelaria, learning about the area’s chilling history through an immersive self-guided experience.
The tour’s starting point is the Silva Poetry House, and the route winds its way to the Gilberto Alzate Avendaño Foundation, where the experience concludes.
Along the way, participants can pause for breaks and snacks as they navigate the tour at their preferred tempo. The offline access to maps, exploration tips, and audio chapters ensures a seamless and flexible journey, even without a dedicated guide.
Wheelchair-accessible and stroller-friendly, the tour is conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.
With a perfect 5-star rating, this self-guided ghost tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Bogotá’s haunting history independently.
Read our full review: La Candeleria (Historic Old Town) Self-Guided Ghost Tour (Feb ) Review
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El Dorado Expedition: Captivating Self-Guided Audio Tour
Explore the captivating history of the mythical El Dorado expedition through Bogotá’s vibrant streets with the self-guided audio tour. This immersive experience includes all chapters for offline use, maps, and exploration tips to guide you through the city’s iconic landmarks.
With no tour guide or admission tickets required, you’re free to set your own pace and discover the city at your convenience.
The tour begins at the Plaza de Bolívar and concludes at the Museo del Oro, where you’ll find the Balsa de Guatavita. Along the way, you’ll uncover the mysteries and legends surrounding the legendary El Dorado expedition.
The tour is accessible to all, with wheelchair and stroller access, as well as the option to bring service animals. Conveniently located near public transportation, the tour offers flexibility with its 24-hour cancellation policy and “pay later” option.
With an impressive 5-star rating, this self-guided audio tour promises a captivating and informative exploration of Bogotá’s rich history.
Read our full review: El Dorado Expedition: Captivating Self-Guided Audio Tour Review
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Self-Guided Audio Tour – El Dorado Expedition, Part I
The self-guided audio tour of the El Dorado Expedition, Part I, invites visitors to uncover the captivating history of this legendary journey through the vibrant streets of Bogotá.
Starting at the Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo and ending at the Catedral Primada de Colombia, the tour spans from February 17, 2022, to July 25, 2025, with operating hours from 12:00 AM to 11:30 PM, seven days a week.
The tour includes offline access to all chapters, along with maps and tips for exploring the city.
Travelers can also enjoy snacks and the convenience of provided smartphones and headsets. The experience is accessible to those with wheelchairs, strollers, and service animals, with nearby public transportation options and infant seats available.
Booking is straightforward, with a private tour experience, a lowest price guarantee, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
With a perfect 5-star rating and no negative reviews reported, this self-guided audio tour promises an immersive and captivating exploration of the El Dorado Expedition’s history in Bogotá.
Read our full review: Self-Guided Audio Tour – El Dorado Expedition, Part I Review
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Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria
Discover the captivating colonial history of Bogotá’s La Candelaria neighborhood with this self-guided audio tour. The “Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria” takes visitors on a journey through the city’s historic center, exploring its rich architectural and cultural heritage.
The tour can be accessed anytime through the VoiceMap application, providing lifetime access to the audio, maps, and geodata. Starting at the iconic Plaza de Bolívar, the route winds its way to the Gold Museum, revealing the area’s colonial landmarks and stories along the way.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and allows service animals. Infants must sit on laps, but most travelers can participate.
The tour is available year-round, with a price starting at $5.99 per person. Cancellations are non-refundable, so it’s important to plan accordingly.
Prepare by downloading the VoiceMap app and using the provided access code before your visit to Bogotá’s enchanting La Candelaria.
Read our full review: Colonial Bogotá: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of La Candelaria Review
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Bogota Self Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game
Explore the captivating world of detective work in Bogotá with the “Bogotá Self Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game.” This immersive experience transports participants through the historic streets of the city, challenging them to unravel a perplexing murder case à la the renowned Sherlock Holmes.
This self-guided tour allows visitors to take on the role of a detective, following clues and piecing together evidence to solve the mystery. The tour typically lasts 3-4 hours, providing ample time to explore Bogotá’s vibrant neighborhoods and landmarks, including the Chorro de Quevedo Plaza and the Museo Botero.
Along the way, you will encounter locals who can provide valuable insights and assistance in the investigation. With a customer rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars, this unique activity offers an engaging and interactive way to discover the city’s rich history and culture while honing one’s deductive reasoning skills.
Read our full review: Bogota Self Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Bogotá offers a range of captivating self-guided tours, from ghost walks through the historic La Candelaria neighborhood to immersive audio expeditions retracing the steps of the legendary El Dorado. Whether you’re interested in the city’s colonial past or a Sherlock Holmes-inspired mystery, these tours provide an engaging and flexible way to explore the vibrant Colombian capital at your own pace.