154 OUTSIDE OF BOGOTÁ
Among the few restaurants in the area, it's recommended you eat at Vamonos
P'al Monte. The restaurant serves Thai and other wonderful meals. Around the
corner there is fast food, pizza and an Argentinian restaurant. You can get rock
climbing lessons with the owner of Vamonos P'al Monte or inquire at the rock
climbing shop for instructors. You can contact Vamonos P'al Monte through
their website. (www.vamonospalmonte.com).
Andres, the owner of Explora Suesca rents mountain bikes and gives tours.
Andres is very friendly and can take you to beautiful places all around Suesca for
a low cost. Explora Suesca is right around the corner from Vamonos P'al
Monte. Please inquire with Andres for exact prices in Suesca.
If you plan on rock climbing and mountain biking leave room for at least three
days to truly appreciate Suesca. If you're an addict of either or both activities
plan on a much longer visit.
Guatavita
Guatavita is a charming town about two hours from La Candelaria. A visit to
Guativita can be a very rewarding experience offering a glimpse into a tiny
gorgeous mountain town. The town sits above a huge reservoir, Tomine and has
a very peaceful feeling. On the weekends it fills up with Colombians from Bogotá
looking for an escape from the big city. During the week, it's a small quiet town
with great appeal. The original Guatavita was flooded to create the reservoir.
The current town was rebuilt in white colors and Spanish tile roofs. You can also
find a few restaurants in town that offer inexpensive meals.
To get to Guativita you need to take a bus. Take the Transmilenio (1,700 COP) or
a taxi (12,000-18,000) to the Portal del Norte. At the Portal del Norte you need
to take a bus to the town of Guativita. There are two options for hotels. Calipso
Hospedaje is a simple hotel where you can get a single room for 25,000 COP or
a double for 30,000 COP. They have cool 1980's bedspreads that will take you