Breathing gets harder as I take the last steps on the stairs. I really have to catch my breath for a second once I’ve made it to the top and that’s when I realise how high I actually am. Looking over the low brick wall surrounding the patio on top of the Monserrate, I can see the valley between the mighty Andes mountain tops wherein lies the megacity of Colombia. The golden city, the heart of the country, the savanna, the Athens of South America, the city of stars. Welcome to Bogotá.
It is the last day of my stay in Colombia and it turns out to be a beautiful one. Bogotá had become the rainy city to me, because it had been raining during my first two days in Colombia at Universidad de la Salle, during my trip to Zipaquirá and to Guatavita. But today I woke up and was greeted by the sun who didn’t leave for the rest of the day. Together with the Villaveces family I went to one of the famous mountain peaks of the Andes plateau around Bogotá: Monserrate.
The mighty mountain peak of the Andes
At the foot of the mountain we meet an alpaca, hikers, tourists and pilgrims. We decide to take the funicular that already provides us a good view over the city. The other options are hiking or taking the train. At the final stop we get out and walk the last steps of the stairs. We are now at 3,152 metres above sea level. And you can notice because breathing definitely gets a bit harder here!
The main square surrounds the white church situated on top of the mountain. From the square you get an amazing view over the city, the large statue of the Lady of Guadalupe on the mountain peak oposite from Monserrate and the green hills embracing the capital. It’s really like as if the city is caressing the slopes of the Andes.
A Colombian pilgrimage destination
The church is bigger than you would expect and we walk around in the halls and rooms. In the central hall, we exchange prayers in Spanish and Dutch and it almost tears me up how thankful and emotional this visit makes mama Villaveces. We enjoy a hot waffle smeared with jelly and condensed milk and hot tea drawn from coca leaves and raspberries.
Behind the church is a long lane of touristic stalls selling traditional Colombian goods such as colourful, woven bags. A good place to buy those souvenirs! You definitely notice the height as you get exhausted quickly. But the sun is warm and friendly and the air is fresh and crispy. Bogotá, you good!
