Parque Santander
A vibrant urban plaza in Bogota, famous for its street performers, skaters, and unique llama encounters.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & performers
Parque Santander
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & performers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant urban plaza in Bogota, famous for its street performers, skaters, and unique llama encounters.
"A nice square, the golden museum is just the best in here, in addition it s a point of spot for local skaters."
Taxi Convenience
Taxis are readily available around the plaza, making it easy to get to and from your next destination. :taxi:
Combine with Gold Museum
Located right across from the Gold Museum, it's a perfect pairing for a cultural day out. :museum:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Llama Encounters
Central Plaza
Charming llamas and their handlers offer unique photo opportunities, especially delightful for children and tourists.
Skateboarding Scene
Designated Skate Areas
Watch talented local skaters showcase their skills, adding a dynamic energy to the plaza.
Street Vendors Galore
Surrounding the Plaza
Browse a variety of goods from local vendors, offering a taste of everyday Bogota life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Embrace the Local Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Taxi Convenience
Taxis are readily available around the plaza, making it easy to get to and from your next destination. :taxi:
Combine with Gold Museum
Located right across from the Gold Museum, it's a perfect pairing for a cultural day out. :museum:
Guided Tour Option
Consider joining a free tour of La Candelaria for historical context and a safer exploration. :walking:
Tips
from all over the internet
Taxi Convenience
Taxis are readily available around the plaza, making it easy to get to and from your next destination. :taxi:
Combine with Gold Museum
Located right across from the Gold Museum, it's a perfect pairing for a cultural day out. :museum:
Guided Tour Option
Consider joining a free tour of La Candelaria for historical context and a safer exploration. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Parque Santander is a lively urban plaza known for its vibrant street life, including skateboarders and llama handlers. Visitors appreciate its central location, especially its proximity to the Gold Museum, and the authentic local atmosphere. Some find the evening hours less appealing due to potential safety concerns.
"Nice little plaza with lots of street vendors and skateboarding kids. It is located right in front of the museum of Gold which is how I ended up there. Taxis are parked all around in case you need one.
The guys with the Lamas really stand out especially for the kids and tourists!"
Kathy E. Sanati
"Such a nice square, the golden museum is just the best in here, in addition it s a point of spot for local skaters from all the city.⁹"
ManuGopro7
"Legal."
Cleber de Souza Bezerra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parque Santander is centrally located in Bogota, making it accessible by taxi or ride-sharing services. If you're exploring La Candelaria, it's often included in walking tours. Many visitors find it convenient to combine a visit with the nearby Gold Museum.
Parque Santander is generally safe during the day, especially when it's busy with visitors and street vendors. However, like any urban area, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially in the evenings.
The plaza itself is best explored on foot. For getting to and from the park, taxis are readily available around the perimeter.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Parque Santander is a public plaza and is free to enter. You can wander freely and enjoy the atmosphere.
As a public park, Parque Santander is generally accessible at all hours. However, the most vibrant atmosphere with street vendors and performers is typically during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Parque Santander is known for its lively atmosphere, featuring street vendors, local skaters, and often llama handlers offering photo opportunities. It's a great place to people-watch and experience local culture.
Yes, children often enjoy interacting with the llama handlers and watching the skateboarders. The open space also allows them to move around freely.
Absolutely! The llama handlers are usually happy to let you take photos with their animals, often for a small fee. It's a popular activity for tourists and families.
Parque Santander is a well-known spot for local skateboarders, and you'll often see them practicing tricks. It adds to the dynamic energy of the plaza.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Parque Santander itself is more about the plaza experience, the surrounding area, especially La Candelaria, offers numerous cafes, restaurants, and street food vendors. You'll find plenty of options for a meal or snack.
You can find a wide variety of Colombian cuisine, from traditional dishes to quick bites. Street vendors often sell empanadas and other local snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The llamas are a unique subject, as are the energetic skateboarders. The plaza itself, with its surrounding historic buildings, also makes for great shots. Capture the vibrant street life and vendor stalls.
It's generally safe to bring a camera, but as with any busy public space, be mindful of your belongings and avoid leaving your camera unattended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the day when the atmosphere is most vibrant and safe. It's also conveniently located near the Gold Museum, which can be an engaging educational outing for children. Remember to bring your camera for those memorable llama encounters!
🚶 Budget Travelers
While in the area, consider joining one of the free walking tours that often pass through or start near the park. This is a fantastic way to learn about the city's history and culture without spending a dime, though tipping your guide is customary and appreciated.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heartbeat of Bogota's Urban Culture
One of the most distinctive features of Parque Santander is its role as a popular spot for local skateboarders. The plaza's open spaces and smooth surfaces provide a natural arena for them to showcase their skills, adding an energetic and youthful vibe. This makes it not just a place to relax, but also an engaging spectacle for visitors.
Beyond the skaters, the plaza is also famous for its llama handlers. These individuals, with their photogenic llamas, are a significant draw, particularly for families and tourists seeking unique photo opportunities. The interaction with these gentle animals adds a touch of whimsy and charm to the park, making it a memorable stop on any Bogota itinerary.
Strategic Location and Accessibility
Its central position also means it's well-connected to other key areas of the city. Many free walking tours of the historic La Candelaria neighborhood often include Parque Santander in their routes, providing visitors with historical context and a guided exploration of the area.
For those relying on taxis or ride-sharing services, finding transport to and from Parque Santander is straightforward. Taxis are frequently parked around the plaza, ensuring that visitors can easily depart for their next destination after soaking in the atmosphere. This ease of access contributes to its popularity as a tourist spot and a convenient meeting point.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit