Since I missed out on all the fun of the 7 hills/beers run yesterday I thought I should get out and run up hill. Unfortunately that is easier said than done in Bogota. While the city is surrounded by hills that are most likely filled with wonderful trails the general consensus seems to be “Don’t go in the hills!”. And this is not just for gringos it goes for the locals as well. The one semi-exception is the hike up Monseratte. This is a peak that overlooks the city and has a church on it. The route is easily accessible form the city center and is ~3km with 500m ascent along a cobble stone path. There is also a funicular and a cable car that will take you to the top. You can do a virtual hike up here.
On a Sunday morning the path is packed with people (locals, tourists, pilgrims, lots of kids and even a few runners). The path is also lined with stalls selling food, drink (you could have a cerveza at 8 am if you felt the need). I was advised not to go on Sunday due to the crowds, but I was also told not to go during the week and maybe Saturday at 5:30 am would be ok. The internet was no help since it was full of reviews saying no problem or I got mugged. I have a general aversion to being robbed at knife point so I decided to go on Sunday morning. I will blame the crowds on my inability to run up the hill, but I did manage to trot back down. Adding on the 8km to get there and back from my hotel it was more running than I have done in a while. If I’m still here next week I’ll take my camera and add a few pictures and I may even have a beer at the top.
Sean Walker