Bogotá is the capital district of Colombia and the country's most populated city. It is the most important political, financial, educational, cultural city in the country. It is located at an altitude of 2640masl on a plateau known as the Savanna of Bogotá on the eastern range of the Andean Mountains. It was founded on August 6, 1538 originally named Santa Fe by the 'Conquistador' Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada who arrived in pursuit of 'El Dorado' gold legend and defeated the native Chibcha in Bacatá, which meant capital of the Zipa confederation. In 1717 the kingdom of New Granada was established here, and in 1819 Simon Bolivar chose it as the capital of the Grand Colombia.

Bogotá's location means that it has year-round variable weather. December, January, and February are the driest months; April, May and June and October the rainiest and August is hot and sunny with strong winds. Bogotá has a variety of zones: the tall modern office buildings are located in the International Centre and just nearby is the bohemian Macarena district which comprises the 'Plaza de Toros" – Bullfighting Square, the National Observatory and Monserrate Sanctuary. The historic centre, called La Candelaria, is where the city was founded and the government and congress quarters are located, with the world's most impressive collection of Pre-Columbian art at the Gold Museum. To the north, Chile Avenue (72nd St) and 100th Street make up the commercial, financial, shopping and entertainment districts, and exclusive residential areas; further to the north is the colonial area of Usaquén, and to the West the Industrial District. Today, Bogotá is a modern city with a bubbling cultural scene and vibrant social life.