Step into 19th-century Bogotá at Simón Bolívar's former Casa Museo Quinta de Bolívar (quintadebolivar.gov.co; foreigner adult/child USD$10/5; closed Mon), a single-story villa built by a wealthy tobacco merchant in 1800 then gifted to Bolívar in 1820, honoring his revolutionary triumphs. Though Bolívar only inhabited the home for 423 days over a 10-year span, a meticulous restoration reveals intimate details about his life – like a portrait of Manuela Sáenz (his lover), a taxidermied quetzal bird (a symbol of freedom) and period furniture reminiscent of styles popular with the European royals he fought to eradicate.
Foliage surrounding the home, located in the Monserrate foothills, matches the magnificent interior. Wander rows of flowers and ferns accompanied by the sounds of fountains and birdsong – similar to the soundtrack Bolívar enjoyed during his brief Bogotá tenure. A separate complex behind the home showcases rotating exhibitions.
Join a guided tour in Spanish (11am and 2pm Tuesday to Sunday), English (11am Wednesday) or explore at your own pace: bilingual panels impart nuggets of Bolívar-era history.
