Simón Bolívar Park | Bogota

Information

Landmark: Simón Bolívar Park
City: Bogota
Country: Colombia
Continent: South America

Simón Bolívar Park, Bogota, Colombia, South America

Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park is a large urban park situated in Bogotá, Colombia. It serves as a significant green space within the city's metropolitan area.

Visual Characteristics

The park covers an extensive area of approximately 113 hectares. It features a central lake, known as Lago de los Niños, with a surface area of approximately 3.5 hectares. The landscape includes open grassy fields, wooded areas with diverse tree species, and paved pathways for pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The terrain is largely flat with some gentle undulations.

Location & Access Logistics

Simón Bolívar Park is located in the north-central part of Bogotá, approximately 6 kilometers northwest of the city center. Access is primarily via Avenida El Dorado (Calle 26) to the south and Avenida Suba (Calle 145) to the north. Multiple bus routes serve the park's perimeter, including routes along Avenida 68 and Avenida Boyacá. The nearest TransMilenio station is "Avenida 68" on the Carrera 68 corridor. Parking is available in designated lots around the park, with capacity varying based on event schedules.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park's development began in the 1930s, with significant expansion and landscaping occurring in the latter half of the 20th century. It was conceived as a major recreational and ecological lung for the growing city. The park is situated on land that was historically part of agricultural estates before urban expansion. Ecologically, it functions as an urban ecosystem supporting various bird species and plant life adapted to the Bogotá savanna climate.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include walking, jogging, cycling on designated lanes, and picnicking in open areas. The Lago de los Niños offers paddle boating. The park hosts numerous cultural events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. Specific zones include the Jardín Botánico José Celestino Mutis (Botanical Garden) and the Parque de los Novios (Lovers' Park), which have separate access and operational hours.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available at multiple points within the park, particularly near event venues and the main entrances. Shade is provided by mature trees in wooded sections. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally consistent throughout the park. Food vendors are present, especially during weekends and events, and several restaurants are located on the periphery.

Best Time to Visit

The best time of day for photography is generally in the morning or late afternoon when the sun angle is lower, providing softer light. The driest months, offering the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, are typically December to March and July to August. The park is accessible year-round, but rain is common throughout the year in Bogotá.

Facts & Legends

A notable historical oddity is the park's role as a venue for large-scale public gatherings and concerts, including performances by international artists that have drawn hundreds of thousands of attendees. A "secret" tip for visitors is to check the official park schedule for events, as these can significantly impact crowd levels and accessibility to certain areas.