If your trip to Bogotá is all organized but your itinerary is a bit on the empty side, we can give you a few hints and tips.Plaza de Bolivar deserves more than just a quick drive-by. Hop out of your car and spend some time discovering this landmark attraction during your stay in Bogotá.You’ll need to get up early if you want to see all the great attractions that this place has to offer. National University of Colombia and Cementerio Central are no-brainers. Torre Colpatria and Bogota Botanical Garden shouldn’t be forgotten either.Stop by Gold Museum. It’s one sight you’ll usually find on many travelers’ to-do lists. Simon Bolivar Park and Botero Museum are also not far away and worth taking the time to see.

If you’re up for a day trip, pack your bags and head over to Chia. Situated 17 miles away, it has no shortage of things to keep you occupied. You could also discover the sights and sounds of Villeta. It’s about 40 miles from Bogotá and has some terrific things on offer.

If it’s your first trip to Bogotá, get ready for an amazing time. With icons like Monserrate and Plaza de Bolivar, you’ll wonder why you didn’t plan your trip sooner. But like all big cities, driving can be challenging — so why not lock in a mini? Parking is a snap and handling is about as easy as it gets. Alternatively, if you want to stay away from the downtown area and discover the farther-flung dunes in Cundinamarca, you can’t beat a four-wheel drive or an SUV.

First of all, there’s a great range of both economy and high-end vehicles to rent in Bogotá. What you opt for will depend on what you’re willing to spend and the activities you’ve got planned. Specialty vehicles offer the best in comfort and class. If you’re splurging, why not grab a high-end SUV, or perhaps a fancy medium-sized sedan? Alternatively, if you just need a set of wheels to get from A to B as economically as possible, go for a versatile compact vehicle (or something else that won’t burn a hole in your pocket).

It can be tricky to locate a car space in Bogotá. Once you get your hands on one, be sure to pay close attention to the signage. Overstaying the maximum time limit or leaving the car in a no-standing zone can put a dent in your vacation budget.

Bogotá has a population of 7,674,400, so you can count on it. However, you can avoid the worst of the traffic by traveling outside the rush hours. The busiest time to be on the road is before and after work.

Generally, one of two things will happen. Your chosen car rental company may bill the amount stated on the fine to your credit card. This is the usual practice. Otherwise, it may supply your contact information to local law enforcement agencies so the fine is sent directly to you.

If you have hands-free functions like Bluetooth enabled, it’s legal to use your cell phone while operating a vehicle in Bogotá. Just make sure you keep your eyes on the road.

When behind the wheel in Bogotá, it’s a criminal offence to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) of over 0.04%. Planning to have a few beers while you’re out? Consider using a ride-sharing service or booking a taxi.

Turning on a red light is a big no-no in Bogotá. Always be watching for traffic signs and lights to ensure you don’t breach any traffic laws.

Seat belts should always be fastened in Cundinamarca. However, this rule may differ for certain vehicles, such as those used by public transportation networks.