My recent travel brought me to Colombia’s capital, Bogotá. Even now with improved security and a thriving economy, Colombia is still an adventure, even for the most experienced traveller. On the other hand, the contrast in this fascinating city, 2,640m above sea level, is stark. The south of the city is a very poor area and not safe for tourists while the north is wealthy and houses modern eateries and bars that don’t have to hide from top-notch addresses in other countries.

So how does the airport rate? Basically, the airport is divided into two passenger terminals: El Dorado International, the main terminal for all international flights, built in 1959 and Puente Aéreo Terminal (Air Bridge Terminal, in English), built in 1989 which serves Avianca’s and its subsidiary SAM’s, domestic and regional flights. As I had the pleasure to experience both terminals, here’s what you can do if your flight is delayed:

Regional Terminal
Make sure you don’t go through security until shortly before your flight as after that there is nothing more than a few toilets and a couple vending machines. Therefore the subsequent tips are for the area before security:

1. Buy some strawberries at “Aerofresas” for 4,000 pesos (they looked a bit unripe but tasted actually really nice)
2. If you are the sweet type, get some dark Lindt chocolate from “Colosinas”, not far from the strawberries place
3. And of course, don’t forget to taste another of these wonderful Colombian coffees. I had an Espresso at “Inter-Cafe”, right next to the chocolate place.
4. Now that you’re well fed you can walk south to the slightly more upmarket part of the terminal and stroll around the stores there
5. By now your flight should be ready, if not, you probably shouldn’t board it anyway. Just kidding. If you still have time, go to the Orbitel shop on the north side, call your family and tell them about how nice Bogotá was and that there is nothing for them to worry about.

International Terminal “El Dorado”
Again, the better area for spending time is before security. But here you don’t want to leave it to the last minute as you will have to go through the passport control and another security check before getting to your gate. Also, be prepared for a detailed bag search.

1. After you checked in, go upstairs as all the shops and restaurants are on that floor. If your flight is in the morning, go to “Crepes & Waffles” for a descent breakfast (if not see 2.). Even though I was not very lucky with what I ordered, the food looked really good and the place is an institution throughout Bogotá
2. If you are still hungry or your flight is later in the day, go to “El Corral”, Colombia’s best burger chain and order a 1/2lb “Corralisima”. You will have to wait about 15 minutes, but, oh boy, this burger is worth the wait – trust me!
3. Go to one of the music shops and buy that Colombian music you have heard throughout your stay. I bought the CD of Silvestre Dangond with the song “Me gusta, me gusta”.
4. If you still have time, go through security and buy that delicious coffee from the Juan Valdez store towards the end of the small stalls.

The rating below is based on the International Terminal:

Airport Name	Bogotà El Dorado International
Website	http://www.elnuevodorado.com/
IATA Code	BOG
Design
Shopping
Toilets
Overall
	$99.00 (£57.20)
	$50.00 (£28.90)

[Picture from Flickr]