Chapinero Walk (Self Guided), Bogota

Chapinero's architecture is astounding with its large, grand old Victorian houses. This is one of the oldest and more affluent parts of the city. As you tour the area, note the many European influences that are evident in the architecture.

One of the places where this can be seen most clearly is at the late 19th-century Nuestra Señora de Lourdes church. This beautiful Neo-Gothic structure was built in 1875 and dazzles with its turrets, the pointed arches of the doors and the tall square tower that dominates the skyline. Take a look inside to marvel at the vast interior space, the high reliefs, marble altar and the beautiful pipe organ from Germany. This important place of worship was designated a minor basilica by the late Pope John Paul II. Continue with your tour of the area and stock up on everyday essentials by visiting the upper-class neighborhood’s small supermarkets and shops. Many are family run enterprises.

Chapinero is also the official gay neighborhood of Bogota and the beating heart of the city's LGBT community. It’s not unusual to see same sex couples walking hand in hand here. Chapinero has been affectionately nicknamed "Chapigay" for the many discos, dance clubs and restaurants that cater for the LGBT community.