The Colpatria Tower

It is the tallest building in Colombia, and located in downtown Bogotá, the Colpatria Tower resembles a male’s master of ceremony. Built in 1978, it is a skinny, four-sided building with 48 floors. It is an easy landmark to spot as there aren’t many tall buildings directly next to it. At night the entire building is lit and changes color.


Yesterday was my first time inside the Colpatria Tower. Because the building has limited visiting hours and the fact Bogotá is often cloudy in the afternoon, it can be difficult to find a good time to go. For visitors it is only open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Maybe this is why only 400 or so people visit it when open.


On a sunny day, it is definitely worth the 3,000 peso entry fee. An elevator took me up to the 46th floor and then I climbed two flights of stairs to the 48th story. There is a balcony that wraps around the entire 48th floor with a metal fence to keep suicidal people from jumping. I was glad I arrived before the white clouds began turning gray. Below was a great view of Plaza de Toros de Santamaría and La Séptima. It also provided a unique view of Monserrate and the mountains that surround the city. The only disappointing part is that I couldn’t get aerial photos of the city traffic at night. Still, it is a good site to see, especially if you’re only in Bogotá for the weekend.