CityBuddy
Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino
Best time to visit
Early morning at opening time at 9 am to enjoy the gardens before the oppressive heat and the influx of tourist groups. The dry season from December to March offers clear skies ideal for photos.
Budget tips
Entry costs about 35,000 COP (8 EUR) for adults, with a reduced rate of 23,000 COP for Colombian students. The ticket includes access to the botanical gardens and the museum, making it excellent value for money.
Recommended for
South American history enthusiasts, Botanical garden lovers, Travelers seeking tranquility
Plan your visit
2 to 3 hours
About
Quick facts: Simon Bolivar spent his last 24 hours in this colonial hacienda, writing his final message before passing away on December 17, 1830. The site is home to the oldest tree in the country, a centenary tree whose branches cover nearly 400 square meters.
Highlights: In the room where Bolivar took his last breath, the curtains have remained exactly as he left them, black with mourning and drawn against the tropical light. Staff say that on certain stormy evenings, you can still hear the scratching of his quill on parchment, a sound that sends chills down the spines of the night guards.
Insider tips
- Bring a notebook: the calligraphy workshop in the old chapel offers free demonstrations on Saturday mornings.
- Sit for 5 minutes on the stone bench under the centenary tree, Bolivar's favorite spot for meditation.
- Avoid the standard guided tour and explore the botanical gardens on your own, much richer than the main house.
- Wear closed-toe shoes as some gravel paths are slippery after a tropical downpour.
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