If you have ever wondered about the secrets the streets of Bogotá hold at night, you are about to uncover a side of the city that few dare to explore. Welcome to the Bogotá Ghost Tour—a journey that will guide you through the most intriguing stories and paranormal mysteries that have surrounded the capital for over four centuries.
The tour takes you through the most iconic locations in La Candelaria and the Historic Center, two key points for those who love the paranormal. Over the course of 12 stops, you will explore streets and buildings that have witnessed plagues, wars, and significant events that have left their mark on history—and perhaps even on the souls that still haunt these places. For two hours and covering about one kilometer of walking, AE Colombia Travel, led by the charismatic guide Fernando Bonansea, will immerse you in stories as fascinating as they are terrifying. Dressed to perfection for the occasion, Fernando guides this nocturnal tour with a theatricality that will send shivers down the spine of even the most skeptical.
His clothing includes a dark cloak that flutters in the night wind and a skull hanging from his backpack as a symbol of the souls that, according to him, accompany him on this journey. A white eye drawn on his forehead reflects a beating heart in his chest, while his mysterious and faint voice envelops the spectators in an atmosphere of intrigue. Some believe in ghosts, and others do not; regardless, this has become one of the most popular tours in Bogotá. It allows you to explore the city, its history, and its characters in a different and entertaining way, although a bit creepy. However, it is recommended that you do this tour with total respect and blessing oneself could be a good idea.
The first stop is Cacao Magola, located at Carrera 2 #11-45 in La Candelaria. Here, a delicious hot chocolate soothes the nerves and warms the body, serving as a perfect prelude to what’s to come. At the second stop, we enter the Conjunto Residencial Pasaje Bochini, a building full of history where stories tell about a girl who died under tragic circumstances, and her spirit, people say, still haunts the corridors. As Fernando shares this story, the lights flicker, and an inexplicable wind blows through the group, causing everyone to exchange uncertain glances..
Our next destination is La Salle University, known not only for its academic prestige but also for being the alma mater of Enrique Low Murtra, who was well-known for his quote: “My voice may tremble, but not my morals.” During his tenure, he signed extradition orders for Pablo Escobar, Gonzalo Rodríguez Gacha, and the Ochoa brothers, which made him a target for drug traffickers. As a result, he was assassinated on April 30, 1991, outside the Universidad de La Salle, where he served as dean and professor.
However, the real story that takes us there is that of the lawyer José Raimundo Rossi, known as the defender of the bandits. Fernando, our guide, tells us that he was murdered under mysterious circumstances, and his ghost appears in the surroundings, proclaiming his innocence. As we walk, someone mentions having felt a sudden chill, as if an invisible presence was next to us.
Calvaries and lamentations
As we move forward, the tour takes us along Calle del Calvario (Calvary Street), where the story of Bogotá's first mayor echoes among the shadows. It is said that he made a pact with the devil, but when he broke it, his soul was trapped on that street forever. The guide stops the group in a dark alley and, in a low, slow voice, recounts how, according to legend, the mayor gathered 666 stones as part of the supposed pact. The atmosphere grows increasingly tense; some cling to their jackets as if sensing a presence nearby.
One of the most shocking stops is the Casa de la Emparedada, a place with a macabre history. According to legend, a young woman was sealed alive inside a wall by the jealous wife of a military man, with only a small hole left for her to breathe and receive food. The story is whispered in hushed tones as the group gazes at the window where some claim to have seen her figure. One of the attendees seemingly heard a slight moan, but when he turned around, he saw that no one was there.
The tour continues, taking us to the former seminary of the Poor Clare Sisters, which now houses the restaurant La Bruja. Fernando tells us the story of María Helia, a woman who was imprisoned during the dictatorship of Gustavo Rojas Pinilla. To this day, it is believed that she is still searching for her son in the dungeons of the old seminary. Employees at the restaurant have reported paranormal events. It is said that a worker found several skulls before dying mysteriously.
Chorro de Quevedo Square is known for its charming streets filled with small bars, cafes, and restaurants. However, it also has a ghostly legend. As the group gathers in front of a small church, Fernando says that if someone knocks on the door three times, you will hear an answer. A few brave members of the group decide to give it a try, but just then, a cold wind picks up, making them regret it.
The tour concludes at the Magola Buendía House, located at Carrera 3 #17-60, where Fernando leads us to a small backyard. Here, among candle lights and the whisper of the wind, the spiritual circle comes to a close. We thank the spirits for allowing us to know their stories. It is a moment of reflection in which, despite nerves and scares, we all feel a deep connection to the history of our city.
The “Bogotá Ghost Tour” is not just a stroll through historical places: it is an immersive experience that transports you back in time, connecting you with the souls that once inhabited the city. The stories shared, the characters encountered, and the energies felt at each location create an unforgettable experience. Dare to uncover the secrets the city holds and get ready to feel how the past comes alive in every corner.
Tips for the tour:
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking through the cobblestone streets of La Candelaria.
- A good jacket is essential; Bogotá nights can be chilly.
- Don't forget your water bottle, and most importantly, be ready for a night full of surprises and good scares.
For more information and to reserve your place on this fascinating tour, visit https://aecolombiatravel.co/tour-de-fantasmas-bogota/
If you have ever wondered about the secrets the streets of Bogotá hold at night, you are about to uncover a side of the city that few dare to explore.
