Bogotá is the city most visitors to Colombia treat as a connection. One night, then on to Medellín or the coast. It's a mistake, and the people who live there know why.
What "renting a local friend" means
You pay a rolo, someone who lives in Bogotá, for a few hours of their time. They show you their city the way they'd show a friend visiting.
It is not a tour. No group and no fixed route.
It is not a date. It's platonic, and it happens in public.
More on how it works: rent a local friend: how it works and whether it's legit.
What a rolo can show you
- The Sunday Ciclovía. Main roads close to cars and the whole city is on bikes. It's the best thing Bogotá does, and it only happens on Sundays and holidays.
- Usaquén's Sunday market, and the neighbourhood around it.
- Ajiaco and tamales where families eat them, not where the menu is in English. The Bogotá food guide has more.
- La Candelaria in daylight, the museums and the street art, with someone who knows which streets to leave before dark.
- The neighbourhoods where rolos live and go out, which is where the city stops feeling like a transit stop.
Two practical things
The altitude. Bogotá sits at about 2,600 metres. It's cool all year, it rains most afternoons, and the first day tires most people out. Bring layers and go slowly.
Safety. Meet in public, keep the conversation on the platform until you've met, and check the profile. Locals will tell you to use app taxis at night and never to go back to a private place with someone you just met through any app. Is Bogotá safe covers the city properly.
What it costs
Each Local Friend sets their own hourly rate, shown on their profile. Agree before you meet what's included: transport, entry fees and food.
How to find someone
- Browse Local Friends in Bogotá.
- Message one or two with your dates and what you'd like to see.
- Agree the plan and the rate directly. Roavi takes no commission.
Deciding between cities? Bogotá vs Medellín, or rent a local friend in Medellín and Cartagena.
First time? What it's actually like to rent a local friend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you rent a friend in Bogotá?
Yes. On Roavi you can browse Local Friends who live in Bogotá, see their languages, interests and hourly rate, and message them directly. You agree the plan and the rate with them, and Roavi takes no commission.What can a local friend show you in Bogotá?
The Sunday Ciclovía, when main roads close to cars, Usaquén's Sunday market, ajiaco and tamales where families eat them, Monserrate, the museums in La Candelaria, and the neighbourhoods where rolos actually live and go out.Is it safe to meet a local in Bogotá?
Meet in public, keep the conversation on the platform until you've met, and check the profile. Locals will tell you La Candelaria is for daytime, to use app taxis at night, and never to go back to a private place with someone you just met through any app.How much does it cost?
Each Local Friend sets their own hourly rate, shown on their profile. Agree before you meet what's included, such as transport, entry fees and food.What should I know about the weather?
Bogotá sits at about 2,600 metres. It's cool all year, it rains most afternoons, and the altitude tires people out on the first day. Bring layers and go slowly.
