Our U.S. Tourist Visa Experience in Bogotá: A Week of Hope, Exploration, and Lessons Learned
Our U.S. Tourist Visa Experience in Bogotá (7 days)
Our U.S. Tourist Visa Journey in Bogotá: 7 Days of Travel, Villa de Leyva, and Lessons Learned
When my wife and I traveled to Bogotá for her U.S. tourist visa interview, we knew there were no guarantees. We had spent months preparing documents, discussing travel plans, and trying to present the strongest case possible. Like many couples going through the process, we were hopeful but realistic.
What we didn’t expect was that the trip itself would become the real story.
While the visa interview ultimately ended in a denial after only a few minutes, the week we spent in Bogotá and Villa de Leyva turned into an unforgettable experience filled with great food, street art, colonial architecture, beautiful scenery, and valuable life lessons.
If you’re traveling to Bogotá for a visa appointment or simply looking for ideas for a short getaway from the Colombian capital, here’s our story.
Arriving in Bogotá
We landed at El Dorado International Airport around 11:00 a.m. after our flight from Cúcuta.
Since our Airbnb check-in wasn’t until 3:00 p.m. the next day, our host kindly allowed us to drop off our luggage while we waited. Rather than sitting around, we decided to make the best of the situation and headed to a nearby shopping mall to grab something to eat and pass the time.
Travel often starts this way. You’re tired, carrying bags, and running on little sleep. I flew in from San Diego, California through Panama (9 hours), she had an early morning 1.5 hour local flight, Still, there was excitement in the air because this trip represented more than just another visit to Bogotá.
Eventually, check-in time arrived, and we settled into our Airbnb in the Modelia neighborhood.
We intentionally selected this area because it was close to both visa appointments. Anyone familiar with Bogotá understands how important location can be. Coming from Los Angeles, I’ve spent plenty of time in traffic, but Bogotá has its own unique challenges. Between the city’s size, ongoing construction projects, and the sheer number of vehicles on the road, travel times can quickly become unpredictable.
The Airbnb turned out to be an excellent choice. Comfortable accommodations, a welcoming atmosphere, and a surprisingly good breakfast each morning made it an ideal home base for the week.
First Appointment Success
The next morning we woke up early, enjoyed breakfast, and headed toward the Connecta 26 area.
I was pleasantly surprised by the neighborhood. It had a modern feel with restaurants, coffee shops, students, professionals, and what appeared to be several coworking spaces. The atmosphere felt energetic and contemporary.
Most importantly, the first appointment went smoothly.
My wife completed the biometrics process without any problems, and we left feeling optimistic. Everything appeared to be moving in the right direction.
Since the appointment was finished early, we had the rest of the day to relax.
After spending some time at another shopping center and taking a break from the stress of the process, we decided to enjoy the evening.
One of the Best Meals of the Trip
That night my wife took me to a restaurant she already knew about called La Cevicheria.
From the outside, the place looked fairly ordinary, almost like a hole-in-the-wall establishment. But once inside, it was beautifully decorated and had an entirely different atmosphere like many restaurants in Latin America.
Jazz music played softly in the background while election activity unfolded across the street. The service was attentive, the drinks were cold, and I ordered what turned out to be one of the best mojarra frita meals I’ve had anywhere in Colombia.
Considering how many times I’ve eaten fried fish throughout Colombia, that’s saying something.
We enjoyed a few beers, relaxed, and watched the world go by. It became one of those travel moments that had nothing to do with the visa process yet became one of the highlights of the trip.
The restaurant La Cevicheria absolutely deserves recognition.
Searching for Street Art in Bogotá
The following day was dedicated to something I enjoy whenever I visit a city: searching for murals and street art.
Bogotá is famous for its street art scene, and one area I had wanted to visit was Distrito Graffiti. Unfortunately, I had missed it on a previous trip and once again wasn’t able to make it there.
Still, the weather cooperated, and we decided to head out anyway.
Our first stop was a place that isn’t typically found on most tourist itineraries: Mirador de la Mano.
Mirador de la Mano
Getting there was an adventure in itself.
The route takes you through some rougher sections of Bogotá, which is probably one reason it hasn’t become a mainstream tourist attraction.
When we arrived, we found a colorful and creatively decorated restaurant with a spectacular view overlooking the city.
The food wasn’t particularly memorable, but that wasn’t really why we came.
We came for the view.
And the view delivered.
After taking photographs and enjoying the scenery, we spent some time exploring before moving on toward La Candelaria.
Exploring La Candelaria
As we traveled toward Bogotá’s historic center, I stopped frequently to photograph murals and street art.
Eventually our Uber dropped us off in La Candelaria, one of my favorite parts of Bogotá.
The neighborhood is filled with colonial architecture, narrow streets, colorful facades, museums, churches, and an endless supply of artistic inspiration.
Because of the election, the area was less crowded than normal, which turned out to be a blessing.
We were able to walk comfortably, take photographs, and appreciate details that might otherwise have been missed in larger crowds.
I had visited La Candelaria before and already had many photos from previous trips, so this time I focused on capturing murals and scenes I hadn’t photographed before.
The combination of colonial architecture and modern street art creates a fascinating contrast that perfectly represents Bogotá itself.
By late afternoon we had accomplished our goal and returned home early to prepare for the next stage of our trip.
Off to Villa de Leyva
The following morning we boarded a bus bound for Villa de Leyva.
The journey took approximately three to four hours and was surprisingly comfortable.
The bus wasn’t crowded, the scenery was beautiful, and the trip passed quickly.
For those unfamiliar with Villa de Leyva, it is widely considered one of Colombia’s most beautiful colonial towns.
Located in the department of Boyacá, the town is famous for its massive central plaza, whitewashed buildings, cobblestone streets, and remarkably preserved colonial character.
Looking at photos beforehand, I wasn’t completely convinced.
I’ve visited several beautiful colonial towns throughout Colombia, including Barichara, and from pictures alone Villa de Leyva looked pleasant but not necessarily extraordinary.
Once I arrived, my opinion changed immediately.
First Impressions of Villa de Leyva
We grabbed our luggage and walked to our Airbnb, which was located only a short distance from the famous main square.
After dropping off our bags, we headed to a nearby restaurant called Chuska for lunch.
From there we spent the rest of the day exploring.
The atmosphere was incredible.
The town felt alive without feeling crowded.
Families were walking through the plaza, couples enjoyed outdoor cafes, children played nearby, and locals seemed genuinely happy to be spending time together.
As the evening progressed, we enjoyed dinner, a few drinks, and a leisurely stroll through the streets.
Even my wife, who rarely drinks alcohol, joined me for a glass of wine.
It was one of those evenings where you simply enjoy being present.
Why Villa de Leyva Exceeded Expectations
What impressed me most was how the town felt.
Photos don’t adequately capture the atmosphere.
The enormous central plaza creates a sense of openness rarely found in colonial towns.
The architecture is beautiful.
The pace is relaxed.
And there is a genuine authenticity that many tourist destinations lose over time.
While there are certainly visitors, the town still feels like a place where local people live their daily lives.
That’s something I always appreciate.
Exploring Boyacá and Ráquira
The next morning we arranged a local tour.
I’ll add the specific attractions later, but the day took us through several scenic locations throughout the region.
The landscapes were beautiful.
The artwork and handicrafts were impressive.
The pace was enjoyable.
Eventually we found ourselves in the famous town of Ráquira.
Known throughout Colombia for its colorful buildings and pottery, Ráquira is a photographer’s dream.
Everywhere you look there are vibrant colors, artisan workshops, and creative displays.
It was another reminder of how much Colombia offers beyond its major cities.
Life in Colombia’s Small Towns
One thing I love about Colombia is discovering these smaller communities.
Whether it’s Barichara, Guatapé, Salento, Villa de Leyva, or Ráquira, each town has its own personality.
What stands out most is the people.
The restaurants were full.
Families gathered together.
Teenagers socialized in public plazas.
Older residents sat outside enjoying conversations.
There was a sense of community that often feels missing in larger cities.
Perhaps that’s why I enjoy these destinations so much.
The pace of life feels different.
Café Jardín
After returning from our tour, we relaxed briefly before heading out again.
That’s when we discovered Café Jardín.
The café immediately caught our attention.
The signage, menu, atmosphere, and presentation all looked fantastic.
We stopped for coffee and quickly decided we would return the next morning for breakfast.
Some places simply leave a good first impression.
This was one of them.
A Perfect Breakfast
The next morning we returned to Café Jardín.
Fortunately, it lived up to expectations.
As travelers know, that’s not always the case.
The breakfast was excellent, the service was friendly, and the experience was enjoyable enough that it will definitely receive a positive review from me in the future.
Discovering the Chocolate Museum
One attraction we had largely ignored during our stay was the famous Chocolate Museum.
Located directly across from our Airbnb, we had walked past it multiple times.
Finally, before leaving town, curiosity won.
We stepped inside.
The interior was absolutely stunning.
Beautiful decorations, creative displays, and whimsical design elements made the place feel almost magical.
Before long we found ourselves taking countless photographs.
Sometimes the attractions you nearly skip become the ones you remember most.
Returning to Bogotá
Eventually it was time to head back. We collected our bags, walked through town one final time, picked up sandwiches for the bus ride, and returned to Bogotá. The next day was supposed to include additional sightseeing. Instead, we kept things quiet. Like many married couples, we experienced a few disagreements during the trip and decided a slower day would be beneficial.
In hindsight, it was probably the right decision.
The visa interview was approaching, and my wife needed time to prepare mentally.
The Embassy Interview
The morning of the interview arrived. We enjoyed breakfast and headed to the U.S. Embassy. A long line had already formed. Although the actual interview lasted only a few minutes, the entire process took approximately two hours when security screening and waiting times were included.
Eventually my wife was called forward.
A few questions were asked.
Three or four at most.
Then came the decision.
The visa was denied.
After months of preparation, planning, and anticipation, everything was over in just a matter of minutes.
Processing the Outcome
Of course there was disappointment. We had hoped for a different result. But after reflecting on the experience, I realized something important. The week hadn’t been wasted. Far from it. We had explored Bogotá. We had enjoyed great meals. We had photographed murals. We had visited Mirador de la Mano. We had wandered through La Candelaria. We had discovered Villa de Leyva. We had explored Boyacá and Ráquira.
We had found wonderful cafes and hidden gems.
Most importantly, we had created memories together.
Final Thoughts
Travel doesn’t always give us the outcome we expect. Sometimes the primary objective succeeds. Sometimes it doesn’t. Our trip to Bogotá began with a single purpose: obtaining a U.S. tourist visa. That goal wasn’t achieved. Yet the journey itself turned out to be far more rewarding than we anticipated.
For anyone traveling to Bogotá for a visa appointment, my advice is simple:
Prepare thoroughly.
Manage your expectations.
But don’t forget to enjoy the experience.
Visit La Candelaria.
Search for murals.
Explore local restaurants.
Take a side trip to Villa de Leyva.
You might discover that the most valuable part of the journey has nothing to do with the appointment at all.
For us, that’s exactly what happened.
Check out more of Bogota: Bogotá travel guide: Where amazing History Meets the Andes