Are you ready to learn Spanish and at the same time enjoy one of the most famous touristic locations in Colombia?
Before you start packing your bags, take some time to read the following information. It will help you avoid any complications and make the most out of your adventure!!
The nearest airport is "El Dorado", located in Bogotá.
Local time is GMT -5
At a height of 2584 meters above sea level (8477 ft.), the average temperature in Suesca is 18 degrees Celsius (64 F).
Getting Here
By car from Bogotá: you should take Autopista Norte that goes to Tunja. You will pass a toll bridge, the town of Briceño, the town of Tocancipa and a second toll bridge. Then, you will find on the main road a crossroads: right leads to Sesquile and left to Suesca, which is approximately 15 km from the highway. It is around an hour's travel time.
By Bus from Bogotá: you can take city buses to the large public transportation terminal called Portal Norte of Transmilenio, and from there take the Flota Alianza bus to Suesca. These buses are quite frequent, and cost approximately 3 Euros or 3 dollars. From downtown Bogota on public transportation one should budget about 2 hours to get to Suesca, or one hour from the Portal Norte terminal.
There are many ATMs around Bogotá and in Suesca, but keep in mind that your bank will charge you for the overseas withdrawal!
If you use the ATM, withdraw the maximum amount possible.
Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. Two-pin flat blade attachment plugs and three-pin plugs are in use.
If you are considering renting a car please be aware that gas is expensive in Colombia: you can pay around 60 to 80 bucks for a full tank!.
Many restaurants, hostelries and households have wi-fi so you can keep in touch with your family and friends.
You can also buy a SIM card with a data plan from a local telephone company.
Medical Insurance
Having a medical insurance when you travel abroad is just common sense, specially if you are going to engage in activities such as mountain climbing!.
Many travel agencies and credit cards companies offer insurance during the length of your stay, so check your options and be sure to have one!.
Currency
The Colombian currency is the "peso" (COP).
For updated exchange rates, check:
For exchange offices in Bogotá:
www.bogota-dc.com/dir/cambio.html
Take some time to get familiarized with the different bills since it can be confusing at the beginning.
SAFETY
Common sense is the rule! Don't show your money, phone or electronic devices in public, don't pick up taxis in the street and don't walk around places you don't know late at night. Bogotá has its share of pickpockets, specially in the public transport system Transmilenio, so watch your personal belongins always.
In Suesca you can follow the same recommendations but, since it is a countryside town, it's very rare to hear about a robbery or assault.
Clothing
Dress according to the weather: a warm jacket, good shoes and all you might need to keep you warm!. There are several clothing shops near the school where you can buy thermal clothing in case you need.
Duration of Stay
All tourists visiting Colombia must hold valid passports, tickets and documents for onward or return travel, and sufficient funds to cover their stay. We recommend that passports be valid for six months after the intended period of travel.
US, British, Canadian and Australian nationals must have a valid passport at arrival but do not require a visa for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
For other nationalities check the sites:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Colombia
http://www.projectvisa.com/visainformation/Colombia
Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
In case of assistance as a non-Colombian citizen, the following sites can give you information about your embassy or consulate in Colombia:
Drinking Water
Although the government has made an effort in recent years to purify the water supply, always drink bottled or filtered water.