Artesanías El Balay, Bogota
What to buy here: Sombrero Vueltiado.
Ignore the fact that they will probably look better on locals out on horseback in the lush green countryside than on you or someone you love back in Indiana: these iconic black and white cowboy hats made out of caña flecha, a type of reed, make great gifts. Of Indian origin, they are one of the main- and macho - symbols of Colombia. Former President Uribe, who was once wildly popular across the country, was often photographed at his ranch on horseback, always with his sombrero vueltiado. In fact, if you are running for office, putting on this hat is almost obligatory when trying to foment an image of a man of the people. (Voluptuous Colombian models and actresses also don the hat when vacationing at the beach.) Try Artesanías El Balay at Carrera 15 No. 75-63.
Operation hours Monday – Saturday: 9:30am – 7:00pm.
Ignore the fact that they will probably look better on locals out on horseback in the lush green countryside than on you or someone you love back in Indiana: these iconic black and white cowboy hats made out of caña flecha, a type of reed, make great gifts. Of Indian origin, they are one of the main- and macho - symbols of Colombia. Former President Uribe, who was once wildly popular across the country, was often photographed at his ranch on horseback, always with his sombrero vueltiado. In fact, if you are running for office, putting on this hat is almost obligatory when trying to foment an image of a man of the people. (Voluptuous Colombian models and actresses also don the hat when vacationing at the beach.) Try Artesanías El Balay at Carrera 15 No. 75-63.
Operation hours Monday – Saturday: 9:30am – 7:00pm.
Image Courtesy of Andrew Dier.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Bogota. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Artesanías El Balay on Map
Sight Name: Artesanías El Balay
Sight Location: Bogota, Colombia (See walking tours in Bogota)
Sight Type: Shopping
Sight Location: Bogota, Colombia (See walking tours in Bogota)
Sight Type: Shopping
Walking Tours in Bogota, Colombia
Create Your Own Walk in Bogota
Creating your own self-guided walk in Bogota is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Bogota Old Town Walking Tour
In 1538, the indigenous Muisca of the Colombian Altiplano had the advantage in numbers over the force of conquistador Gonzalo Jimenez de Quesada. Arriving in the Muisca Federation, the Spanish had only 162 exhausted men. However, the guecha warriors of Chief Tisquesusa were no match. The Federation fell in bloody battle.
In the area now known as Quevedo's Fountain Square, Quesada set up 12... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
In the area now known as Quevedo's Fountain Square, Quesada set up 12... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Architectural Jewels
Bogota, Colombia, is quite a city for an architectural experience. Attentive to the local historical heritage, the city has managed to preserve in full splendor most of its colonial buildings.
One such gem is the Palace (or House) of Nariño, the official residence of the President of Colombia. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a prominent landmark.
Not far away from it... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
One such gem is the Palace (or House) of Nariño, the official residence of the President of Colombia. Its grandeur and historical significance make it a prominent landmark.
Not far away from it... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Bogota Shopping Tour
Colombia is known for its gold and emeralds, recognizable national clothing, pottery, accessories, and other crafts. The country's capital Bogota is so rich in authentic shopping that it's almost mind-boggling to decide what to buy first and most importantly, where to buy it at the best possible price!
Start your quest at Pasaje Rivas Market, Bogota's oldest marketplace, offering... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Start your quest at Pasaje Rivas Market, Bogota's oldest marketplace, offering... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
18 Uniquely Columbian Things to Buy in Bogota
To those who understand Russian, the word "Bogota" sounds very similar to the one translating as "rich". And, indeed, the city does live up to this name connotation in terms of peculiar things worth exploring in addition to coca, coffee and emeralds. Here's the longer list...
Enjoying Onces in Bogota
Elevenses, on the surface, seem to be a particularly British tradition, a break for something light and sweet between breakfast and lunch, a time to gossip, a time to catch up, a time just to be. Lo and behold, Colombia somewhere along the line adapted this tradition in a particularly Latin fashion....