Summer Home Swap in Bogotá: Your Complete Guide to Colombia's High-Altitude Escape

I still remember standing on my host's balcony in Chapinero Alto, wrapped in a light sweater at 8 AM in July, watching the Andes catch the morning light while sipping a tinto. My friend back in San Francisco had just texted me a photo of herself melting in 95°F heat, and here I was in Bogotá—a city sitting at 8,660 feet above sea level—enjoying what felt like eternal spring. That's when it hit me: a summer home swap in Bogotá might be one of travel's best-kept secrets.

Here's the thing about Bogotá that most North Americans don't realize: when you're sweating through July and August back home, Colombia's capital is experiencing its driest, sunniest season. The city hovers between 57-66°F (14-19°C) year-round, but summer months bring less rain and more of those crystalline blue sky days that make the surrounding mountains look almost unreal.

Why a Summer Home Swap in Bogotá Makes Perfect Sense

I've done home exchanges in 25 countries over seven years, and Bogotá consistently surprises people. When I mention I've swapped homes there three times, I usually get raised eyebrows. But those eyebrows drop pretty quickly when I explain the economics.

Hotels in Bogotá's desirable neighborhoods run anywhere from $80-200 USD per night for something decent. Airbnbs in areas like Chapinero or Usaquén average $60-120 nightly. Over a two-week stay, you're looking at $840-2,800 just for accommodation. With SwappaHome's credit system—where hosting one night earns you one credit, and staying one night costs one credit—my 14-night Bogotá adventure cost me exactly zero dollars in lodging.

But honestly? The money isn't even the main reason I keep going back.

It's the experience of waking up in a real Bogotá apartment, walking to the corner tienda for fresh pan de bono, and having neighbors who nod at you like you belong. That's something no hotel can replicate.

The Weather Factor: What "Summer" Actually Means in Bogotá

Bogotá doesn't have traditional seasons—it has wet periods and dry periods. The city experiences two dry seasons: December through March, and then again from July through August. This second dry season coincides perfectly with summer vacation in the Northern Hemisphere, which is why I call it Bogotá's "secret summer."

During July and August, expect average highs of 64-66°F (18-19°C), lows around 48-50°F (9-10°C), and roughly 2-4 inches of rainfall for the entire month. You'll get about 5-6 hours of sunshine daily, with occasional afternoon showers that clear within an hour. Compare that to April or October, when the city gets drenched with 4-6 inches of rain monthly, and suddenly summer starts looking pretty appealing.

Best Neighborhoods for Your Bogotá Home Exchange

Not all Bogotá neighborhoods are created equal—especially for home swapping. After three exchanges and countless hours wandering this sprawling city of 8 million people, I've developed strong opinions about where you actually want to stay.

Chapinero: The Sweet Spot for First-Timers

If I could only recommend one neighborhood for a summer home swap in Bogotá, it would be Chapinero—specifically Chapinero Alto or Chapinero Norte. This is where I stayed on my first exchange, in a third-floor apartment with exposed brick walls and a kitchen full of Colombian coffee varieties I'd never heard of.

Chapinero has evolved into Bogotá's most cosmopolitan district. You'll find craft coffee shops next to traditional panaderías, international restaurants alongside family-run corrientazos (set lunch spots), and a thriving LGBTQ+ scene centered around Theatron, one of the largest nightclubs in South America.

What makes it ideal for home exchanges? There's a strong community of international residents and young professionals, it's walkable to most attractions or has easy TransMilenio access, and you get this wonderful mix of modern apartments and charming older buildings. The prices attract hosts who actually care about their spaces.

Expect homes here to range from compact studios to spacious two-bedrooms. My host had a collection of vinyl records and left me a handwritten note about the best empanada spot on Carrera 7. It was Empanadas del Mono, and she was absolutely right.

Usaquén: If You Want That Village-Within-a-City Feel

Usaquén used to be its own town before Bogotá swallowed it up, and you can still feel that history in its cobblestone streets and colonial architecture. The Sunday flea market here is legendary—artisans selling everything from handwoven mochilas to vintage cameras, with live music floating between the stalls.

This neighborhood skews slightly more upscale and residential. The homes available for exchange tend to be larger, often with dedicated guest rooms and outdoor spaces. I met a couple from Portland on SwappaHome who'd swapped into a three-bedroom house here with a small garden—they were traveling with kids and said it was the best decision they'd made.

The trade-off? Usaquén is farther north, so getting to La Candelaria or the museum district requires a 30-45 minute commute. But if you're planning a longer stay and want space to breathe, it's worth considering.

La Candelaria: History at Your Doorstep

The historic center. Colonial buildings painted in mustard yellows and terracotta reds. Street art that tells stories of resistance and hope. This is where Bogotá's soul lives, and walking these streets feels like stepping into a García Márquez novel.

I'll be honest though—La Candelaria requires some street smarts. It's safe during the day, especially around the main plazas and museums, but I wouldn't recommend wandering alone at night if you don't know the area. The home exchange options here tend to be smaller apartments in older buildings, some with quirks like temperamental plumbing or steep stairs.

That said, if you're a history buff or want to be steps from the Gold Museum and Botero Museum, there's no better location. Just do your research on the specific street and check recent reviews from other SwappaHome members.

What to Actually Expect During Your Summer Home Swap

Alright, let's get practical. You've found a home exchange in Bogotá, you've booked your flights (pro tip: Spirit and JetBlue often have deals from the East Coast, Avianca from Miami), and now you're wondering what daily life will actually look like.

The Altitude Adjustment Is Real

I cannot stress this enough: Bogotá sits at 8,660 feet. That's higher than any city in the continental United States except Leadville, Colorado. Your first few days, you might feel slightly breathless climbing stairs, experience mild headaches, or find yourself needing more sleep than usual.

My advice? Don't plan anything strenuous for your first 48 hours. Use that time to explore your neighborhood slowly, hydrate obsessively, and maybe skip that second aguardiente at dinner. By day three, most people feel completely normal.

The upside of the altitude? That eternal spring weather I mentioned. While sea-level tropical cities like Cartagena or Medellín can feel oppressively hot, Bogotá's thin air keeps things comfortable. You'll want layers—mornings are cool, midday can feel warm in direct sun, and evenings require a jacket.

Cost of Living: Your Wallet Will Thank You

One of the most practical benefits of a Bogotá home swap is how far your money stretches once you're there. As of mid-2024, the exchange rate hovers around 4,000 Colombian pesos to 1 USD, and local prices haven't caught up to that favorable rate.

A coffee at a specialty shop runs 6,000-12,000 COP ($1.50-3 USD). Lunch at a corrientazo—one of those set menu spots—costs 12,000-18,000 COP ($3-4.50 USD). Even a nice dinner rarely tops 80,000 COP ($20 USD). TransMilenio rides are under a dollar, and an Uber across the city might set you back $4-8. Fresh fruit at a local market? Practically free by US standards.

When you're not paying for accommodation, a comfortable daily budget is around $40-60 USD including meals, transportation, and activities. Compare that to what you'd spend in most European capitals.

The Food Scene Will Surprise You

I'll admit—before my first Bogotá swap, I didn't have high expectations for Colombian cuisine.

I was wrong. So wrong.

The city has undergone a culinary revolution. Sure, you'll find traditional dishes like ajiaco (a hearty chicken soup with three types of potatoes), bandeja paisa, and arepas everywhere. But there's also a thriving scene of innovative restaurants blending Colombian ingredients with international techniques.

My personal favorites from my last summer swap: Leo in Chapinero, where Chef Leonor Espinosa's exploration of Colombian biodiversity genuinely gave me one of the best meals I've had anywhere (not cheap at $80-100 USD per person, but worth it). Salvo Patria, also in Chapinero, does farm-to-table brunch that locals actually go to—the eggs with hogao sauce changed my breakfast standards permanently. Mini-Mal in La Candelaria serves elevated Colombian comfort food in a casual setting, and their chicharrón tacos are unreasonably good. And then there's Plaza de Mercado de Paloquemao—not a restaurant but a massive market where you can eat your way through Colombia for under $10.

Making the Most of Your Home Exchange Experience

Here's where home swapping really shines compared to other accommodation options: the local knowledge you gain from your host. Before my Chapinero stay, my host María sent me a detailed Google Doc with her favorite spots, organized by category. She told me which bakery had the best almojábanas (cheese bread), which park was best for morning runs, and which street vendor made the best fresh juice.

That kind of intel takes weeks to accumulate on your own. With a home exchange, you start with insider status.

Communication Tips for Colombian Hosts

Colombian culture tends toward warmth and indirect communication. Don't be surprised if your host wants to video chat before confirming the exchange—this is common and actually a good sign that they care about who stays in their home. Colombians often use WhatsApp more than email, so be ready to switch platforms. And fair warning: "ahorita" (right now) doesn't actually mean right now. It's more like "soon-ish." Adjust expectations accordingly.

Bringing a small gift from your home country is appreciated but not expected. I usually bring local coffee from San Francisco—there's something funny about bringing coffee to Colombia, and it always gets a laugh.

What to Leave and What to Bring

Since you'll be staying in someone's actual home, you won't need to pack like you're heading into the wilderness. Most Bogotá apartments come stocked with kitchen essentials, linens and towels, cleaning supplies, often a washing machine (dryers are rare—Colombians air dry), and reliable WiFi.

What you should definitely bring: layers upon layers (that weather variation is no joke), a good rain jacket even in dry season, comfortable walking shoes since Bogotá's sidewalks are uneven, any specific toiletries you're attached to, a universal power adapter (Colombia uses Type A and B plugs like the US, but double-check), and your own medications since finding specific brands can be tricky.

Day Trips and Weekend Excursions from Bogotá

One advantage of a longer home swap is using Bogotá as a base for exploring the surrounding region. The city's location in the Andes means dramatic landscapes are never far away.

Zipaquirá's Salt Cathedral

About an hour north of Bogotá lies one of Colombia's most unique attractions: an underground cathedral carved entirely from salt. It sounds gimmicky until you're standing in it, 180 meters below the earth's surface, surrounded by salt-carved crosses illuminated in shifting colors. I'm not particularly religious, but something about the space felt genuinely sacred.

You can take the tourist train from Usaquén station (around 60,000 COP roundtrip, about $15 USD) or grab a bus from Portal del Norte for a fraction of the price. I'd recommend going early on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Villa de Leyva

If you have a weekend to spare, Villa de Leyva is worth the 4-hour bus ride. This colonial town has been preserved so perfectly it's almost disorienting—the main plaza is one of the largest cobblestone squares in South America, surrounded by whitewashed buildings that haven't changed much since the 1600s.

I spent a weekend there during my second Bogotá swap, staying at a small guesthouse (my home exchange was just for the city). The surrounding desert landscape—yes, desert in Colombia—is dotted with fossil sites and ancient indigenous observatories. It feels like another planet.

Guatavita and the Legend of El Dorado

The sacred lake where the legend of El Dorado originated is only 90 minutes from Bogotá. The Muisca people used to cover their chief in gold dust and have him dive into the lake as an offering. Spanish conquistadors literally tried to drain the lake to get the gold. They failed, thankfully.

The hike around the crater lake is moderate and stunning, especially on a clear summer day. Go early—clouds tend to roll in by afternoon.

Practical Safety Considerations

I'd be doing you a disservice if I didn't address safety, because I know it's on your mind. Colombia's reputation still carries baggage from decades past, and while the country has transformed dramatically, it's not without its challenges.

The honest truth? Bogotá is about as safe as any major Latin American city, which means you need to exercise common sense without being paranoid. In seven years of home swapping, I've never had a security issue there—but I also follow some basic guidelines.

Stick to well-lit, populated areas at night. Use Uber or registered taxis rather than hailing cabs on the street. Don't flash expensive jewelry or electronics. Keep your phone in your front pocket or a crossbody bag. These are the same precautions I'd take in San Francisco, honestly.

The neighborhoods I mentioned earlier—Chapinero, Usaquén, and the tourist areas of La Candelaria—are generally safe for visitors. Your home exchange host will likely give you specific advice about their area, including any streets to avoid.

One thing I appreciate about SwappaHome's verification system is that it adds a layer of accountability. When you're staying in someone's home and they're potentially staying in yours, there's a mutual trust that goes beyond a typical rental transaction. The review system means hosts have reputations to maintain, and that tends to attract responsible, trustworthy members.

Planning Your Summer Home Swap Timeline

If you're convinced that a summer home swap in Bogotá is right for you (and honestly, I think it might be), here's a realistic timeline for making it happen.

4-6 months before: Create or update your SwappaHome profile. Add detailed photos of your home, write a compelling description, and start browsing Bogotá listings. The best properties get booked early, especially for peak summer months.

3-4 months before: Start reaching out to potential hosts. Send personalized messages explaining why you're interested in their specific home and what dates you're considering. Don't just copy-paste generic requests—hosts can tell.

2-3 months before: Confirm your exchange and book flights. This is also when you should sort out any necessary arrangements for your own home—pet sitters, plant waterers, neighbors who can keep an eye on things.

1 month before: Exchange detailed information with your host. House rules, WiFi passwords, local recommendations, emergency contacts. The more you communicate beforehand, the smoother your arrival will be.

1 week before: Do a final check-in. Confirm arrival times, key exchange logistics, and any last-minute questions. I usually send my host a photo of myself so they know who to expect.

The Intangible Benefits of Home Swapping in Bogotá

I've given you a lot of practical information—neighborhoods, costs, weather patterns, safety tips. But I want to end with something less tangible, because it's actually what keeps me coming back to home exchanges in general and Bogotá specifically.

There's a moment that happens a few days into every home swap when you stop feeling like a tourist and start feeling like a temporary resident. For me in Bogotá, it was the morning I walked to the corner tienda without checking Google Maps, ordered my usual tinto and pan de bono in Spanish, and the owner recognized me from the day before. "Buenos días, vecina," she said. Good morning, neighbor.

That feeling—of belonging somewhere, even briefly—is what travel is supposed to be about. Hotels insulate you from real life. Home exchanges drop you right into it.

Bogotá, with its complexity and contradictions, its world-class restaurants and humble street food stalls, its colonial history and contemporary art scene, its challenging altitude and perfect weather—it's a city that rewards the curious traveler. And there's no better way to be curious than to live in someone's home, sleep in their bed, cook in their kitchen, and see the city through their eyes.

If you're thinking about your first home exchange, or your first time in Colombia, or just looking for a way to escape the summer heat back home, I genuinely think a summer home swap in Bogotá could be exactly what you need. It was for me.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a summer home swap in Bogotá safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Bogotá is generally safe for solo travelers who take standard precautions. Stick to recommended neighborhoods like Chapinero and Usaquén, use registered transportation, and avoid displaying valuables. The home exchange community adds accountability through verified profiles and reviews, and your host can provide specific safety advice for their neighborhood.

How much money can I save with a home exchange in Bogotá compared to hotels?

A two-week stay in a decent Bogotá hotel costs $1,100-2,800 USD, while comparable Airbnbs run $840-1,680 USD. With SwappaHome's credit system, accommodation costs nothing—you simply use credits earned from hosting. Combined with Bogotá's low cost of living ($40-60 USD daily for food and activities), your total trip cost drops dramatically.

What's the best month for a summer home swap in Bogotá?

July and August offer the best weather, with minimal rainfall (2-4 inches monthly) and pleasant temperatures averaging 57-66°F. These months fall within Bogotá's dry season, meaning more sunshine and fewer afternoon storms. December through February is the other dry season if summer doesn't work for your schedule.

Do I need to speak Spanish for a home exchange in Bogotá?

Basic Spanish helps significantly, though many SwappaHome hosts in Bogotá speak English. Learning key phrases for daily interactions—ordering food, taking taxis, shopping—will enhance your experience. Your host will likely provide written instructions in English, and translation apps work well for complex conversations.

How far in advance should I book a summer home swap in Bogotá?

Start browsing and reaching out to potential hosts 4-6 months before your travel dates. Popular properties in desirable neighborhoods like Chapinero get booked quickly during summer months. Confirm your exchange at least 2-3 months ahead to secure the best options and give yourself time to book affordable flights.