Cerro Monserrate – Bogota

The white church and steeple at the top of Cerro Monserrate can be seen from almost any spot in Bogota.  The mountain looms 2000 feet over the city.  Bogota already sits at an altitude of 8000 feet.  The air is thin here.

The little chapel on the mountain was built in the 17^th century as a religious retreat and was named in honor of the Catalonian Montserrat mountain retreat in Spain near Barcelona.  Over time, Bogota’s Monserrate, already considered sacred in pre-Columbian times,  became a pilgrimage destination for Colombians.   Ever since then, for more than four centuries, pilgrims and citizens have hiked the mountain to offer their prayers

Today this place is a favorite for locals and all tourists.  It’s a place for a challenging weekend hike with family and dates, or as some people do, a trek for hard exercise.  The top can be reached three ways:  Cable car, the funicular (or cog-wheel car), or via the paved hiking path.  Along with a bunch of people enjoying a weekend outing, we chose the hard way.  We walked.

Although the entire path paved is with stone embedded in cement, it has over 1800 steps as well as smooth inclines that wind up the mountain.  The 2000 foot climb itself is challenging but the altitude made it even more difficult.  About mid-way, we wondered why we decided to take the hike.  Our thighs, glutes, calves, and lungs felt every step.  We stopped every little bit to take photos of the panoramic view of the city below and to catch our breath.

Along the way we shared laughs and greetings with fellow hikers, joking about how crazy we all were to undertake such a trek.  Near the end of our uphill hike, we saw a young woman accompanying an older lady making the climb.  Perhaps they might have been a granddaughter with grandmother.  The lady walked with a cane.  As we passed them, Stan turned and applauded the lady for making the hike.  The lady’s face lighted up and she gave us a huge smile.  Tears came to her eyes!  She clapped too and we all bumped congratulatory fists.  Stan surely made her day! 

A little later on, as we stopped to take a breath, the two ladies met us again.  The elder wanted a photo with us.  She gave s a beaming grin and spoke to us in happy Spanish – which we did not understand.  Then we exchanged our ages – which we did understand; even though she walked with a cane, Stan and I are older!!!.  She had beautiful skin and her eyes literally twinkled!  As we said adios, she hugged us and kissed our cheeks.

We planned for the weather and wore clothing in layers for the trip.  Midway, we peeled the outer layer.  Even though the air was chilly, we were hot.  Finally, at the top, we put our long sleeve shirts back on and even added our jackets!  The wind was strong and chilly, and as our sweat evaporated we felt cold.

The chapel of the church is simple but very pretty.  A mass was in progress.  Complementing the chapel and original retreat buildings are several shops (of course!) and restaurants (of course!).  We had a 2:30 lunch and started our return trip down the mountain around 3:30.  Although we made it in half the time it took for our ascent, the steps downward take a toll on the knees!  I’m sure we will feel it tomorrow.