EduWiki Conference 2025/Location

EduWiki Conference 2025
Bogotá, Colombia
May 30 - June 1, 2025

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Program

List of participants

Welcome to Bogotá!

It is the capital city of Colombia, capital of the department of Cundinamarca and also forms the country's Capital District. It is located in the centre of Colombia, in the natural region known as the savannah of Bogotá at 2625 metres above sea level. It was founded on 6 August 1538 by the Spanish explorer Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada, on the site occupied by a community belonging to the Muisca indigenous people, who originally called it Bacatá.

According to the 2018 population census, Bogotá is Colombia's most populous city with more than 7 million inhabitants. It is the seat of the three branches of government, has the highest nominal and per capita GDP in the country (24.5%), an extensive industrial and services portfolio, and a wide range of academic, cultural, recreational and tourism offerings.

Information about travelling to Bogotá and its public transportation system can be found here.

The city of Bogotá

Bogotá is the vibrant capital city of Colombia. It is situated in the center of the country, high in the Andes Mountains. Specifically, it lies in a fertile upland basin at 2,640 meters above sea level, in the Cordillera Oriental. The city rests on a sloping plain at the base of the Guadalupe and Monserrate mountains.

Geography and Climate

Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is situated in the center of the country, high in the Andes Mountains. Specifically, it lies in a fertile upland basin at 8,660 feet (2,640 meters) above sea level, in the Cordillera Oriental. The city rests on a sloping plain at the base of the Guadalupe and Monserrate mountains.

Bogotá's climate is temperate-humid and due to its altitude of over 2600 m.a.s.l. it has a mountain climate with low oscillations during the year, as it is located close to the earth's equator. Temperatures regularly oscillate between 7 and 19 °C, with an annual average of 13 °C. Rainfall is usually abundant from March to May and from October to November, coinciding with the spring and autumn equinoxes in the northern hemisphere.

Culture and Art

Bogotá is a vibrant center of culture and art in Latin America, offering a rich variety of experiences for conference attendees.

Museums: Explore world-class museums such as the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum), showcasing pre-Columbian gold artifacts; the Museo Botero, featuring the works of Fernando Botero and his personal collection; and the Museo Nacional de Colombia, with its extensive collection of Colombian art and history.
Historical Sites: Wander through La Candelaria, Bogotá's historic heart, with its colonial architecture, colorful streets, and iconic Plaza de Bolívar. Visit the Catedral Primada de Colombia and the Palacio de Justicia.
Performing Arts: Experience Bogotá's thriving performing arts scene. The Teatro Colón is a beautifully restored opera house. Enjoy live music, theater, and dance performances at various venues throughout the city.
Festivals and Events: Bogotá hosts numerous festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from film and literature to music and food.
Cuisine: Indulge in Colombian cuisine. Try ajiaco, a traditional chicken and potato soup; bandeja paisa, a hearty platter of meat , beans, and rice; and empanadas, savory pastries. Explore the diverse culinary scene, from traditional restaurants to modern eateries.
Handicrafts: Discover Colombian handicrafts at the Usaquén Flea Market (Sundays) or at artisan shops throughout the city. Look for mochilas (woven bags), sombreros (hats), and other unique souvenirs.

The Most Popular Attractions in Bogotá

La Candelaria (Historic District)
Museo del Oro (Gold Museum)
Monserrate Hill
Plaza de Bolívar
Museo Botero
Jardín Botánico de Bogotá (Botanical Garden)
Parque Simón Bolívar
Zona Rosa/Zona T
Mercado de Paloquemao
Catedral Primada de Colombia
Quinta de Bolívar
Teatro Colón
Usaquén Flea Market
Maloka Interactive Center
Chorro de Quevedo

Venue

Accommodation, venue and catering will be provided at the historic four-star Hotel Tequendama Bogotá. This iconic hotel, a true landmark in the heart of Bogotá's international center, offers a blend of elegance, history, and modern convenience, providing the perfect setting for our gathering. El Dorado International Airport is pproximately 15-20 kilometers away, the airport is typically a 35-50 minute taxi or ride-share journey, depending on traffic. The historic center in La Candelaria, is roughly 3-4 kilometers from the hotel. Expect a 15-20 minute taxi or ride-share ride, or a slightly longer trip via public transportation. Located within or very near La Candelaria, the Gold Museum is approximately a 15-20 minute taxi ride from the Hotel Tequendama. It is esily accessible also by Transmilenio (public transport); several lines along Carrera 10, such as the A61, H61, and others, will take you to La Candelaria stops.

All program sessions will take place at the hotel, and meals will be available for attendees (including lunch and dinner, aside from one evening dinner out arranged by Wikimedia Colombia). Breakfast is also available for those staying at the hotel.

The main event sessions will take place in three conference rooms at the hotel: Monserrate Room (17th Floor) Guadalupe Room (17th Floor) Golfistas 1 Room (3rd Floor) Our organizing team will be on hand to ensure that your experience at Hotel Tequendama —and in Bogotá overall— is enjoyable, safe, and enriching.

To reach the 17th floor of Hotel Tequendama, you need to take the elevator located in the Classic Tower. Start at the front desk, walk around it, and go down the nearby stairs. At the bottom, you'll find the elevator on your right—this one will take you directly to the 17th floor.

Transportation

Bogotá is a large and dynamic city with various public and private transportation options, including TransMilenio (bus rapid transit system), SITP buses, authorized taxis, and ride-hailing apps such as Uber, Cabify, and Taxis Libres.

We understand that navigating a new city can be challenging. For this reason, transportation assistance has been arranged for EduWiki Conference participants:

- If you are staying at Hotel Tequendama, you will have access to a shuttle service from El Dorado International Airport to the hotel, available for those who have confirmed their arrival in advance. You will receive additional information prior to your travel. - A return transfer from the hotel to the airport will be organized at the end of the conference.

Accommodation

Full scholarship recipients already have a room reserved, so you do not need to book one. Partial scholarship recipients and self-funded travelers are encouraged to make a reservation soon. You may use the code WIKIMEDIA to get a group rate, although since they use dynamic pricing, it's possible you'll get a better rate through their website without the code.

The hotel offers a variety of amenities to ensure your well-being throughout the event: On-site restaurant and breakfast included (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) - Lobby bar and café - 24-hour reception and guest assistance - Gym and spa (additional cost) - Room service and free Wi-Fi - Comfortable shared areas for rest, socializing, or working

Important: These services are available exclusively to EduWiki Conference guests staying at Hotel Tequendama. Any additional services or expenses not included in the official agenda must be covered individually.

Smoking is strictly prohibited on the hotel premises. In Colombia, all indoor spaces are legally designated as smoke-free areas.

Catering

Catering during the conference days includes lunch and dinner (except for one evening dinner out arranged by Wikimedia Colombia). Breakfast (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) is included for full-scholarship recipients staying at Hotel Tequendama and at Four Points Hotel. Please note that breakfast will be served at different places depending on the side of the hotel you are staying at.

Social Event

On Saturday May 31, 2025 afternoon, we will enjoy a cultural activity, including a guided visit to the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) and a special closing dinner (at Restaurant Andrés D.C). To ensure your comfort and safety, three buses will depart from the hotel and return at the end of the evening.

Relax and Enjoy, even on Sunday's afternoon

While many shops and businesses close on Sundays, there are still several great options to enjoy your free time in Bogotá. Below is a list of recommendations, all relatively close to the hotel:

Soluciones (Torres del parque; Cra. 5 #26C-17): Little shop for presents and souvenirs.

Templo del Té (Torres del Parque: Cra. 5 #26C-29): Take a short walk and enjoy a peaceful moment with tea and cake.

Museo Nacional (Cra. 7 #28-66): Closes at 5:00 PM. Learn about Colombia’s past inside a former panoptic prison.

Museo de Arte Moderno de Bogotá – MAMBO (Calle 24 #6-00): Closes at 5:00 PM. Discover contemporary and modern art from Bogotá and beyond.

Wok (Cra. 6 Bis #29-07): Enjoy a fusion of Asian cuisines with Colombian touches.

Parkway (Avenida 24, between Calle 36 and Calle 45): Take a stroll among trees and find a cozy spot for tea, a beer, or a snack.

Varietale Chapinero (Cra. 4A #57-02): Closes at 8:00 PM. Enjoy excellent Colombian coffee. The surrounding area offers great restaurants and bars.

Tornamesa – Zona G (Calle 70 #5-23): Browse books and souvenirs in the heart of "Zona G" (G for Gourmet), surrounded by top-notch restaurants.

Café Mistral La Soledad (Cra. 22 #40-89): A lovely spot for coffee, cakes, and baked goods. Visit early to explore the local designer shop on the second floor.

Librería Matorral + Diosa Cervecería (Cra. 5 #26C-06): Closes at 6:00 PM. Another location for book lovers, with the option to enjoy a Diosa craft beer.

Shopping Centers: If you’re looking to shop, the area around Andrés D.C. offers several malls, including Centro Comercial Andino, Centro Comercial El Retiro, and Centro Comercial Atlantis.

Restaurante Mini-Mal: For excellent and delicious local gourmet food in Chapinero, this is the place to be.

Sunday's ciclovía: weekly event in which major streets are closed to motor vehicles and opened for cyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorized activities, promoting healthy lifestyles and community engagement.

Other City Highlights: Consider visiting iconic sites such as Plaza de Bolívar, Jardín Botánico, Museo Casa de la Moneda, Monserrate, or Biblioteca Pública Virgilio Barco.

Nightlife

Bogotá has a vibrant and diverse nightlife, offering something for everyone. From nice bars and clubs to cultural events, the city comes alive after dark with energy and creativity. Whether you're into dancing, cocktails, or local music scenes, Bogotá's nightlife is full of unique experiences.

Diosa Cervecería + Librería Matorral (Cra. 19 #36-55): The bookstore closes at 5:00 PM, the brewery at 10:00 PM. Enjoy craft beer in a relaxed beer garden, and browse the excellent book selection at Matorral.

Sándwich Taller: (Cra. 4a #27-57): Nice foods, drinks, music, and more.

Tienda de Esperanza: (Cra 4 # 26b-04 La Macarena - or Cra 22 # 74-30 San Felipe): Traditional neighborhood shop in Bogotá, ideal for meeting locals and getting a deeper glimpse into the city's nightlife.

Theatron: (Calle 69a #6-32): Is one of the largest and most iconic nightclubs in Latin Bogota. A must-visit for those wanting to explore Bogotá’s LGBTQ+ scene and dance the night away in a unique and energetic setting.

Latino Power: (Calle 58 Bis No.10 - 32): A cultural venue in Bogotá's Chapinero district, renowned for its eclectic live music scene. It showcases a diverse array of genres, from Colombian folk to hip-hop and electronic music.

Casa de la Paz: Brewery run by signatories of the 2016 peace agreement; former FARC guerrilla combatants. It operates solidarity shops supporting productive projects by other signatories.

Video Club : (Cl. 64 # 13 - 09) Is an industrial-style nightclub in Bogotá's Chapinero district, featuring multiple floors with diverse music genres like techno, reggaeton, and house.

Paradisco Audio Bar: (Cra 6 # 67 63 - 2floor) Paradisco is Bogotá's first listening bar, offering a unique, high-fidelity audio experience. Curated by DJ and vinyl collectors.

Quiebracanto salsa bar: (Cra. 5 #17-76) Founded in 1979 by National University students. Located in the historic Aguas neighborhood, it offers live music, DJ sets, and a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates Salsa music heritage.

Tejo Turmequé: (Calle 57 # 13-10) Lively venue in Bogotá where visitors can experience Colombia's national sport, tejo. Combining traditional gameplay with a festive atmosphere, it's a nice spot to enjoy local culture, music, and cuisine.

Tipping in Colombia

In Colombia, tipping at restaurants is generally expected but handled a bit differently than in some other countries.

Service charge (propina voluntaria): Most mid-range and upscale restaurants in Colombia add a voluntary service charge of 10% to the bill. This is usually noted on the check, and you can choose to accept or decline it. While it’s labeled as voluntary, it’s customary to accept it unless the service was poor.

If it’s not included: In smaller or more casual places, the 10% may not be added automatically. In those cases, it's still customary to leave a tip—usually around 10% of the total bill.

Cash or card: If paying by card, you can ask to add the tip to your card payment, or you can leave cash separately.

Fast food or very casual dining: Tipping is not expected at fast food chains or in very casual eateries like street food stalls.