The small triangular plaza traditionally identified as the spot where Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada founded Bogotá in 1538, named for the priest Agustín de Quevedo who installed a public water spout here. Today it is the social centre of student La Candelaria, ringed by murals, chicha bars and the narrow mural-covered alley of the Callejón del Embudo.
Chorro de Quevedo is a small triangular plaza at Carrera 2 with Calle 12B in La Candelaria, Bogotá, Colombia. It is traditionally identified as the place where Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada founded the city in 1538, and takes its name from the priest Agustín de Quevedo, who installed a public water spout here. A small chapel, an Andean-style replica of the founding church, stands at one side of the square, and a modest monument marks the founding legend.
Today the plaza is the social centre of student La Candelaria. Visitors find murals on the surrounding walls, street musicians, buskers and small bars serving chicha, the traditional fermented corn drink, at around COP 5,000 a glass. The narrow Callejón del Embudo leads off the plaza and is covered in street art. On weekend afternoons the space fills with students, tourists and performers, giving it a lively, informal atmosphere.
A visit takes 30 to 60 minutes, though many people linger longer over a drink. The plaza is open at all hours, but bars typically operate from about 12:00PM to 11:00PM. Late afternoon before dark is the best time to see the space in good light and with plenty of activity. The plaza and the alley are best avoided late at night, when the area is less busy and petty crime is a risk. Visitors should keep phones and valuables secure at all times.
Crowds are largest on Friday and Saturday evenings and on afternoons with good weather. Weekday mornings are quiet and give the best chance to photograph the murals and chapel without people in the frame. The plaza is a 10-minute uphill walk east from the Plaza de Bolívar and is often paired with the Museo Botero, the graffiti tours that operate in the quarter, and the climb toward Monserrate.
| Admission | Adult Free; a glass of chicha in the surrounding bars costs about COP 5,000 (~$1.57) · Child Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Plaza open at all hours; bars typically 12:00PM-11:00PM |
| Typical visit | 30-60 minutes |
| Best time | Late afternoon before dark; the plaza and the alley are best avoided late at night |
| Getting there | A 10-minute uphill walk east from the Plaza de Bolívar |
| Address | Carrera 2 with Calle 12B, La Candelaria, Bogotá D.C., Colombia |
Location
Carrera 2 with Calle 12B, La Candelaria, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
4.5961, -74.0700 View on map
Highlights
- The traditional founding site of Bogotá in 1538
- The small chapel and founding monument in the plaza
- Chicha bars and student nightlife around the square
- Street art along the Callejón del Embudo
Tips for visiting
- Visit in late afternoon before dark.
- Avoid the plaza and the alley late at night.
- Keep phones and valuables out of sight.
- Try a glass of chicha, priced around COP 5,000.
- Reach it on foot from the Plaza de Bolívar in about 10 minutes uphill.
When to visit
Late afternoon before dark. Weekday mornings are quietest, and Friday and Saturday evenings the busiest.
Accessibility
The plaza is small and mostly paved, but the approach streets are steep and cobbled, and the alley is narrow. Wheelchair access is limited.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About 30 to 60 minutes, longer if stopping for a drink.
Is it worth it for kids?
It works as a brief daytime stop for the murals and chapel, though the bars make it less suitable in the evening.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography in the plaza and alley is common. Visitors should keep cameras discreet in crowded spots.
Is it safe?
It is busy and friendly in the afternoon, but visitors are advised to avoid the area late at night.