Casa Platypus

Casa Platypus is a long-established hostel in a converted house at Carrera 3 No. 12F-28 in La Candelaria, the historic centre of Bogota, Colombia. It is noted among LGBTQ+ travellers for its welcoming atmosphere and is also popular with backpackers of all backgrounds. The location is a short walk from the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum, Plaza de Bolivar and the street-art routes of the old town, and Monserrate is reachable by a short taxi ride or a walk uphill. TransMilenio stops on Avenida Jimenez and nearby avenues connect to other parts of Bogota. El Dorado International Airport is roughly 30 to 45 minutes by car in normal traffic. The building keeps the character of an old Candelaria house, with a garden that gives guests a quiet outdoor space in the middle of the historic district. Accommodation ranges from Mixed Dorms to Private Rooms and Private Rooms with Bathroom, suiting solo travellers, couples and small groups. Facilities include a shared kitchen, a common room, wifi and tour information, and the staff can help with walking tours, day trips to Zipaquira and Guatavita, and transport. There is no restaurant, pool or spa, so guests cook in the shared kitchen or eat in the cafes nearby. The social atmosphere makes it easy to meet other travellers, and the garden is used for relaxing between outings. Prices run roughly COP 50,000 to 260,000 per night (about USD 16 to 82), depending on room type, with private rooms with bathrooms at the top of the range. La Candelaria is busy and lively by day and can be quiet at night, so visitors are advised to use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps after dark and to avoid walking alone late.