Chorro de Quevedo and Calle del Embudo

Chorro de Quevedo and the Calle del Embudo lie in the La Candelaria district of Bogota, Colombia, at the foot of the Cerros Orientales near Carrera 2 and Calle 12B. The small plaza at the head of the lane is where Bogota's founding is traditionally re-enacted, and it opens onto the Calle del Embudo, a funnel-shaped cobbled street whose walls carry some of the densest mural work in the city. The frame combines colonial doorways, tiled eaves, hanging signs, constantly repainted graffiti and the stalls and small bars that serve chicha, the traditional fermented drink. Because the lane is narrow and shaded, the light is diffuse and contrasty. Mid-morning gives the most even illumination for murals, while from about 4:00 p.m. the walls catch reflected light and the bars fill with people, which suits street portraits and candid work. Direct midday sun can burn out the top of the walls while leaving the lane in shadow, so overcast days are actually helpful. December to March is drier and brighter, but the lane is photogenic year round, and the murals change frequently as artists repaint them. The plaza and the lane are crowded on weekends and evenings with students, tour groups and street performers, so tripods are impractical and can obstruct foot traffic. Handheld shooting with a fast prime is the sensible approach. Drone flights are not practical over the dense old town and are not advisable. There is no entry fee, although graffiti tours run from the area and charge a fee. The neighbourhood is popular with visitors but opportunistic theft occurs, so a strap worn across the body and a low profile with gear are advisable. Cafes and small restaurants around the plaza offer restrooms and water for customers. Street artists generally welcome photography of their work, but portraits of people should be taken with permission.