Bogota’s Paloquemao market, abundant with fresh food and flowers is the second largest market in the city and one of the largest retail centers in the country, offers a great insight into the life and customs of Bogotanos.
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The market is the one of the most important retailers in the country, where 750 merchants and a labyrinth of stands offer a large variety of fruit, vegetables, cheeses, meats and flowers, one of Colombia’s biggest exports.
The market is a sensory overload for tourists who are unfamiliar with the huge variety of tropical fruits. The Guanabana stands out as a particularly rare find. A large green fruit with the texture of a pineapple, this fruit has a white rich and milky inside and is often used to make juice.
The market goods are undoubtedly fresh and you will find everything at great prices, but haggling with vendors is recommended.
The market was originally established in 1946 in the slaughterhouse district and didn’t move to its current location until 1967. However, it remained an empty warehouse for five years until the government decided to bring all the private markets together in one single location.
The market is open Monday – Friday from 5AM to 4:30PM and Saturday and Sunday from 5AM to 2PM. Monday’s should be avoided as there is less activity and products on display. Try to be there early as the market will be more alive and full.
