Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén (Bogota, Colombia)

Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén (translated as Usaquén Flea Market), is an iconic Sunday market in the historical Usaquén neighborhood of Bogota, Colombia. The market is where artisans, artists, and other vendors sell new, used, and antique merchandise.

It is also common to see artisans – some of either afro-descent or part of the indigenous population – working on their crafts using technics passed down through generations.

Established in 1991 as a non-profit initiative, Mercado de las Pulgas de Usaquén, is a place where culture, history, and modern Bogota meet. Visiting the market is a must when in Bogota.

The market, open on Sundays between 9:30 am and 5:30 pm, is where you go shopping colorful local arts and crafts, consume traditional Colombian foods and beverages from the street vendors, dance to live music and be entertained by mimes. I must warn you, the many puppies up for adoption showcased at the market will melt your heart.

Photos: Shutterstock;Mark Pitt Images,

As a tourist, you will be in the minority because about 70% of people who visit the market are locals. As I found out when told how much a small woven basket cost, the prices are more of “tourist” prices compared to prices elsewhere in the city. Perhaps that is because mainly upper-middle and upper-class residents inhabit the Usaquén neighborhood.

Usaquén is a beautiful historical neighborhood! Founded in 1539 as an indigenous town and officially established as a Bogota neighborhood in 1954, the district was declared a national landmark in 1954. There are a lot of well-preserved colonial Spanish buildings in the community. There is the Church of Santa Barbara built in the 17 century and Hacienda Santa Barbara. There is also a large and welcoming plaza. Make sure to allocated a good amount of time to visit the market and stroll around because it is really a special place.

#Colombia

#Bogota