Bogotá: City of the Lost – The Film That Makes You Want to Pack and Explore Colombia

Some movies you just watch. Others? They invite you to live them.

What if your next journey started with a screen?

When Bogotá: City of the Lost landed on Netflix, many expected a typical migration drama. But this South Korean film, directed by Kim Seong-je and starring Song Joong-ki, delivers something far more gripping — a story of resilience, survival, and reinvention set in the heart of Colombia.

It follows Guk-hee, a young Korean who migrates to Bogotá with his family after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Instead of finding safety, he enters a gritty underworld of contraband and street survival, forging a new identity on the edges of legality and hope.

🎬 But beyond the plot, what makes this film unforgettable are the places — real places. And yes, you can visit every one of them.

Where was Bogotá: City of the Lost filmed?

This film doesn’t rely on CGI or green screens. It was shot across authentic Colombian locations that add raw beauty and cinematic depth. Here's where the magic happened — and where your next trip could begin.

📍 La Candelaria: Where Bogotá tells its oldest stories

One of the film’s most iconic settings, La Candelaria, is a colonial-era neighborhood in downtown Bogotá. Cobblestone streets, street art, historic churches — it’s a living postcard of contrasts.

We at BePelican take you deeper. Beyond the architecture, you'll meet local storytellers, artists, and everyday people who keep Bogotá’s history alive through murals, music, and food.

📍 La Perseverancia & Egipto: Where Bogotá shows its soul

These neighborhoods aren’t polished. And that’s the point. They’re alive, complex, resilient. In the film, scenes shot here portray the city's tougher, more honest side — where survival, community, and creativity collide.

We invite you to walk these streets with local guides. You won’t just see the scenery — you’ll hear the stories, taste the culture, and feel what it means to live here.

📍 Choachí: Nature’s Escape — and Colombia’s Highest Waterfall

In Bogotá: City of the Lost, nature becomes more than a backdrop — it's a lifeline. And that lifeline has a name: Choachí.

Just an hour from Bogotá, this mountain town is home to La Chorrera, the tallest waterfall in Colombia, plunging more than 590 meters (1,935 ft) into the forest below. It’s not just breathtaking — it’s unforgettable.

But Choachí isn’t just about watching nature. It’s about feeling alive in it. With BePelican, you can:

• Hike through cloud forests

• Zipline above the trees

• Try rock climbing or rappelling near waterfalls

• Soak in natural thermal pools after your adventure

🎒 This is where Colombia shows you its wild side — and invites you to step off the map, into something epic.

📍 Cartagena: A splash of color and Caribbean rhythm

Yes, the film also journeys to the coast. In Cartagena, bright colonial walls and sea breeze add a new dimension to the story. It's a contrast — vibrant and full of rhythm — and it’s a place you’ll want to stay longer than a scene.

From the Walled City to Afro-Caribbean food tours, we help you discover the Cartagena behind the postcards.

So… what if this movie was your travel guide?

Bogotá: City of the Lost isn’t just a film — it’s a cinematic invitation to see Colombia beyond the clichés. And at BePelican, we turn that invitation into real journeys.

Whether you’re chasing street art, looking for mountain air, or craving real cultural connection, we’ll take you to the same places where fiction met reality… and where your own story can begin.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bogotá: City of the Lost

Can I visit all the filming locations?

Absolutely. BePelican offers curated routes to each major location used in the film, with authentic experiences included.

Is it safe to visit places like La Perseverancia or Egipto?

Yes — when done respectfully and with a local guide. We work directly with community members to ensure cultural context, safety, and connection.

Do I need to have seen the movie first?

Not at all — but we recommend it! Watching Bogotá: City of the Lost before your trip will only deepen your experience.