TAMPA BAY, Fla. (BLOOM) – Tampa travelers, pack your bags and brush up on your Spanish — starting March 30, you can fly nonstop to Bogotá, Colombia, thanks to a brand-new international route at Tampa International Airport (TPA). This historic launch marks TPA’s first-ever direct service to South America, opening the door to adventure, culture, and connection on an entirely new continent.

The route is operated by Avianca, Colombia’s flagship airline, and offers four weekly flights between Tampa and Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport. With 1,440 seats available each week, it’s a major milestone in the airport’s growing international portfolio — and a win for both leisure and business travelers.

“This direct flight from Bogotá connects Colombians to the tantalizing tastes, luxurious accommodations, electrifying attractions, and rich and diverse culture that make Tampa Bay and its treasures a ‘must’ for travelers ready to experience the extraordinary,” said Santiago C. Corrada, President and CEO of Visit Tampa Bay.

Tampa now joins the likes of Amsterdam, Zurich, London, and Mexico City on TPA’s growing list of global nonstop destinations. For Tampa Bay residents, it means a more seamless escape to Colombia’s high-altitude capital — known for its vibrant food scene, colorful neighborhoods, and natural wonders just beyond the city limits.

What to Do in Bogotá

Travel bloggers and jetsetters alike say Bogotá is more than worth the trip. Here are a few experiences worth adding to your itinerary:

• Stroll through La Candelaria, Bogotá’s charming historic district packed with murals, museums and colonial architecture.
• Party like a local at Theatron, an iconic 13-room mega-club and one of the largest LGBTQ+ nightclubs in the world.
• Try your hand at tejo, Colombia’s explosive national sport — yes, it involves gunpowder — in the Barrio San Felipe neighborhood.
• Snack your way through Mercado de Paloquemao, one of the most colorful and aromatic food markets in Latin America.
• Hike Quebrada La Vieja, a lush trail through Bogotá’s cloud forest with panoramic views over the sprawling city.

For more ideas, check out travel guides like Lonely Planet or ask your favorite local travel agent to help plan your Colombian adventure.

A Boost for Tampa Bay’s Global Reach

“This new flight is a win for business owners throughout Tampa Bay,” said Dr. Cynthia Johnson, Chairwoman of Global Tampa Bay. “We’ve been building relationships with Bogotá since 2017. Now, with this nonstop route, the opportunity to expand trade and strengthen economic ties across South America is greater than ever.”

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in the Andes or sipping coffee in a Bogotá café, your gateway to Colombia just got a whole lot closer. Follow Tampa International Airport and Bloom Tampa Bay on Instagram for updates, travel inspiration, and tips to make the most of your next international escape.

✈️ Follow me on Instagram for more local lifestyle news and travel coverage: @browoodd