Welcome to Bogotá – Host City of the 2025 GRAPPA Annual Meeting and Trainee Symposium!
We are thrilled to invite you to explore the vibrant city of Bogotá, Colombia, as we prepare for the first GRAPPA Annual Meeting and Trainee Symposium to be held in Latin America!
Click above for personal welcomes from GRAPPA members Wilson Bautista-Molano, Manuel Dario Franco and Juan Raul Castro.
Meet GRAPPA Colleagues from Colombia
Julián Barahona-Correa
Rheumatologist/Rheumatology fellow and early career researcher, Universidad Javeriana Bogotá
Welcome to Bogotá for the GRAPPA Annual Meeting 2025! Explore this cosmopolitan Latin American gem, where historic treasures like the Gold Museum and Monserrate’s breathtaking views meet vibrant culture. Experience renowned Colombian hospitality and diverse cuisine, and savor our world-famous coffee. As a hub of medical excellence, the city hosts top universities and research centers driving innovation in rheumatology care. May this inspiring setting foster collaboration as we advance psoriatic disease care together. Bienvenidos!
Wilson Bautista-Molano
Rheumatologist, Bogotá, Colombia
It is an immense honor for Bogotá, Colombia, to host the GRAPPA 2025 Annual Meeting and Trainee Symposium. As a Colombian and a member of GRAPPA, I am thrilled to showcase Bogotá’s world-class venues, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant medical community. This historic meeting offers a unique opportunity for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the chance to experience the beauty and hospitality of our country. I look forward to welcoming you to Bogotá!
Adriana Beltran Ostos
I am delighted to invite you to explore the extraordinary culinary scene of Bogotá and Colombia at large. Thanks to our country’s remarkable geography—encompassing two oceans, the majestic Andes Mountain range, and the lush Amazon region—we enjoy a wealth of distinct climates and an abundance of fresh, exotic ingredients. This diversity is reflected in our gastronomy, offering everything from mouth-watering seafood dishes (inspired by both the Caribbean and the Pacific) to unique tropical fruits, hearty mountain produce, and Amazonian delicacies.
Juan Raul Castro Ayarza
Médico Dermatólogo. Profesor Universidad Nacional de Colombia
We are delighted to have you all here in Bogotá for GRAPPA’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Trainee Symposium. Bogotá is known in Latin America as a vibrant and culturally rich city that seamlessly blends tradition and modernity, with an advance medical expertise. You will have the chance to experience the city's warms hospitality, the historical and cultural attractions, and its delicious cuisine. We hope to see you soon!!
Manuel Dario Franco
As a Colombian member of GRAPPA, I am thrilled to welcome you to the Annual Meeting in my hometown, Bogotá.
Over the past 20 years, Bogotá has emerged as one of the top cities in South America for hosting international congresses. Its vibrant and inclusive culture, the warmth of its people, and the hospitality that characterizes both Bogotanos and Colombians as a whole, ensure the success of the Annual Congress and Trainees Symposium.
This event promises to offer an enriching experience not only because of its exceptional scientific content but also due to the opportunities to connect with colleagues in a relaxed and unique setting. With a touch of Latin flair, this meeting will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience!
Liliana Candia
Rheumatologist, Co-Chair Membership Engagement Committee
I lived in Colombia a few years ago and I was very happy there. The people of Colombia are warm and happy, their culture is wonderful and they are a reference in research in South America. Hosting GRAPPA's 2025 Annual Meeting and Trainee Symposium will undoubtedly be a great experience.
Sebastian Herrera
We are excited to welcome you to the GRAPPA Annual Meeting 2025 in the heart of Bogotá, Colombia—a city renowned for its culture, and world-class conference facilities. Let’s make history together!
This is Colombia.
Popular Colombian Travel Destinations
Click on each destination below to learn more or here to view the full Colombia Tourism website.
Local Bogotá Recommendations
Museums
Dive into the country's history and culture through its extensive collection of artifacts at the National Museum of Colombia. Located in the center of the city, Modern Art Museum (MAMBO) is a dynamic and multicultural space that exhibits its cultural heritage and diverse manifestations of modern and contemporary art through a collection of around 3,633 works.
Day Trip
Take a day trip to hike and see the natural wonders of El Chiflón and La Chorrera, Colombia’s tallest waterfall, or head out to rural Bogotá and visit a coffee farm. Visit Laguna de Guatavita, located about an hour away in the Andes, where you can immerse yourself in the legendary setting of El Dorado.
Coffee
Bogotá is a paradise for coffee lovers, offering some of the finest brews straight from Colombia’s renowned coffee regions. Whether you prefer a rich espresso or a smooth pour-over, the city is home to exceptional cafés that showcase the country’s world-class beans. Catación Pública is perfect for tasting and learning about coffee origins. Varietale is a favorite for specialty coffee and expert brewing techniques. For a trendy spot known for innovative brewing methods, check out Libertario Coffee Roasters.
Dining
Embark on a gastronomic journey that showcases the best of Colombian culture at Leo (ranked 18th in Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants) . Here, you might sample Caribbean fish dishes alongside Amazonian ingredients—do not miss the traditional ant salad, a most unusual Colombian delicacy! Tierra offers splendid fusion of traditional Colombian cuisine and Nikkei influences, creating inventive dishes that celebrate local heritage while adding an international flair. Savor authentic Amazonian flavors brought to the table in a contemporary style, highlighting Colombia’s extraordinary biodiversity at Açaí. Other Colombian favourites include Salvo Patria, Mini-Mal, Pajares Salinas, Débora, and Petronio.
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Tours & Experiences
The mountaintop el Cerro Monserrate is an iconic symbol of the city of Bogotá located 3,152 meters above sea level. Visitors can make their way to the top on foot, by train or by cable car. Once at the top, you can visit the beautiful church, buy some handicrafts at the small market, or simply take in the amazing view. Participate in an experiential workshop to discover the secrets and delights of artisanal cocoa at Cacaote.
Historic Sites
Get dazzled at historical landmarks such as the Gold Museum and the picturesque bohemian colonial quarter neighborhood of La Candelaria. While there, take a graffiti art tour. Enjoy charming cobblestone streets, boutique shopping, and weekend craft markets in the lively Usaquén District.
Nature
Bogotá offers stunning natural landscapes just a short distance away. Nature lovers and hikers should not miss the Chingaza National Nature Park, one of the most important natural reserves in the Andes. Less than two hours from the city, it boasts serene mountain lakes steeped in pre-Columbian heritage, as well as the chance to spot the magnificent spectacled bear. Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in the Eastern Hills, cycling on the Ciclovía, or exploring unique ecosystems like the Páramos.
Tourist Attraction
The First Wonder of Colombia, Zipaquira Salt Cathedral, is a salt mine-turned temple buried deep in the hill of Zipa. Take a day trip from Bogotá to see this monumental architectural masterpiece built by miners' own hands