Discover Bogotá’s ‘pagadiarios’: lodgings from 10,000 pesos a day

In Bogotá, many people face the harsh reality of living in cramped spaces. Pay-by-the-day lodgings offer a solution, but at a significant cost to their residents. This social phenomenon reflects the socioeconomic situation of thousands of Colombians.

Living conditions are poor and linked to extreme poverty. And although there are different accommodation options, prices can be strikingly low.

The data show that people living in these conditions face numerous challenges. Limited access to basic services is just one of them.

Inside Bogotá’s pay-by-the-day lodgings: Rates start at 10,000 pesos a day

According to District figures, a staggering 74% of people living in pay-by-the-day lodgings eat two or fewer meals a day. This includes children and older adults who are forced by economic and social circumstances to live in these conditions.

The City TV channel visited some of the low-cost lodgings located in areas such as Santa Fe, Los Mártires, Chapinero, Teusaquillo and Barrios Unidos. These popular neighborhoods are home to many people who, for various reasons, choose or are forced to live in pay-by-the-day lodgings.

During the visit, the team showed the room where Elvia lives. She is a Venezuelan woman who earns a living selling goods on public transit. Elvia said that she pays 10,000 pesos a day for her accommodation in Santa Fe, highlighting how affordable—but also how precarious—this option is.

The room is small, with little more than a closet for belongings and limited space for cooking. In the report, Elvia said that she usually eats twice a day. For breakfast, she makes chicken soup or soup with giblets, with bread and coffee, while whatever is left over from lunch becomes her dinner. This reflects the limited diet common among people living in pay-by-the-day lodgings.

The data also indicate that, at the end of December 2024, 74% of these people had extremely limited access to food, further deepening their vulnerability and poverty.

The social reality behind Bogotá’s pay-by-the-day lodgings

According to research by cadastral engineers Dana Núñez and Indira Cubillos of Universidad Distrital, significant barriers prevent residents of pay-by-the-day lodgings from accessing more stable and safe housing. Low levels of education and a shortage of formal employment are among the main challenges these individuals face in their daily lives.

The reports also note that conditions in the buildings where these people stay are alarming. Musty and cigarette odors are common, reflecting the deterioration of both the rooms and the shared spaces. This kind of environment reflects the difficult living conditions that many people in Bogotá have to endure.

Pay-by-the-day lodgings are not just places to stay; they symbolize a reality that affects thousands of people. These places often become a last resort for those who have no means of accessing decent housing. Many have experienced forced displacement, armed conflict or economic crises that have profoundly affected their lives.

Key statistics on pay-by-the-day lodgings

• 74% of residents of pay-by-the-day lodgings eat two or fewer times a day.
• Most guests at these lodgings come from low socioeconomic strata.
• Living conditions often deteriorate over time, affecting residents’ health.
• Access to basic services such as drinking water and electricity is sometimes limited or unavailable.

This social landscape reflects poverty in the country. Many people living in pay-by-the-day lodgings are trapped in a cycle of disadvantage, where opportunities are scarce and quality of life is almost nonexistent.

It is important to note that, despite the difficult circumstances, organizations and community groups are working to help these populations. Initiatives are being created to provide education, job training and guidance to those seeking to escape this vulnerable situation.

However, the path to a solution is long and challenging. Public policies must focus not only on housing management, but also on creating job opportunities and improving access to education to break the cycle of poverty.

The prospects for change and the future

A comprehensive approach is needed that takes the many dimensions of the problem into account. As awareness of housing issues in Bogotá grows, it is essential to take effective measures to improve the living conditions of people staying in pay-by-the-day lodgings.

Strategies should include the development of decent housing, job placement programs and access to quality education. Only then can the current situation be transformed and a more hopeful future offered to those living in these precarious conditions today.

Pay-by-the-day lodgings are not simply a housing issue; they are a tangible representation of many people’s struggle to survive in a challenging urban environment. In this process of change, empathy and solidarity from Bogotá’s and Colombia’s communities are key to making a real, positive difference in their lives.