Colombia Travel Guide: What to Know Before You Go
Planning a trip to Colombia? Start with Cartagena for colorful colonial streets, Caribbean beaches and historic fortifications; Medellín for museums, neighborhoods, nightlife and easy day trips; and Bogotá for museums, street art, food and sweeping views from Monserrate. Beyond the cities, Colombia offers coffee-growing regions, tropical islands, the Amazon rainforest, national parks and some of South America’s most diverse landscapes.
This Colombia travel guide will help you decide where to go, when to visit, how to get around, how much to budget, and what you need to know before you arrive. You’ll also find practical information about Colombian entry requirements, currency, transportation, weather, electrical outlets, safety, food, packing, and local travel tips.
Visiting Colombia for the first time? Cartagena, Medellín, and Bogotá offer three very different introductions to the country. Add the Coffee Region for mountain scenery and coffee farms, Tayrona National Natural Park for Caribbean landscapes, or the Rosario Islands for beaches and island hopping.
Colombia is larger and more geographically diverse than many first-time visitors expect. Mountains can make overland journeys slow, so domestic flights can be useful when combining destinations in different parts of the country.
Book a pre or post stopover in Panama City when you fly on Copa Airlines
Colombia Travel Guide at a Glance
Planning your first trip to Colombia? Here are the essential things to know before you go:
Capital: Bogotá
Currency: Colombian peso (COP)
Official Language: Spanish
Emergency Number: 123
Driving: Colombians drive on the right
Power Outlets: Type A and B, 110V, 60Hz
Best Time to Visit: Depends on the region; December through March is generally a popular time for drier weather in many destinations
Popular First-Time Destinations: Cartagena, Medellín, Bogotá, the Coffee Region, and Tayrona National Natural Park
Getting Around Colombia: Domestic flights are useful for long distances; buses are widely available for regional travel; taxis, ride-hailing services, and public transportation are common in major cities
Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens can currently visit Colombia for tourism for up to 90 days without a visa; always check current entry requirements before traveling
Best Known For: Caribbean beaches, coffee, colorful colonial cities, salsa, the Andes, biodiversity, emeralds, and the Amazon rainforest
Don’t Miss: Cartagena’s walled city, Medellín, Bogotá, a Colombian coffee experience, Caribbean scenery, and traditional Colombian food
Best Places to Visit in Colombia
First-time Colombia travel tip: Don’t judge distances by mileage alone. Colombia’s mountainous terrain can make road journeys much longer than expected, so compare driving and bus times with domestic flights when planning your itinerary.
Cartagena: Best for History, Caribbean Culture and Colorful Streets
Cartagena is a popular tourist spot located on the Caribbean coastline. It is one of the most popular cities in Colombia and is well known for its old city wall and colorful colonial homes.
READ Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia, One Week Itinerary
Medellín: Best for Urban Culture, Nightlife and Day Trips
Medellin is located in the coffee region of the Andes Mountains. It is the second biggest and most populous city in Colombia. Medellin is well known for its arts, culture, friendly people and festivals.
Bogotá: Best for Museums, Food and Street Art
Bogotá, the capital and largest city in Colombia, sits high in the Andes Mountains. The city has a colorful old town and is well known for its street art. The Sanctuary of Monserrate is one of the top attractions in Bogotá and not to be missed.
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Colombia
Where Is Colombia?
Colombia is in Northern South America, it is bordered by the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama. With 441,000 square miles of land, Colombia is about the combined size of France and Spain. It is the fourth largest country in South America.
What Language Is Spoken in Colombia?
The national language of Colombia is Spanish with over 11 dialects. Less than 10% of the Colombian population speaks English, it is spoken in Bogota, San Andres Islands, and Cartagena. It is important to at least try to speak the common language before resorting to English. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel. You will also find tutorials on YouTube.
Do U.S. Citizens Need a Visa for Colombia?
U.S. citizens currently do not need a visa to visit Colombia for tourism for stays of 90 days or less. Travelers need a valid passport and may be asked to show proof of onward or return travel. Complete Colombia’s free Check-Mig immigration form before traveling to or from the country and check current entry requirements before departure.
Yellow fever vaccination requirements and recommendations depend on your itinerary. The vaccine may be required or recommended for travel to certain tropical regions and national parks, including parts of the Amazon. Check current health and vaccination requirements for every region you plan to visit.
Can You Use Credit Cards and ATMs in Colombia?
The currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). Prices in Colombia are marked with a dollar sign, do not get confused, the price is in pesos. Denominations include 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 peso coins and 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000 peso banknotes. US dollars are not accepted at restaurants, attractions, or stores. Don’t be fooled by ‘0 commission’ money exchangers because the ‘service fee’ is high. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can You Use Credit Cards and ATMs in Colombia?
ATMs are available in urban areas, but they are hard to find in rural areas. It’s best to carry smaller bills with you as it can be hard to get change. It’s best to use ATM machines located inside a building, as these offer more security. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Colombia and google its location before you travel.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in urban areas, you will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. American Express and Diners Club may be accepted. Remember to notify your bank that you will be traveling to Colombia. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees and makes purchases in pesos. It is always a good idea to carry some cash.
How Much Does a Trip to Colombia Cost?
According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Colombia is $ $44 (CO$176,533). Expect to pay $ 620 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Colombia?
Colombia experiences consistently warm temperatures throughout the year depending upon your altitude. Expect temperatures between 75-90 degrees. December to March to the dry season in Colombia. This is also high season, expect high prices and crowds. April – June and August – October see the most rainfall. Expect high altitudes to be chilly at night.
How Do You Get Around Colombia?
Colombia does not have a train system. Buses are the main mode of transport in Colombia. Most towns have a central bus station with large buses departing to destinations across the country. A colectivo is a small privately owned van that transports people to various places. They do not have a set route and drive around tourist areas yelling out their destination until the van is full. Expect to pay cash and always allow plenty of time when taking a colectivo.
Flights are often less expensive than buses. Colombia is a large country with many airports. Domestic airlines offer affordable flights that save time and energy. For example, driving from Bogotá to Medellín takes about 9 hours while flying takes only 1 hour.
Taxi is the most convenient and most expensive means of travel. Most do not have working meters, negotiate the price beforehand. Uber is illegal in Colombia. Public transportation buses have set routes but not set stops. Wave the bus down and tell them your destination when you enter; you will be charged based on distance.
Driving is not recommended in Colombia. Car rental and gas in Colombia is expensive. You will need a valid international driver’s license and insurance is mandatory. Colombians drive on the right side of the road. Colombia does not have a solid infrastructure and roads are not maintained. As a result, you will face head-on collisions with fast drivers and trucks and buses speeding past you on single-lane roads curved atop mountains. Check out this YouTube of a driver’s dash cam before renting a car if you believe you are an expert driver and can handle it.
What Power Adapter Do You Need in Colombia?
Colombia uses plugs and voltage that are compatible with US devices: Type A (2 prongs, flat pins), Type B (3 prongs, 2 flat pins, 1 round pin) and the standard voltage is 110 V. You will not need a converter if coming from the US, regardless, I recommend bringing a universal adapter with surge protection. The last thing to worry about on vacation is if your phone will blow up while charging it.
What Should You Pack for Colombia?
Caribbean coast: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a light rain layer. Bring a swimsuit and beach essentials if you’re visiting Cartagena, Tayrona, or the islands.
Andean cities: Pack layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket or sweater. Bogotá can be considerably cooler than Colombia’s Caribbean destinations, particularly in the mornings and evenings.
Coffee Region: Bring lightweight layers, comfortable walking or hiking shoes, insect repellent, and a waterproof jacket or umbrella. Rain is possible throughout the year.
Amazon: Pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing, sturdy footwear, insect repellent, sun protection, and rain gear. Long sleeves and pants are useful for additional protection from insects.
Cities: Comfortable walking shoes are useful for long sightseeing days. Pack according to your destination and elevation rather than assuming all of Colombia will be hot.
Colombia travel tip: Colombia’s climate varies dramatically by elevation. You may need tropical clothing for Cartagena and a jacket for Bogotá during the same trip.
Is Colombia Safe for Solo Travelers?
As of March 31, 2026, the U.S. State Department advises travelers to reconsider travel to Colombia because of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and natural disasters. It specifically advises against travel to Arauca, Cauca except Popayán, Valle del Cauca except Cali, Norte de Santander, and within 10 km/5 miles of the Venezuelan border.
The Travel Ladies App has ranked Colombia #57 safest country for solo female travelers. Sex tourism is a problem in Colombia. Women are known to drug men and rob them during the night.
Dial 123 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy in Bogota for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What Colombian Food Should You Try?
Bandeja paisa (platter of meats, fried egg, white rice, corn, plantain, red beans, and avocado), empanadas, tamales, ceviche, arepas (cornmeal pancakes with cheese, fried eggs or meat), pane del buono (cheese bread), bunuelos (deep fried balls with cheese), carimanolas (fritters stuffed with ground beef or shredded chicken and cheese), granadillas (sweet passion fruit), obleas (two wafer cookies with filling in between), Colombian hot chocolate, Colombian coffee, and aguardiente (national liquor of Colombia).
Colombia Travel Guide Tips
- Look both ways several times before crossing the street, you don’t have the right of way (no one does).
- It is common the see military in the streets in large cities.
- Most buildings have security and barbed wire.
- Driving apps (Uber) are illegal but still used. Expect to be asked to sit in front and remember the driver’s name.
- The M or D on a bathroom door stands for Mujeres or Dames (women) and the H or C on the bathroom door stands for Hombres or Caballeros (men).
- Do not talk about the show NARCOS, Pablo Escobar, or cocaine, it’s offensive.
- Only drink bottled water or bottled beverages in Colombia and avoid ice.
- Taxi drivers don’t understand Google Maps, give them an address.
- Things move slowly, be patient.
- Tell pushy vendors “no, I don’t have cash” firmly.
Top 10 Things to See and Do in Colombia
- Explore the historic walled city of Cartegena
- Go island hopping in the Rosario Islands
- Snorkel in Tayrona National Natural Park
- Spend a few days in Leticia and the Amazon rainforest
- See the colors of the Cano Cristales River, the “Liquid Rainbow”
- Take the 4-day Lost City Trek
- Explore Barichara, named the prettiest town in Colombia
- Visit a coffee plantation in Salento, Jardin, or Minca
- Attend Carnival in Barranquilla
- Learn to salsa dance in Cali
Check the Colombia Board of Tourism for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Colombia Travel Guide Interesting Facts
- Colombia is named after Christopher Columbus.
- The equator passes through the southern tip of the country.
- Colombia is the only country in South America that has coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
- Bogota is one of the most elevated cities in the world.
- The Lost City Is older than Machu Pichu.
- The legend of El Dorado, the city of gold, is said to be in Colombia’s Andes Mountains.
- One-third of Colombia Is the Amazon Rainforest and there are pink dolphins in it.
- Wax Palms, the world’s tallest palm trees, grow in Columbia’s Cocora Valley.
- Colombia has 60 National Parks, one of which is over 4.3 million hectares.
- 70% of the flowers imported to the United States are from Colombia.
- There are 18 national holidays a year in Colombia.
- By law, the national anthem is played at 6am and 6 pm on all public broadcast stations.
- Tejo is the national sport of Columbia, and it involves gunpowder.
- Colombia has the world’s largest salsa festival, Feria de Cali.
- 70-90% of the world’s emeralds come from Colombia.
- Colombia is the third largest coffee producer in the world.
- Colombia has over 30 different kinds of exotic fruits.
- Age is valued in Colombia and elders are respected.
- There are 80 indigenous nations and 88 languages spoken in Colombia.
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