As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may have Amazon and/or other affiliate links, which means I may receive commissions if you choose to purchase through the links I provide (at no extra cost to you). Please read my Disclosure Policy for more information. Thank you for supporting the work I put into this site!
Colombia was rated the happiest place in the world in 2013 and 2014. The country is best known for its Andes mountains, Amazon rainforest, and the warm Caribbean coast. You will also find coffee plantations, amazing beaches, world-class salsa dancing, and colorful old towns.
Colombia receives over 4.5 million tourists each year. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full-time. Use this Colombia travel guide and the following Colombia travel blog post to plan your perfect vacation. The top destinations in Colombia are Cartagena, Medellin, and Bogotá.
Hint: Book a pre or post stopover in Panama City when you fly on Copa Airlines
Top Destinations in Colombia
Why Visit Cartagena
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
Why Visit Medellin
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.
Why Visit Bogotá
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 is the language 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 I need a visa to visit Colombia?
According to Project Visa, US citizens do not need a visa for a visit up to 90 days. You must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond your date of country exit and with one blank visa page. Additionally, you must show forward passage to the next destination in the form of booked seats on a flight, boat, or bus. Note: the US recommends Yellow Fever vaccinations for entry into Colombia.
What is the currency 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 I 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 should I budget per day in Colombia?
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.
What type of transportation is available in 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 kind of adaptor do I 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 I pack for Colombia?
Colombia’s environment is varied. Cartegena is a tropical environment; pack light-colored and lightweight clothing. Comfortable walking shoes for cobblestoned Old Town Cartagena. Beach items include a swimsuit, coverup, water shoes, dry bag, sunscreen, and aloe vera. Sea Bands to combat motion sickness on boats or while traveling winding roads. Whatever region you will be traveling pack: Insect repellant (at least 20% DEET), a rain jacket and umbrella, and Imodium (traveler’s diarrhea is common). You will need a jacket in the evening in Medellín, Bogotá, and the other Andean cities are cold and the Amazon is hot and humid.
Is Colombia a safe country for solo travelers?
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.
According to Travel Safe Abroad, the risk of traveling to Cartegena is low. However, there is a risk of mugging. Do not wear flashy jewelry or show expensive electronics. Stay aware of your surroundings. As a foreigner you are a target, don’t make it easy. Be cautious at bars, drinks may be drugged resulting in mugging or sexual assault. The overall risk of travel to Bogotá or Medellin is medium. The overall risk of travel to Cali is high. Due to civil unrest, Barranquilla is currently on the US Level 4 do not travel list.
Dial 123 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy in Bogota for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What food do I need to try in Colombia?
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
Be sure to 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.
Bookmark and Pin Complete Colombia Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Booking Resources for Colombia
Colombia Travel Guide Books
Pick up a Colombia Travel Guide from Amazon.com to browse on the plane.
Book Your Accommodation in Colombia Now
Spending the night? Search Booking.com and VRBO in one place to find the perfect property!
Colombia Attractions and Day Tours
The best attractions sell out! Don’t chance it, get your tickets now and relax when you arrive.
Travel Essentials
Need a universal travel adaptor, power bank charger, or packing cubes? Save time at my Amazon shop and have travel essentials delivered to your home.
Have a great vacation!