With the summer tourist crowds gone and not to be seen again until Christmas, November is a notoriously sleepy month for Colombia. But if you’re traveling during this time you’ll be rewarded with cheaper fares, great weather and empty beaches all to yourself.
Colombia beckons in November, offering a unique travel experience distinct from the bustling summer months and the impending Christmas rush. Forget the changing seasons of home; Colombia maintains a consistent climate throughout the year. The coastal regions offer a sultry, tropical ambiance, while the central areas boast a pleasant, spring-like environment, making it an attractive destination for those seeking an escape.
Even Bogotá, renowned for its often-chilly highland climate, enjoys a more agreeable atmosphere in November. This month falls just outside the rainy season, which typically spans from April to October. In the capital city, you can anticipate average temperatures around 66°F. However, with average lows dipping to 41°F, it’s advisable to pack layers to ensure comfort during cooler evenings and early mornings. As you venture north towards Medellín, prepare to shed those layers as the altitude decreases and the temperature rises, with average temperatures hovering around 74°F. Further north, on the captivating northern coast, Cartagena offers a truly tropical experience, characterized by average temperatures of 86°F and high humidity.
November presents a unique opportunity to explore Colombia with fewer crowds and potentially lower costs. Tourism professionals often refer to this period as the “shoulder season,” when the summer tourist throngs have dissipated, and Colombians are yet to embark on their Christmas holidays. In fact, November is known locally by some business and hotel owners as Novi-hambre, or “hungry November” signifying a period of lower visitor numbers. For travelers, this translates into excellent news: you can expect to find more competitive airfare and hotel rates, potentially saving 10, 20, or even 30 percent (or more, depending on the specific hotel).
During November, the entirety of Colombia becomes accessible and inviting. However, if your primary motivation for traveling is to escape colder climates, it’s wise to limit your time in Bogotá to essential transfers. Instead, dedicate the majority of your visit to exploring the many other vibrant cities and charming towns the country has to offer.
From Bogotá, a short and affordable flight will transport you to Cali, a city celebrated for its sultry tropical savanna climate. Here, you can immerse yourself in the perfect conditions for learning the passionate art of salsa dancing. Alternatively, journey to Medellín and venture on captivating day trips to the verdant Antioquian countryside. Key highlights of this region include the picturesque village of Guatapé, and the awe-inspiring El Peñol, a colossal stone monolith that dramatically rises over 7,000 feet from the ground. For those seeking adventure, a hike to the summit of El Peñol rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
If your travel plans permit, a journey to the Caribbean coast is highly recommended, particularly to the historic city of Cartagena. November 11th holds immense significance for Cartagena, marking the day in 1811 when the city became the first in Colombia to declare its independence from Spain. The official commemoration takes place on the Monday coinciding with or immediately following the 11th. Throughout the first two weeks of November, the city comes alive with parades, lively parties, spectacular fireworks displays, captivating dance performances, and the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music.
Events in November span the cultural and geographical richness of Colombia:
Independence in Cartagena celebrations extend throughout the first two weeks of November with festivities that commemorate the city’s pivotal role in Colombia’s fight for independence from Spain. The celebrations are now interwoven with the national beauty pageant, an event, according to official sources, held to “unite Colombian regions around the beauty of Colombian women.”
The Festival Pirarucú de Oro is a celebrated event, running since 1987. This festival takes place in mid-November, principally in the city of Leticia, located in the Amazonas Department. It is a vibrant showcase of Amazonian popular music, drawing influences from both Brazil and Peru. During the festival, the region comes alive with an abundance of live music performances.
From June to November, the extraordinary Caño Cristales reveals its stunning rainbow colors in a vibrant natural spectacle, offering visitors the chance to explore its swimming holes and waterfalls. Following this experience, a flight back to Bogotá allows for exploration of the underground Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá and a visit to Villa de Leyva, renowned as one of Colombia’s most charming Spanish colonial villages.
If you are planning to visit mid-month, consider focusing your time on Cartagena and the broader Caribbean coast. You can partake in the city’s annual independence celebration and also enjoy ample time relaxing on the pristine beaches.
This extended explanation provides a more comprehensive and engaging description of what to expect in Colombia during November, while maintaining the original place names and removing URLs. The new word count is above 687.
B-348