Colombia’s travel scene is booming as travelers discover this nation’s endless appeal, from the physical beauty of the Amazon and Andes to its vibrant culture and sophisticated cities. Here’s the low-down on planning your visit, including visa issues, getting around, and where to stay.
## Discovering the Allure of Colombia: A Comprehensive Guide
Colombia, a nation once shrouded in misconceptions, beckons travelers with open arms. The narrative has shifted dramatically, transforming perceptions of this South American gem. After two decades of relative peace and stability, Colombia has meticulously reshaped its international image. The days of being primarily associated with drug lords and the tumultuous era of guerrilla and paramilitary violence are fading into the past. Today, Colombia is celebrated for its warm and welcoming culture, a testament to the resilience and spirit of its people. This rich cultural tapestry is interwoven with an abundance of natural beauty, a breathtaking panorama that stretches from the Amazon rainforest to the snow-capped peaks of the Andes.
The result of this transformation is a burgeoning tourism industry, a thriving art and nightlife scene that pulsates with energy, and an exciting gastronomic identity that tantalizes the taste buds. These elements converge to make Colombia an irresistible destination, a place where adventure and cultural immersion intertwine seamlessly. It’s a destination that has captured the attention of the world, quickly becoming a must-visit locale for discerning travelers.
Colombia’s allure extends far beyond its reformed image. Its sprawling cities, each with its unique character and charm, offer a captivating urban experience. The gorgeous colonial *pueblos*, steeped in history and architectural splendor, transport visitors back in time. Dramatic landscapes, from verdant coffee plantations to pristine Caribbean beaches, provide a stunning backdrop for unforgettable adventures. And the fascinating indigenous cultures, with their rich traditions and ancestral wisdom, offer a glimpse into the heart of Colombia’s heritage.
This tapestry of experiences will undoubtedly leave you eager to explore every corner of this captivating country. However, a well-planned itinerary is essential to ensure that you don’t overlook important details that can significantly impact your journey. These details, often overlooked, can be the subtle difference between a merely good trip and a truly extraordinary one. This guide provides practical advice and essential information to help you prepare for an enthralling visit to Colombia, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience.
## Preparing For Your Visit: Essential Considerations
Embarking on a journey to a new country requires careful planning and preparation. Understanding the necessary documentation, insurance requirements, and financial considerations is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable trip to Colombia.
### Necessary Documents: Passport and Visa Requirements
For citizens of most countries, including those from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, a valid passport is the first essential step. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry into Colombia. This ensures that you meet the basic requirements for international travel and allows you to move freely within the country.
Fortunately, most visitors to Colombia do not require a tourist visa for short stays. As a tourist, you are typically permitted to stay in Colombia for a period of 90 days. This generous allowance provides ample time to explore the country’s diverse regions and immerse yourself in its culture.
The 90-day tourist visa can be extended once at any of the Migracíon Colombia immigration offices located throughout the country. This extension provides an opportunity to prolong your stay and delve deeper into the Colombian experience. However, it’s crucial to remember that you can spend no more than 180 days in Colombia each calendar year. Careful planning is necessary to comply with these regulations.
If your travel plans include a visit to Amazonia, the lush and biodiverse region of Colombia, you may be asked to provide proof of vaccination for yellow fever. While this is not always mandatory, it is a precautionary measure implemented to protect public health. Some countries, such as Costa Rica, may also require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from Colombia. It is advisable to check the specific requirements of your destination countries to avoid any unforeseen complications.
### Travel Insurance: A Safety Net for the Unexpected
Investing in comprehensive travel insurance is always a wise decision, providing a crucial safety net for the unexpected events that can occur during your travels. While the potential loss of possessions is a concern, the most significant consideration is whether you are adequately covered in case of medical issues.
Most towns and cities in Colombia have private physicians and clinics that offer high standards of care. However, facilities in rural areas are often minimal, and standards at government-run *centros de salud* (health centers) can be of lower quality. This disparity in healthcare accessibility underscores the importance of having adequate travel insurance that covers medical expenses and ensures access to quality care, regardless of your location.
Supplemental evacuation insurance is highly recommended, particularly in case of a medical emergency that requires transportation to a better-equipped facility. Additionally, consider insurance that covers trip cancellation or loss of baggage. These policies can protect you from financial losses due to unforeseen circumstances, providing peace of mind throughout your journey.
### Money Matters: Currency, Credit Cards, and ATMs
Colombia’s official currency is the peso, denoted as C$ or COP. Understanding the currency and how to manage your finances while in Colombia is essential for a hassle-free experience.
Coins are issued in denominations of 50, 100, 200, and 500 pesos. Banknotes are available in denominations ranging from 1,000 to 100,000 pesos. U.S. dollars and other foreign currencies are rarely accepted in Colombia, so it’s necessary to exchange your money at banks or exchange bureaus found throughout the country.
If you’re planning on visiting remote areas such as La Guajira or Chocó, it’s wise to take all the cash you’ll need, as you cannot rely on being able to change money or use credit cards in these regions. Be sure to take plenty of small denomination bills, as they are useful for small purchases and tipping.
Credit cards (*tarjetas de crédito*) such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Colombia, especially in urban centers and tourist areas. Some establishments may also accept American Express, Discover, and other credit cards. It’s always a good idea to check with the merchant beforehand to confirm which cards are accepted.
Most banks have ATMs (automatic teller machines) that can be found at strategic locations in most cities. These ATMs provide convenient access to local currency. Some ATMs dispense up to C$600,000 (approximately $210 USD), while many have a limit of around C$300,000 (approximately $105 USD). Be aware of the daily withdrawal limits imposed by your bank and plan accordingly.
Always be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs. Those located inside supermarkets, shopping malls, and other secure locations are preferable to street-front ATMs, where the risk of being robbed is greater. Before departing for Colombia, advise your bank and credit card issuer of your travel plans. This will help prevent your cards from being blocked due to suspicious activity.
### Getting There: Airports and Transportation
Colombia is well-connected to the world, with direct flights from major cities in North America and a few cities in Europe. However, depending on your origin, it may be cheaper and easier to fly via Miami. The majority of international flights land at Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport, which serves as the country’s main air hub.
Some international flights also serve other major cities in Colombia, including Cartagena, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, and even the island of San Andres. This provides travelers with more options for entering and exiting the country. A taxi from El Dorado airport to downtown Bogotá should cost approximately $15 USD, although prices may vary depending on traffic and the specific location of your destination.
### Transport: Navigating Within Colombia
Colombia is a geographically large country, and getting around requires careful planning. Understanding the various modes of transportation available and their relative advantages and disadvantages is essential for efficient travel.
Bogotá, the capital city, is a heavily-trafficked and sprawling metropolis. While La Candelaria, the historic colonial center, is easily walkable, getting around to other parts of the city can be time-consuming. Fortunately, Bogotá has efficient transport options, including the TransMilenio rapid transit system, a bus rapid transit (BRT) system that provides dedicated lanes for buses.
Medellín, another major city, is served by a Metro train and cable-car system. The Metro connects various parts of the city, while the cable cars provide access to neighborhoods located on the surrounding hillsides. Taxis are readily available throughout Colombia, offering a convenient but often more expensive mode of transportation. In the Zona Cafetera, the coffee-growing region, “Willys Jeep” taxis are a popular and iconic way to get around.
Airports are located throughout Colombia, and several domestic airlines compete for business at competitive fares. Flying is often the most efficient way of getting around the country if you’re planning an extensive trip that covers large distances. The three biggest air carriers in Colombia are Avianca, Copa Airlines, and LATAM.
Regarding terrestrial travel, multiple companies offer inter-urban bus transport with *directo* (fast) and *regular* (slower) service. Larger companies like Bolivariano, Rapido Ochoa, and Copetran link many cities and use modern air-conditioned buses with reclining seats. Note that drivers tend to crank up the a/c and play movies and music during the journey, so it’s advisable to pack a sweater or jacket plus earplugs.
In more remote areas, *colectivos* (collective taxis) and Willys Jeeps are often used to connect communities. These shared transportation options provide a more affordable way to travel, but they can be less comfortable and slower than buses.
If you’re planning on exploring widely and want the most flexibility, renting a car is a viable option. Rental car agencies are found in most cities, and it’s recommended to opt for a 4WD vehicle, especially if you plan on driving on unpaved roads or in mountainous areas. Anyone 25 years or older should be able to hire a car with their existing driver’s license. However, vehicle rental is relatively expensive, with daily rates averaging around $100 USD, including insurance.
Note that distances on maps can be deceiving. Destinations that appear close on a map can take far longer to reach than you may imagine, especially when trying to cross the east-west Andean mountain routes.
The biggest thing self-drivers should be aware of is the *pico y placa* system. To reduce traffic congestion, Bogotá, Medellín, and several other major cities ban specific private vehicles twice weekly according to the last digit of their license plate (*placa*). The days rotate every six months, so you’ll need to check which days you’ll be affected for each city. Rental cars are not exempt, and infractions can incur fines or even seizure of a vehicle by transit police.
### Security: Staying Safe in Colombia
Although the security situation in Colombia has improved markedly in recent decades, crime remains a problem, especially in major cities. Visitors are often easy targets for pickpockets and other petty crimes, particularly in crowded places like bus terminals, city buses, and markets. To mitigate risk, carry only as much money as you think you’ll need for that day. And if you are the victim of an armed robbery, don’t resist. Your safety is paramount.
It’s unwise to walk alone late at night in major Colombian cities, and this also applies to more remote areas, including national parks. Always ask your concierge or a trusted local about areas considered unsafe. If you need a ride, always hail an official, metered, radio taxi. Make sure the driver’s photo identification is displayed prominently. You can also call ahead for a radio taxi, and most hotels and hostels will be happy to call for you.
When out at restaurants and bars, avoid accepting drinks from strangers. It could be tainted with *burundunga* (scopolamine), a drug that causes you to do whatever you’re told, and without recall of memory. Be wary of Colombians claiming to be plainclothes police and demanding to see your documents, then money. Never hand over such documents; instead, find and inform the nearest uniformed police officer.
Most places in the country are now safe from guerrilla activity. Nonetheless, a few more remote zones are still considered dangerous for unescorted travel. Remote areas of Chocó and Nariño, as well as Caquetá and Meta provinces, require caution. Check with your embassy website for advisories on the current situation.
## When to Go: Understanding Colombia’s Climate
Colombia’s proximity to the equator results in relatively little variance in temperature throughout the year. The most significant factor influencing temperature is altitude. The higher you go, the colder it gets. Colombians often refer to *tierra calienta* (hot land) for the coastal and Amazonian lowlands and *tierra fría* (cold land) for the highlands.
However, the country also enjoys such extremes of terrain that microclimates abound. The best time to visit one region may not be the best for another. Most regions have a wet season and a dry season, while in the La Guajira desert, rain rarely falls. Many parts of the highlands experience two wet seasons, typically from April to June and October to December.
Consider also whether you’re interested in visiting one of Colombia’s famous festivals and events. The three biggies are Carnival (February) in Barranquilla; the Fería de las Flores (Flower Festival, August) in Medellín; and the Miss Colombia pageant (November) in Cartagena. These events offer a unique glimpse into Colombian culture and are a major draw for tourists.
## Where to Stay: Accommodation Options in Colombia
One of Colombia’s big pluses is that it’s blessed with excellent accommodation for every budget. From well-run hostels to deluxe metropolitan hotels and chic boutique lodgings for romantics, there’s something for everyone.
In more remote areas, your options are vastly reduced, and you’re more likely to find *hospedajes* (family homes that rent rooms) than hotels. As a rule, you’ll always want to make hotel reservations in advance, particularly if you’re visiting during a popular festival.
Bogotá and other major cities offer a full range of lodging options. Many larger hotels offer a full complement of business facilities. Popular colonial pueblos, such as Villa de Leyva, Barichara, and Santa Fé de Antioquia, are known for their charming historic inns. Beach resort destinations such as Santa Marta, Boca Grande (in Cartagena), and the islands of San Andrés and Providencia often feature all-inclusive resorts and surf camps.
Colombia also boasts many superb country lodges—often colonial-era *haciendas* that are throwbacks to another time. One of the great pleasures of visiting La Guajira is that you’ll have little option but to sleep in a hammock or a simple reed-hut in a community *ranchería*.
A final note: any lodging marked as a “motel” in Colombia is typically used for trysts, renting out by the hour.
B-367