First time in Colombia? In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions travelers have about Colombia, providing you with essential information for planning a memorable trip to this enchanting corner of the world. Whether you’re concerned about safety, administrative formalities, local cuisine or must-do activities, we’ve got all the answers to help you plan an unforgettable stay in Colombia. So pack your bags and let yourself be carried away by the discovery of this South American jewel!
Practical info
Health
Altitude sickness, also known as mountain sickness (called soroche in Colombia), is the most common problem associated with altitude. It can manifest itself through symptoms such as headaches, nausea, fatigue, insomnia and shortness of breath. To prevent or manage it, we recommend a gradual climb in altitude, rather than a rapid transition from a low-altitude to a high-altitude region. Take time to acclimatize.
How can you limit altitude sickness? By drinking plenty of water, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, eating a light, balanced diet and, above all, acclimatizing by ascending in stages. In the event of serious symptoms, such as mental confusion, severe breathing difficulties or a dry, persistent cough, it is imperative to descend to a lower altitude as quickly as possible.
No vaccinations are required for travel to Colombia, but depending on the length of your stay and the geographical zones you visit, certain vaccinations are strongly recommended.
- Yellow fever
- Hepatitis A and B
- Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (DTP)
- Typhoid
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
Malaria: depending on the regions you plan to visit in Colombia, malaria may be a risk. See the need to take malaria prophylactics.
In all cases, consult a health professional to discuss your plans for a trip to Colombia.
Tap water is theoretically drinkable in the cities of Bogotá and Medellín. Water quality can vary from one region to another in Colombia, so it’s best to be cautious and use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth, especially if you’re in rural or less-developed areas.
To avoid any risk, here are a few tips:
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Drink bottled water: the simplest and safest solution is to drink sealed bottled water, which is widely available throughout the country.
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Water filters: if you use a water bottle with a water filter, make sure it’s suitable for the local water quality. Water filters need regular maintenance to be effective.
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Avoid ice cubes: avoid ice cubes in drinks, as they are often made from tap water.
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Food washing: avoid washing vegetables and fruit with unpurified tap water. Use bottled water to clean them.
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Wash your hands with clean water or hydro-alcoholic gel, especially before eating.
No. As of April 5, 2023, health restrictions for travelers entering Colombia by air, land and sea have been lifted. As a result, a vaccination certificate or PCR/antigen test result is no longer required to enter the country. However, it is advisable to check the health situation a few weeks before travelling to Colombia to ensure that conditions have not changed.
Security
Safety in Colombia has improved considerably in recent years, but as with any destination, it’s important to take certain precautions into account and stay informed of current conditions before traveling. Here are a few points to consider when it comes to safety in Colombia:
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Improved security: Colombia has made great strides in security in recent years, with a significant reduction in crime rates. Medium-sized and large cities are calling for greater caution against petty crime.
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Risk areas: however, certain regions of Colombia remain unstable due to the presence of armed groups and drug production. We strongly advise against visiting isolated areas or those poorly controlled by the authorities.
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Cautious travelers: as in any destination, it is advisable to adopt basic safety measures. These include maintaining heightened vigilance in busy tourist areas, protecting property and being cautious in less safe neighborhoods at night.
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Protests and demonstrations: Colombia has seen demonstrations and protests, some of them violent. It is advisable to avoid demonstrations and to stay informed of current events during your stay.
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Road safety: be aware of the risks associated with road safety in Colombia. Roads can be poorly maintained and driving can be chaotic.
Ensuring your personal safety and the protection of your belongings during your trip to Colombia is essential for a trouble-free journey. Here are a few tips.
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Select safe accommodation: choose reputable hotels and hostels in safe neighborhoods. Keep your valuables in the safe (if available), or in your suitcase with a padlock.
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Avoid showing off valuables: limit the display of expensive jewelry, electronic devices and cash in public. Use an inside pocket or belt to store valuables. Especially not in the back pockets of pants.
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Copy important documents: make photocopies of your passport and other important documents, and keep them separate from your originals. You can also store scanned versions of these documents in a secure cloud account.
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Use anti-theft bags: opt for backpacks or handbags with concealed zips and cut-resistant materials.
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Avoid crowded areas at night: avoid walking alone in deserted neighborhoods at night, especially in big cities. Take official cabs and make sure they are equipped with meters.
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Be aware of your surroundings: keep an eye on what’s going on around you, especially in tourist areas. Look out for people behaving strangely, and watch them out of the corner of your eye.
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Keep an eye on luggage: don’t leave your luggage unattended at airports, railway stations or bus stations. Use padlocks to secure suitcases.
As in most countries around the world, it’s important to take certain safety aspects into account to avoid finding yourself in a tricky situation during your trip to Colombia. Here are the main safety considerations to keep in mind during your stay in the country
- Pickpocketing
- Pitfalls on Tinders (or other dating sites).
- Armed groups (FARC, ELN, etc.) in remote areas (where you logically won’t go).
- Natural hazards (landslides, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions).
- Drink offered by strangers with Scopolamin.
- Cabs and the Paseo del Millonario
- Social movements: road blockades, clashes with police, etc.
Money & Budget
Colombia’s official currency is the Colombian peso, abbreviated as “$” and with the ISO 4217 code “COP”. Be sure to exchange your currency before your trip, or use local ATMs to obtain local currency once in Colombia. It is not possible to pay in euros or dollars in Colombia.
Read our article dedicated to budgeting and money in Colombia.
There are several ways to change money (euros or dollars, for example) into Colombian pesos. Here are the main options:
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Bureaux de change (Casas de Cambio): these establishments, located in airports, major cities and tourist areas, are recommended for exchanging money.
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Banks: banks in Colombia sometimes offer foreign currency exchange services.
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Hotels: some hotels (often upmarket) may offer a currency exchange service for their guests, but rates will not be as advantageous as in other establishments.
In any case, we don’t recommend coming to Colombia with euros, dollars or any other currency to exchange. The best thing to do is to use a bank card suitable for travel abroad to withdraw pesos directly from ATMs.
Read our article dedicated to budgeting and money in Colombia.
In Colombia, various methods of payment are commonly accepted. Here are the most common payment methods you can use during your stay in Colombia:
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Cash: although more and more establishments accept electronic payments, cash (Colombian peso) is still widely used. Make sure you ALWAYS have enough cash on you, especially in more remote areas.
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Credit cards: International credit cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express are generally accepted in hotels, restaurants, stores and tourist establishments in major cities. However, in rural and less touristy areas, card payments may be less common.
Read our article dedicated to budgeting and money in Colombia.
It depends on many criteria: the time spent in Colombia, the activities, the level of comfort required (for hotels and restaurants) and even transportation.
For a 3-week trip, NOT including plane tickets to Colombia, we can take into account these estimates of the budget needed on site:
- Minimum budget: 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 COP.
- Small budget: 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 COP.
- Average budget: 7,400,000 to 8,400,000 COP.
- High budget: 13,000,000 COP and more.
Read our article dedicated to budgeting and money in Colombia.
Internet, telephone and power supply
To connect to the Internet in Colombia, you have the 2 main options below:
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Local SIM card: the most common way to access the Internet in Colombia is to buy a local SIM card from a cell phone operator.
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Wi-Fi connection: many hotels, restaurants, cafés, airports and shopping centers in Colombia offer free Wi-Fi access.
Read our article on Colombia’s telephone and electricity networks
Yes, you can buy prepaid SIM cards in Colombia, and there are several operators to choose from. The three main mobile operators in Colombia are Claro, Movistar and Tigo. We recommend Claro, which has the best national coverage.
You can buy a Claro prepaid SIM card in many Claro stores, kiosks and supermarkets. Be sure to show proof of identity, such as your passport, to register the SIM card. Once you have the SIM card, you can buy a prepaid package for mobile data and calls.
Read our article on Colombia’s telephone and electricity networks
Mobile coverage in Colombia is generally good in urban and tourist areas, but can vary in rural and remote areas such as the Llanos, or the Amazon, where mobile coverage can be less reliable and reception can be poor. Some remote areas may even have zones with no coverage at all. If you’re planning to travel in remote or less-developed areas, it’s advisable to check network coverage.
Read our article on Colombia’s telephone and electricity networks
In Colombia, sockets are type A and B. These are not the same sockets as in Europe, so an adapter will be required. We use this Welly adapter purchased on Amazon.
Read our article on Colombia’s telephone and electricity networks
Required documents
Entry formalities in Colombia depend on your nationality. Here are the main requirements for international travelers to Colombia:
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Passport: You need a valid passport to enter Colombia. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from the date of your planned departure from Colombia.
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Tourist visa: most nationals can enter Colombia as tourists for up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors automatically have a PIP (Permiso de Ingreso y Permanencia), a temporary residence permit granted to foreign visitors wishing to explore Colombia for tourism purposes.
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Return or onward tickets: you are required to present a return or onward ticket to your country of origin or another country, as proof of your intention to leave Colombia at the end of your stay (proof less than 90 days old).
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Other specific requirements: entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality, reason for travel and length of stay. It is advisable to consult the Colombian embassy or consulate in your country.
- Visa NOT REQUIRED – Permiso de Ingreso y Permanencia (PIP): the Colombian government issues a Permiso de Ingreso y Permanencia (PIP) on arrival, which is like a visa waiver. Only nationals of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Colombia: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Bhutan, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, South Korea, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Grenada, Greece, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Spain, United Arab Emirates, United States of America, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Micronesia, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Solomon Islands, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Dominican Republic, Romania, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Samoa, El Salvador, San Marino, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Suriname, Czech Republic, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Visa REQUIRED for nationals of countries NOT listed above. Applications must be made online via the official Colombian government website.
Most foreign nationals do not need a visa to travel to Colombia as tourists for up to 90 days.
It may also be possible to extend your stay by a further 90 days, by applying to theColombian Migration Office for an extension of stay before the initial 90 days have expired. So it’s technically possible to spend up to 180 days in Colombia!
However, it is essential to check the specific entry requirements for your nationality, as they may vary.
The duration of a tourist stay in Colombia is initially set at 90 days, as indicated on the stamp placed in your passport on arrival. However, it is possible to extend this stay by a further 90 days, allowing you to spend up to a total of 180 days per year in Colombia. This extension is called Permiso Temporal de Permanencia (PTP) and can be applied for free online on the official Colombian government website. It is advisable to submit your application around 15-20 days before the expiry of the initial 90-day stay. Once you have completed the form and provided the required documents, your application will be reviewed, but please note that approval is not automatic. If your application is approved, you will be able to print out the PTP confirmation.
Weather and transport
Colombia is a destination that can be visited all year round due to its climatic and geographical diversity, but the ideal time to visit depends on what you want to discover.
Whether you choose to go at a particular time depends on the tourist season (Colombian and foreign tourists), your budget, the weather or specific events.
Read our article dedicated to the best times to go to Colombia.
In Colombia, the seasons are marked by a climatic diversity due to its geographical position and varied topography. As the country lies close to the equator, it is characterized by two distinct seasons, rather than the four found in Europe: the dry season and the rainy season. However, it’s important to note that these two seasons can vary in timing and intensity depending on the region, which can make planning a trip a little more complex.
Then you need to take altitude into account: it will be warm or fine (during the day) up to around 2,000 m altitude, cooler from 2,000 – 2,500 m altitude.
Read our article dedicated to the best times to go to Colombia.
In Colombia, you have several options for getting around, depending on your needs, your budget and the region you’re visiting. Here are the main modes of transport in Colombia:
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Air: Domestic flights are well developed in Colombia, especially between the major cities. The main airlines are Avianca, LATAM and Clic Air (formerly EasyFly).
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Bus: Buses are the main means of land transport in Colombia. There are different classes of bus, from local to long-distance. Journeys can be long, especially across the country, but the scenery is magnificent.
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Metro: Medellín is the only city in Colombia with a metro system. The Medellín metro is modern, clean and efficient. Bogotá has a public transport system called TransMilenio, which is an urban bus network with dedicated routes.
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Cabs: Taxis are widely available in Colombian cities. Make sure the meter is running or agree a fare with the driver before you get in. Cab booking apps, such as Uber, are also available, but are officially illegal.
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Car rental: if you’re feeling up to it, you can take on the Colombian roads by renting a car for greater freedom and flexibility. Beware, though, that the cost of renting a car in Colombia is not much cheaper than in Europe.
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Boats and ferries: if you’re exploring coastal or island regions, you may need to use boats or ferries to get around.
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Tuk-tuks and motorcycle cabs: in some regions, particularly in rural areas and smaller towns, you’ll find tuk-tuks and motorcycle cabs that can take you to your destination.
The cost of a cab ride between Bogotá ‘s El Dorado International Airport and the city center can vary depending on several factors, including the time of day, traffic conditions and the exact destination area in the city center. In general, you can expect to pay between 25,000 and 40,000 COP.
It’s important to note that cab fares in Bogotá are generally calculated according to the meter. Make sure the driver uses the meter (called“taxímetro” in Spanish) to determine the fare.
Other
In Colombia, the official and most widely spoken language is Spanish. Colombian Spanish shows some regional variations, notably in accent and vocabulary, but is generally comprehensible to speakers of Spanish from other countries.
In addition to Spanish, there are a number of indigenous languages spoken in Colombia. These languages vary according to region and ethnic group. The most widely spoken indigenous languages include Quechua, Wayuu, Nasa Yuwe, Paeces, Embera, Kogi, Wiwa, Kankuamo and many others. These languages are mainly spoken in rural areas and by indigenous communities.
English is also taught in some schools and spoken by some Colombians. However, English is not widely spoken outside tourist agencies. Learning a few phrases in Spanish will be very useful.
Dress codes in Colombia don’t change much compared to Europe or North America (except in indigenous communities, of course). If you want to blend in, you’ll wear jeans (even if it’s 35°C) with sneakers, and either a t-shirt/shirt or a sweater/sweatshirt, depending on the temperature.
Discovery
General
Colombia is a country twice the size of France, with a wealth of things to discover. It’s hard to give a complete list, because there’s so much to see, and depending on your criteria, it can change. So here’s a list of the main places to see in Colombia.
- Major cities: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali and Cartagena.
- Medium-sized towns: Popayán, Manizales
- Villages: Villa de Leyva, Barichara, Guatapé, Jardín, Salento, Rincon del Mar, Palomino.
- Natural areas: Caño Cristales, Guajira Desert, Tatacoa Desert, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Amazon Rainforest, Pacific Coast(Bahia Solano, El Valle, Nuqui), Tayrona National Natural Park, Los Nevados National Natural Park, Chicamocha National Natural Park, El Cocuy National Natural Park, Chingaza National Natural Park.
- Historic sites: Ciudad Perdida, Tierradentro, San Agustín, Cerro Azul pictograms.
Nature
Colombia is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide variety of options for nature and adventure lovers. Here are just some of the popular outdoor activities in Colombia:
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Hiking: Colombia boasts magnificent hiking trails through its national parks and mountains. The Ciudad Perdida trek, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta trails, El Cocuy National Natural Park and the Cocora Valley near Salento are just some of the most popular hiking destinations.
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Scuba diving / Snorkeling: Colombia’s Caribbean and Pacific coasts offer excellent scuba diving opportunities. The coral reefs of San Andrés and Providencia, as well as the Malpelo coast, are well-known diving destinations.
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Mountain biking: Colombia’s mountains offer exciting trails for mountain bikers. The Boyacá, Antioquia and Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta regions are popular for this activity.
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Climbing: Colombia is becoming an increasingly popular destination for rock climbers, notably at Suesca, near Bogotá, and at La Mojarra, in the Santander region.
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Birdwatching: with its wide variety of bird species, Colombia is a prime location for birdwatching. The Amacayacu National Natural Park in the Amazon, the Tatamá National Natural Park and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta are excellent sites for birdwatchers.
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White-water rafting: Colombia’s rivers offer exciting opportunities for white-water rafting. The San Gil and Chicamocha rivers are particularly popular for this activity.
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Paragliding: Paragliding enthusiasts can enjoy breathtaking views from the Colombian mountains. Medellín and Santander are popular destinations for paragliding.
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Fishing: Colombia has many lakes, rivers and coastal areas ideal for fishing. You can fish for freshwater or saltwater fish, depending on the region.
No, it’s not possible to do this on your own. Access to Ciudad Perdida is strictly controlled for environmental preservation and safety reasons. Ciudad Perdida is located in a region inhabited by indigenous communities. Visits are organized in collaboration with these communities to ensure that visitors respect their territory and customs.
Colombia is rich in biodiversity (second only to Brazil in the world!), making it an ideal place for wildlife observation. Here are just a few of the wild animals you might be lucky enough to see on your trip to Colombia (non-exhaustive list):
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Birds: Colombia is the richest country in the world in terms of bird species. You can expect to see emblematic birds such as the toucan, the Andean condor, the macaw, the quetzal, hummingbirds, the brown pelican and many others.
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Felines: the jaguar, puma, ocelot and margay are just some of the felines that can be found in Colombia, although these animals are generally shy and difficult to spot.
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Primates: Colombia is home to several species of monkey, including the capuchin, howler, tamarin and spider monkeys.
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Reptiles: you’ll come across reptiles such as caimans, crocodiles, sea turtles (especially on the Caribbean coast), and various species of snakes, some of which are venomous, and of course, the anaconda.
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Land mammals: other land mammals you can see include the tapir, giant anteater, sloth, coati, tamandua, spectacled bear, capybara and more.
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Dolphins and whales: on the Pacific coast, you can observe dolphins and humpback whales during their seasonal migrations.
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Freshwater fish: Colombian rivers and lakes are rich in freshwater fish, including species of giant catfish, piranhas, arawanas and goldfish.
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Insects and butterflies: Colombia also boasts a wide variety of insects, including brightly-colored butterflies. The Morpho butterfly is one of the most spectacular.
Colombia offers a variety of trekking itineraries suitable for different skill levels, from beginner to experienced. Here are some of the most popular trekking routes in Colombia (non-exhaustive list):
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Ciudad Perdida trek: one of Colombia’s most famous treks, the Ciudad Perdida, or “Lost City”, is located in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta region. This trek takes you through lush jungle to an ancient pre-Columbian archaeological city. The trek generally lasts 4 days.
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Trek in Los Nevados National Park: Los Nevados National Park, located in the central Andes of Colombia, offers a variety of treks between the region’s volcanoes (Nevado del Ruiz, Nevado del Tolima, Nevado de Santa Isabel) and the Cocora valley.
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Trek in the Cocora Valley: the Cocora Valley, near Salento, is famous for its wax palm forests, the tallest in the world. You can do a circular hike in this valley, which takes around 5-6 hours.
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Trek in El Cocuy National Park: located in Colombia’s eastern Andes, El Cocuy is a veritable paradise for trekking enthusiasts. It offers a variety of trails, from easy itineraries to more demanding day treks.
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Trek to Chingaza: Chingaza National Nature Park, near Bogotá, offers several trekking trails through paramo (high mountain ecosystem) landscapes. It’s a practical option for those wishing to hike close to the capital.
Colombia offers excellent whale-watching opportunities at certain times of the year. Humpback whales are the most commonly observed species of whale in Colombian waters.
Colombia’s Pacific coast, including places like Bahía Solano, Nuquí and El Valle, is a prime location for humpback whale watching. The whale-watching season on Colombia’s Pacific coast runs from July to October. Boat excursions are organized to observe these majestic marine creatures.
Caño Cristales, often called “the river of five colors” or “the rainbow river”, is one of Colombia’s most emblematic natural wonders. The best time to visit Caño Cristales is from June to November, as the park is completely closed the rest of the year. It’s during this period that conditions are optimal for observing the river in all its splendour. During these months, the Macarenia clavigera aquatic algae, which give the river its vivid colors, are at their peak in August-September.
However, it is important to note that access to Caño Cristales is strictly controlled, and it is compulsory to be accompanied by a guide.
Culture
Colombian cuisine is rich in flavor and variety, reflecting the country’s geographical and cultural diversity. Here are just a few of the Colombian culinary specialities not to be missed on your trip to Colombia:
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Arepas: arepas are very popular corn cakes in Colombia (and Venezuela). They can be served as a side dish or stuffed with meat, cheese, avocado or beans.
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Empanadas: Empanadas are fried or baked turnovers filled with meat, potatoes or cheese. Each region of Colombia has its own variation.
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Patacones: Colombian patacones are plantain slices fried to a crisp, flattened and refried. Served with salt, they are a popular crispy snack in Colombia.
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Bandeja Paisa: originally from the Antioquia region, this hearty plate includes rice, red beans, minced meat, chorizo, chicharrón (crispy pork fat), avocado, plantain and a fried egg.
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Sancocho: a thick soup made with meat (usually chicken or beef), corn, potatoes, plantains and yuca (manioc). A popular comfort food.
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Ajiaco: a thick soup made from chicken, three types of potato, corn and aromatic herbs, with rice. Native to Bogotá, it is also served with avocado and cream.
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Ceviche: the Colombian version of ceviche is prepared with fish or seafood marinated in lime juice, onion, chilli and coriander.
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Lechona: a traditional dish of the Tolima region, lechona is a suckling pig stuffed with rice, peas, vegetables and spices, then roasted on a spit.
Colombia is a country rich in culture and tradition, and celebrates many festivals and events throughout the year. Here are some of the most important festivals and cultural events in Colombia:
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Carnaval de Barranquilla: one of Latin America’s most famous carnivals. It takes place in February and is characterized by colorful parades, traditional dances, spectacular costumes and spellbinding music.
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Carnaval de Blancos y Negros: celebrated in January in Pasto, this carnival is known for its blend of indigenous and African traditions. Participants paint their faces black and white to represent cultural unity.
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Feria de las Flores: this festival takes place in Medellín in August. It features huge flower parades, floral sculpture competitions and concerts. It’s a celebration of paisa culture.
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Holy Week: Holy Week is celebrated in April in many parts of Colombia, with religious processions, re-enactments of Christ’s passion and traditional rituals.
- Feria de Cali: one of the most important events in the city of Cali, and one of the biggest salsa festivals in the world. This annual festival, usually held from December 25 to 30, is a celebration of salsa music, dance and culture.
