[ad_1]
This weblog could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. Learn our disclosure coverage for more information.
Are you considering of visiting Colombia? Effectively, it’s best to! Let this Colombia journey information show you how to plan your journey, put together correctly, and likewise encourage you to lastly ebook the journey! I cherished Colombia a lot that I simply needed to write this Colombia Journey Information to assist others take advantage of this wonderful nation!
Colombia is the latest travel hot spot in South America and in the previous couple of years, tourism has exploded. Colombia’s previous stigma that when plagued the nation is fading and now increasingly persons are open to the concept of touring to this stunning nation.
With world-class espresso plantations, wonderful seashores to the north and west, wonderful meals, wealthy historical past, and pleasant folks, Colombia is a spot that you’ll probably love simply as a lot as I do!
The primary time I visited Colombia I spent 8 months there and left with a want to return quickly – so I did. Just lately, I went again to Colombia and spent one other 3 months revisiting my favourite locations in addition to exploring some I’d missed on my journey earlier than. It’s protected to say I’m an enormous fan of Colombia!
After talking with many different vacationers from everywhere in the world, I’ve realized that it isn’t simply me who feels this manner, everybody loves Colombia!
So should you too need to journey to Colombia, right here’s all the things it’s essential know together with vital info to assist put together and plan on your journey!
Subjects included on this Colombia Journey Information:
- Visa and entry necessities
- Foreign money & ATMs
- The Climate
- Risks and Security
- What issues price
- Day by day budgets
- Greatest locations to go to
- Greatest issues to do
Colombia Visa and Entry Necessities
![colombia flag](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/colombia-flag.jpg.webp)
The primary and most vital factor in any Colombia journey information is how you can get into the nation!
There are 98 international locations that don’t require a visa to enter Colombia. These embrace the UK, all European Union passport holders, North and South America, Australia, New Zealand, and Indonesia. You can be given a 90-day stamp in your passport on arrival.
When getting into Colombia it’s a requirement to have proof of onward journey. By land this rule will not be overly enforced, nonetheless by air most airways will NOT allow you to board the airplane with out proof of onward journey.
This implies you will want proof of you leaving Colombia both by land, air, or sea. In case you don’t have already got this booked, you may create a fake flight ticket for $5 USD on-line. I’ve executed this a couple of instances and it at all times works for me.
Foreign money and Cash in Colombia
![bbva atm in colombia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/bbva-atm.jpg.webp)
The very first thing it’s essential know when touring to Colombia is about their cash and how one can get it!
Colombia makes use of Colombian Pesos, often known as COP. This forex is used all through the nation and is most well-liked over USD (not like many different South American international locations). On the time of scripting this (April 2020) $1 USD is value $4,000 COP, however this may fluctuate quite a bit.
Replace: In December of 2022 $1 USD is value $4,822 COP.
EFTPOS (or debit/bank card) is out there in bigger cities like Bogota and Medellin nonetheless solely at bigger shops, supermarkets, giant hostels, and fancy inns. On most events, a cost is added when paying with EFTPOS (3-5%). It is very important at all times carry some money with you in case locations
ATMs are broadly obtainable round Colombia to withdraw money. Without cost withdrawals use the ATMs referred to as BBVA. These ATMs are the one ones that don’t cost a ridiculous price to withdraw money on a international card. The withdrawal restrict is simply 300,000 COP ($62 USD) although.
You can even alternate USD or different widespread currencies resembling CAD or Euros at airports or in main cities. Nevertheless, they don’t at all times provide the perfect alternate charge.
Climate in Colombia
![Bailey sits on a rock overlooking Cabo san Juan in Tayrona National Park, Colombia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/DSC_9996.jpg.webp)
As a consequence of Colombia’s northern location in South America, it has no clear seasons. The common temperatures in Colombia don’t change that drastically due to the seasons. As a substitute, they alter relying on the place you might be in Colombia because of the altitude.
The altitude tends to alter the climate much more than the precise change of seasons. The town of Medellin is also known as “town of everlasting Spring” for its fixed spring-like climate.
On Colombia’s Caribbean coast, temperatures are sizzling all 12 months spherical, nonetheless, suffers from tropical rains.
You may learn extra concerning the common temperatures and weather in Colombia here!
When to Go to Colombia
![The view of the pool at Casa Viejas in Minca, Colombia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DSC9556-1.jpg.webp)
When deciding when to go to Colombia, the primary climate situation to think about is the rain! Through the summer time months (June, July, August) it rains probably the most, after which in winter the least (December, January, February.)
Spring (March, April, Could) – March alerts the start of the wet season. By Could, Colombia receives on common 17 rain days a month!
Summer season (June, July, August) – Summer season in Colombia is the center of the moist season so ensure you again your jacket and umbrella!
Autumn (September, October, November) – By the center of Autumn the wet season is gone and issues preserve drying up till December.
Winter (December, January, February) – Ahh winter eventually! Winter is the dryest time in Colombia and as some say, the perfect time to go to.
Whatever the climate, Colombia is an attractive place to go to all 12 months spherical! I visited within the months of August and September and nonetheless had a tremendous time with many stunning days!
The one different factor to recollect when planning when to go to Colombia, is that it’s busiest round Christmas time (December and January.)
Additionally, the rainy season in Tayrona National Park is completely different and it closes 3 completely different instances of the 12 months that are February 1st to February fifteenth, June 1st to June fifteenth, and October nineteenth to November 2nd. It’s vital that if you wish to go there plan round this (up to date December 2022)!
Risks and Security in Colombia
![medellin at night](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/medellin.jpg.webp)
Though Colombia is comparatively protected, widespread issues resembling pickpocketing are one thing to be careful for, particularly within the bigger cities. Different widespread crimes embrace robberies (normally through the evening), forex alternate scams, and police corruption.
Please observe that though some small quantities of medicine are decriminalized in Colombia, this rule usually doesn’t apply to vacationers, and “on-the-spot fines” are normally given (nonetheless extra extreme penalties can apply.)
It’s also required in Colombia to hold your passport or a duplicate of it with you always. Throughout my keep, buddies of mine acquired “on-the-spot fines” for not carrying theirs. This positive was as a substitute of being escorted to immigration.
Throughout my keep in Bogota, Bailey and I have been robbed at knifepoint on the most important plaza in La Candelaria. That being stated, I want to point out this theft was under no circumstances violent and occurred at 11 pm (a time we should always not have been strolling round in a quiet space).
I discovered the remainder of Colombia to be tremendous protected and had no different issues besides this one incident.
Normal security guidelines apply in Colombia. So preserve your wits about you, don’t exit at evening alone, don’t showcase valuables, and solely keep it up you what you might be prepared to lose. Plan routes and instructions rigorously to keep away from strolling by way of unsafe neighborhoods.
As a normal rule, the vacationer areas the place hostels and inns are situated are the most secure, however should you enterprise to a special space do a little analysis first or take into account happening a guided tour.
This Colombia journey information will not be meant to scare you off, simply be cautious and I’m certain you may be positive. We honestly felt very protected throughout our time in Colombia!
For extra details about staying protected in Colombia, try our weblog, South America safety tips!
Associated Learn: You can even read our story of the time we were robbed at gunpoint in Brazil.
What Issues Value in Colombia
An important a part of planning a visit is budgeting and figuring out roughly how a lot it can price you. In order that’s why on this Colombia journey information I’ve included the under details about what issues price on common in Colombia!
Lodging in Colombia Costs
![Bailey swims at Costeño Beach Hostel in Costena Beach, Colombia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DSC_9792.jpg.webp)
Dorm rooms in hostels vary from 20,000-40,000 COP ($4 -$8 USD). Personal Rooms begin at 60,000 COP ($12.50 USD), however that is normally for one thing in a smaller city and really primary. For an honest personal room with a personal toilet anticipate to pay round 100,000 COP ($21 USD), however in fact, extra luxurious inns might be upwards of 480,000 COP ($100 USD).
The entire locations I stayed at included free wifi and a few had free continental breakfast. Many hostels and inns in Colombia are totally booked on weekends and through peak season. That is largely as a result of Colombia’s tourism infrastructure not having the ability to sustain with the sudden demand.
Tip: The very best place to ebook inns and test costs and availability in Colombia is on the web site Booking.com. For hostels, think about using Hostelworld the place most backpackers depart detailed evaluations.
Colombia Meals Costs
![Fried fish in Taganga, Colombia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/DFASFS.jpg.webp)
Native avenue meals like empanadas might be discovered for 1,000-2,000 COP ($0.20-$0.40 USD). Meals at low cost native eating places begin at about 10,000 COP ($2 USD). These meals normally include a alternative of meat and rice, beans, and fried plantain.
In case you’re after western meals then anticipate to pay at the very least 20,000 COP ($4 USD) for one thing like a burger. At a fancier restaurant anticipate to pay as much as 50,000 COP ($10 USD) for a most important meal.
Beers at hostels normally price 5,000 COP ($1 USD) and at bars, you’ll pay upwards of 8,000 COP ($1.70 USD). Cocktails vary from 10,000-20,000 COP ($2-$4 USD) and a glass of wine is normally round 12,000 COP ($2.50 USD).
Fruit and greens from grocery shops are less expensive than processed meals gadgets which are imported.
I largely ate my very own cooked meals. Consuming cooked meals and largely avenue meals with the odd restaurant set me again round 250,000 COP ($52 USD) for Bailey and me every week. You possibly can simply spend much more should you eat at the entire finest eating places and don’t prepare dinner for your self.
Transport Costs in Colombia
![marsol shuttle bus from santa marta to cartagena](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200305_101639.jpg.webp)
Native buses and the metro are low cost and most rides price round 2,000 COP ($0.50 USD).
Intercity buses, nonetheless, are somewhat costly with a visit from Cartagena to Medellin costing round 130,000 COP ($27 USD).
Native flights with Viva Colombia are low cost and might price as little as 200,000 COP or $40 USD (Medellin to Bogota.) Nevertheless, these flights don’t embrace baggage and can price additional so as to add on.
Value of Excursions in Colombia
![boat tour to playa grande in colombia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/DSC9454.jpg.webp)
Excursions vary so broadly in worth and size so it’s onerous to offer a determine, however for the sake of this Colombia journey information, I’ll attempt to offer you a ballpark determine. A metropolis tour will normally price round 60,000-100,00 COP ($12.50-$21 USD). Different excursions just like the Misplaced Metropolis Trek can set you again 400,000-600,000 COP ($83-$125 USD).
Usually talking, Medellin and Cartagena are costlier than different cities and cities.
Day by day Budgets in Colombia
![Daniel enjoys a beer on Palomino Beach, Colombia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200302_121311.jpg.webp)
For the sake of this Colombia journey information, I’ve included some common every day budgets. These figures are primarily based on common every day spending per particular person per day. So, should you take into account your self a price range backpacker have a look at the “low” price range vary under, whereas a extra luxurious traveler ought to seek advice from the “excessive” part.
Low
80,000-130,000 COP ($17-$27 USD) per day – This implies staying in low cost hostel dorms, cooking virtually all meals, hardly ever happening organized excursions, and barely consuming any alcohol.
Medium
130,000- 200,000 COP ($27-$42 USD) per day – Staying fancier dorms or primary personal rooms (break up between 2 folks), consuming out generally, taking part in choose excursions, and having a couple of beers right here and there.
Excessive
200,000+ COP ($42 USD) per day – Staying in personal rooms in nicer inns or hostels, consuming out most meals, taking taxis frequently, excursions in each metropolis, and partying an honest quantity.
Prime Locations in Colombia
There are such a lot of wonderful locations that I couldn’t cowl all of them intimately on this Colombia journey information, however listed below are a couple of of my absolute private favorites! These are locations in Colombia it’s best to significantly take into account visiting.
Guatape
![Drinking Colombian coffee in Guatape, Colombia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/DSC9267.jpg.webp)
Guatape is a small city that could be a great day trip from Medellin because it’s situated about an hour away. This small city is legendary for a couple of nice causes together with its colourful buildings and being house to the third largest monolithic rock on the earth – which you’ll climb!
The realm can be house to one of many notorious Pablo Escobar mansions in addition to a large lake good for water actions! One of the in style methods to go to is on a Guatape tour from Medellin!
Examine the entire amazing things to do in Guatape in our weblog article!
Salento
This stunning southern city is a good place to get amongst the locals and expertise Colombia’s wealthy tradition. Situated to the south of Medellin, Salento boasts wonderful espresso plantations, nice meals, and naturally the well-known wax palms within the Valle de Cocora.
We’ve written an in depth information all about Salento, Colombia!
Medellin
No journey to Colombia can be full with no go to to Medellin. With amazing tours in Medellin (together with the most effective free strolling excursions I’ve been on!), a somewhat notorious historical past, and a vibrant nightlife, Medellin reveals guests how far it has come since being one of the harmful cities on the earth.
There’s so much to do and see in Medellin it may be onerous to plan your restricted time there properly. We’ve rigorously constructed this Medellin itinerary to swimsuit anyone who has one to 5 days to spend within the metropolis! Ensure you squeeze in time to visit the neighborhood of Comuna 13 which has remodeled from one of the harmful locations within the metropolis to an space full of wonderful graffiti artwork and avenue performances.
San Andres Island
San Andres is a well-liked place amongst locals for weekend getaways. Situated within the Caribbean, it boasts wonderful seashores, world-class diving, and a relaxed island vibe! To me, it’s simply one of many best places in all of Colombia and it’s best to actually take into account heading there for a couple of days.
Learn our full information to San Andres Island to assist plan your journey!
Cartagena
This huge metropolis on the Caribbean coast is house to some wonderful historical past. The previous metropolis is surrounded by an enormous wall that was used again in colonial instances and is actually a sight to see! One of many must-do tours in Cartagena is the free strolling tour within the day, however by evening, be sure you Getsamani for the get together!
For extra info on the best things to do in Cartagena, learn our detailed weblog which incorporates tons of points of interest and popular day trips from Cartagena that almost all vacationers miss!
Tayrona Nationwide Park
This stunning nationwide park situated on the Caribbean coast is a must-see! Tayrona National Park is the place the thick inexperienced rainforest meets crystal clear waters and with the choice to remain the evening on the seashore, it’s the final word Colombian getaway!
In case you’re heading to Tayrona Nationwide Park, it’s finest to remain in or close to the park. Learn our weblog about where to stay in Tayrona for all the data you want!
San Gil
San Gil is Colombia’s journey capital. With implausible rivers good for kayaking and white water rafting, bungee leaping, abseiling and way more it’s the right place for any adrenaline junkie!
Discover out extra about the entire adventures you may have in San Gil, Colombia!
Minca
![Bailey sits on the edge of the pool at Casas Viejas and overlooks Minca, Colombia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DSC9563.jpg.webp)
Minca is a small city situated within the mountains close to Santa Marta. Well-known for its wonderful views, cool local weather, and delightful waterfalls it’s a preferred spot for backpackers!
We’ve give you an inventory of awesome things to do in Minca, discover out what all of them are in our weblog article! In case you’re eager to discover and have the experiences deliberate for you, our list of the best Minca tours may also turn out to be useful.
Santa Marta
![A bids eye view of Rododero Beach, Santa Marta](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DSC9504.jpg.webp)
Santa Marta is used as a base for Tayrona Nationwide Park, the Misplaced Metropolis Trek, and Minca. This metropolis has nice nightlife and a few fairly cool close by seashores to discover. In case you’re in Santa Marta, there are some great tours to Tayrona National Park that may deal with all the things for you!
Try our complete information to visiting Santa Marta, Colombia!
Popayan
The southern city of Popayan will not be a backpacker’s dream, nonetheless, its previous colonial structure is solely stunning. In case you’re heading by way of to Ecuador or vice versa it’s an important place to cease en path to the border!
It’s an important place in Southern Colombia to get off the crushed observe!
Las Lajas Sanctuary
Las Lajas Sanctuary often known as the Las Lajas Cathedral is arguably probably the most stunning cathedral in Colombia and nicely value testing should you’re crossing from Colombia to Ecuador by bus. It’s closest to town of Ipiales and really straightforward should you’re planning on going there already.
Prime Issues to do in Colombia
Final however least, no Colombia Journey Information can be full with no listing of the perfect things to do in Colombia!
Misplaced Metropolis Trek
![The famous view of the Lost City Trek near Santa Marta, Colombia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/piedra.jpg.webp)
The 4-day hike by way of the Colombian jungle is a should! Situated close to Santa Marta within the north, this hike takes you thru wonderful landscapes and eventually ends on the well-known Misplaced Metropolis Ruins! The one means to do that hike is on an organized tour with a licensed information.
It’s undoubtedly certainly one of my favorite hikes in all of South America!
Bungee leaping in San Gil
San Gil is house to the most cost effective bungee bounce on the earth. At solely $20 USD each traveler can afford it. Oh, and don’t fear, I jumped first to ensure it was protected!
Medellin Free Strolling Tour
![medellin towers of light](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/medellin-towers-of-light.jpg.webp)
In 15 months of touring Latin America, the Medellin free strolling tour by Actual Metropolis Strolling Excursions was by far the perfect! This tour actually shouldn’t be free. The standard of the tour is 5 stars and from begin to end I used to be so intrigued. Medellin’s historical past is each loopy and fascinating!
Social gathering at Carnival
![celebrating carnival on the streets of Colombia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/20200223_181114-scaled.jpg.webp)
In case you love partying away the evening and day then Colombia’s Carnival celebrations are for you! Through the month of February, the celebrations are wonderful with the largest celebrations happening within the metropolis of Barranquilla.
Scuba Diving
With the Caribbean on Colombia’s doorstep, it’s no marvel that diving is so in style. I personally dived off of San Andres Island and completely cherished it! The ocean life and corals are beautiful!
One other in style place to go scuba diving in Colombia is Taganga. Right here, the calm waters and low cost costs make for the right place to be taught as nicely!
Go to the Amazon
![monkey in a tree in colombia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/DSC_0148.jpg.webp)
Colombia is house to a small portion of the Amazon rainforest and likewise a few of the least visited. Because of this, you may go on a visit into the unknown and off the crushed path!
Espresso excursions
Colombia is legendary for its wonderful espresso and the perfect place to drink it’s at one of many farms on a espresso tour! Excursions might be executed virtually all over the place with farms everywhere in the nation with the most well-liked areas being Salento, Jardin, and Minca.
Benefit from the Seashores
![A photo of the beach at Costeño Beach, Colombia](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/DSC9722.jpg.webp)
There are some fairly unbelievable seashores round Colombia. I personally benefit from the ones on the Caribbean coast probably the most resembling Playa Grande, Playa Blanca, Cabo San Juan, and Costeno Beach! From Santa Marta and Cartagena you may discover probably the most pristine seashores the nation has to supply!
Associated Learn: Colombia is actually has a lot of wonderful citites, see our favorite Latin America cities list here!
Don’t get Caught with out Journey Insurance coverage!
We by no means journey with out journey insurance coverage! We’ve had a couple of situations throughout our travels when certainly one of us has ended up within the hospital, and journey insurance coverage has saved us hundreds of {dollars} through the years!
SafetyWing is our go-to insurance coverage, we each have insurance policies with them each time we journey.
They provide journey medical insurance coverage that’s tremendous inexpensive (solely $45 USD per 4 weeks!)The one factor to notice is that the insurance coverage have to be bought when you’ve left your property nation – we sometimes purchase it as quickly as we land on the airport.
We’ve personally used SafetyWing for a lot of completely different journeys, and we’ve been reimbursed for numerous bills after we’ve fallen ailing. SafetyWing even lined our flights again to Canada in full when the pandemic first occurred (when last-minute flights earlier than the borders closed have been tremendous costly!) Whereas most journey insurance coverage corporations left folks stranded, SafetyWing totally reimbursed us for our last-minute, expensive flights!
Additionally, as a result of it’s so inexpensive, there actually isn’t any excuse to not take out a coverage. Check prices and get a quote online here with SafetyWing (you may even take out a coverage should you’re already touring!)
Thanks for studying!
![Enjoying a drink at the Sunset Bar in Santa Marta, Colombia as the sun sets](https://destinationlesstravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/20200219_173154.jpg.webp)
After visiting Colombia it’s straightforward to see why it has earned its prime spot amongst vacationers. It shocked me to see how far this nation has come and the way vital it’s to unfold the message that this as soon as harmful nation is now a spectacular place to go to.
The Colombian persons are a few of the friendliest I’ve met and are begging for vacationers to offer the nation a go. For these causes and lots of extra, Colombia is certainly one of my favourite locations on earth and is what has impressed me to jot down this Colombia journey information.
I hope you discovered this Colombia journey information useful and when you have any questions be happy to depart them within the feedback under, we reply to all of them!
Bure certain to browse our huge assortment of blogs about Colombia too – you’re certain to search out extra useful information!
Listed below are a couple of of our favorites to get you began:
[ad_2]