Colombia travel guide
Colombia Tourism | Colombia Guide
You're Going to Love Colombia
Filled with beautiful beaches, historic archaeological ruins, and scenic mountains that are known for providing amazing hiking, Colombia is a destination that all travelers are sure to love.
Between visiting the many national parks, exploring ancient cities, and watching the amazing wildlife, you are sure to never run out of things to do during your trip.
What to do in Colombia
1. Walk Through Nature
To witness some of the country's wildlife in its natural habitats, go to the Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, an area that is in northern Colombia and is filled with rainforests, lagoons, coves, and ancient structures.
2. Snorkel in Crystal Clear Waters
If you would like to go snorkeling or scuba diving during your trip, you won't want to miss a visit to the Rosario Islands, which is an archipelago that is known for having beaches that are perfect for swimming.
3. See a Panoramic View of the Mountains
For those that are hoping to see beautiful views of Bogota, head to Monserrate, a mountain that is in the city center and is home to a historical church.
4. Learn About the Country's Rich Heritage
By visiting the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, you will be able to learn about the unique history of when the Spanish colonized the country, as well as the story of the city of Cartagena.
5. Relax and Go Stargazing
To have a particularly unique experience, make sure to go to the Tatacoa Desert, which is famous for its bright red rock canyons and the fact that it is the perfect place to go stargazing.
When to visit Colombia
If you would like to avoid large crowds and still visit during a dry period, plan your trip to Colombia for either November, February, or March.
How to Get to Colombia
Entry Requirements
Citizens of most countries do not need to have a visa to travel to Colombia, and they can stay for up to 90 days with a valid passport. If you would like to extend your trip by an additional 90 days, you can do so by paying a fee of approximately 138,000 COP (40 USD).
Plane
The easiest and quickest way to travel to Colombia is by plane and there are many cities that service international flights, including Cartagena, Bogota, and Cali.
Car
Although Colombia is surrounded by five countries, it is only possible to drive from two of them, which are Venezuela and Ecuador.
Bus
Both Venezuela and Ecuador offer daily bus rides to Colombia's main cities, such as the capital, which is Bogota.
Boat
If you are coming from either Panama or Brazil, it is possible to take a ferry ride to Colombia, with several boats leaving per day.
Popular airlines serving Colombia
Where to stay in Colombia
Standard hotels are the most popular form of lodging that you will find in Colombia, but hostels are another common choice for those that are traveling on a budget.
Where to stay in popular areas of Colombia
Most booked hotels in Colombia
How to Get Around Colombia
Public Transportation
In Medellín, you can use the local subway, which has four lines that connect the city center to the suburbs. In other major cities, the most common form of public transport is the local bus, which usually costs 1,400-1,600 COP (0.40-0.46 USD) per ticket.
Bus
Buses are one of the most common ways to travel between cities in Colombia, and you will rarely find that a one-way ticket will cost you more than approximately 150,000 COP (43 USD).
Car
It is very easy to rent a car in Colombia but keep in mind that the highways frequently have tolls that can cost around 8,000-12,000 COP (2.30-3.50 USD).
Plane
The quickest way to move throughout Colombia is to take a domestic flight. There are many local airlines for you to choose from, including Avianca, EasyFly, Viva Air, and LATAM Colombia.
Best car rental deals in Colombia
Compact
4 adults, 2 Bags
C$ 75/day
Compact SUV
4 adults, 2 Bags
C$ 99/day
The Cost of Living in Colombia
When eating a nice meal in a traditional restaurant, you can plan on the cost being approximately 50,000-55,000 COP (14.50-16 USD) per person. If you decide that you would like to go grocery shopping, you can purchase a loaf of bread for around 2,300-2,500 COP (0.67-0.72 USD), as well as 2 lb of potatoes for approximately 2,000-2,100 COP (0.58-0.61 USD). Not all restaurants and shops accept credit cards, so keep some cash on you. You can exchange your money for the local currency at the airport.