In a nutshell
- Colombia is one of South America’s most exciting travel destinations — but a little preparation goes a long way. This article has everything you need to know before you go.
- We cover entry requirements, costs, safety, getting around, the best time to visit, and much more — all based on our own time in Colombia.
- Top tip: Colombia is very affordable on the ground — budget around 25 euros per night for a basic double room and just 4 euros for a set lunch.
- Ready? Let’s get into all our Colombia travel tips.
Is a Trip to Colombia Worth It?
Absolutely! Colombia is a wonderful travel destination. We especially love it for its incredible mix of culture and nature.
For one thing, the people here are incredibly warm, and salsa and bachata dancing shape everyday life in a way you’ll feel everywhere you go. For another, the landscapes are seriously breathtaking — from Caribbean beaches and the Amazon region to lush mountain scenery.
On top of that, Colombia is a genuinely affordable place to travel. And let’s not forget the Colombian coffee, freshly squeezed juices, and delicious arepas.
We would do our road trip through Colombia again in a heartbeat — the country is so diverse that there’s always something new to discover.
Getting to Colombia
Most travelers fly into the airport in Bogotá, Colombia’s capital, which has the best international connections.
Also read our tips for things to see in Bogotá
You’ll find more options and cheaper fares with a connecting flight. Most routes go through Madrid, but there are also connections via Barcelona, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Besides Bogotá, there are also direct flights from Europe to Medellín and Cali — worth checking if either city is your main destination.
We always search for flights using Skyscanner — it’s the easiest way to compare prices across airlines.
Entry Requirements for Colombia
Entering Colombia is refreshingly straightforward. Other than a valid passport (it must be valid at least through the end of your trip), you don’t need a visa or any additional documents for stays of up to 90 days.
At passport control, we were asked how long we planned to stay and the purpose of our visit. We didn’t have to show proof of onward travel, but your experience may differ — it’s smart to have a return ticket handy just in case.
Paying and Currency in Colombia
The official currency is the Colombian Peso (COP). One euro is worth approximately 4,500 COP, though the exchange rate fluctuates.
You’ll definitely need cash in Colombia — many places don’t accept card payments at all. Card payments work at most accommodations, supermarkets, and nicer restaurants. However, some hotels add a five percent surcharge for paying by card.
When withdrawing cash, Colombian banks typically charge fees of around 4–6 euros. The only bank we found without additional charges is Davivienda — worth keeping an eye out for their ATMs.
To minimize ATM fees, it’s worth traveling with a bank card that offers free international withdrawals — check with your bank before you go.
Tipping in Colombia
In tourist areas and mid-range to upscale restaurants, it’s customary to leave a tip. The tip — called “propina” in Spanish — is often already included in the bill, so check before you add extra. If it’s not included, around 10 percent is appropriate.
At local restaurants, street stalls, and small food stands, no tip is expected. That said, we always leave a small propina — it genuinely makes people very happy.
Costs in Colombia
Overall, Colombia is a very affordable travel destination. The main costs that add up are flights and guided tours, which tend to be pricier.
Here’s a quick overview of typical prices in Colombia:
- Double room in a basic hotel: 25 euros
- Bus ride within a city: 75 cents
- Long-distance bus Medellín – Bogotá: 20 euros
- Lunch at a basic restaurant: 4 euros
- Dinner at a nicer restaurant: 9 euros
- Beer at a bar: 2 euros
- Delicious coffee: 1 euro
Accommodations in Colombia
Most places to stay in Colombia are more basic than what you might be used to at home — but the full spectrum is there, from cheap hostels to proper luxury hotels.
As the price overview above shows, accommodation is very affordable across the board.
We always book through Booking.com — it has the widest selection across all price ranges and is easy to use.
Here are a few hotels in Colombia we’d personally recommend:
Bogotá: Lucitania
Medellín: 574 Hotel
Cartagena: Hotel Boutique Casona del Colegio
Cali: Magic Garden House
Santa Marta: Casa Rosa Alma Hotels
Also read our hotel articles for Colombia:
Safety in Colombia
Colombia has a rough reputation when it comes to safety — but the reality is more nuanced. The country has transformed from one of the most dangerous countries in South America into a relatively safe travel destination.
We rarely felt uncomfortable and had no safety issues ourselves. As long as you follow a few basic common-sense rules, you can have a fantastic trip here.
Some areas are riskier than others. In major cities, there are more dangerous spots than in smaller, more touristy places like Salento with the Valle de Cocora.
Read all our tips on safety in Colombia
Getting Around in Colombia
The infrastructure in Colombia is decent. All cities are connected by long-distance buses, and major cities have their own airport.
Highways and main roads are mostly paved and considerably smoother than in neighboring countries like Peru and Bolivia. That said, journeys still take longer than you might expect, and accidents are relatively common — local driving habits leave something to be desired.
Long-distance buses are super popular in Colombia, so on busy routes like Bogotá – Medellín or Cartagena – Santa Marta, you’ll have plenty of operators to choose from. Quality ranges from pretty rough to perfectly comfortable. We’ve had good experiences with Expreso Bolivariano, Copetran, and Expreso Brasilia.
You can book some tickets online through Bookaway. In Colombia, though, it’s most common to just buy them directly at the terminal.
Getting around within cities
Within cities, buses are the most common way to get around. To stop one, stick out your arm — and pay in cash. Medellín also has a metro system, which is really easy to use.
In the evening and at night, avoid public transportation — it can be unsafe. Instead, hail a taxi or use Uber or DiDi. DiDi works like Uber and is actually much more widely used in Colombia.
Language and Communication in Colombia
The official language is Spanish, alongside a number of indigenous languages. English gets you by at major tourist spots, but beyond those, Colombians generally speak little English. It’s really worth learning at least the basics before you go.
Fun fact: Colombia is actually a great country to learn Spanish — the pronunciation is very clear and easy to understand, even for beginners.
SIM Card, Internet & Power Outlets
Internet is good almost everywhere in Colombia. The best network coverage comes from Claro and Movistar — Claro is usually a step ahead. With Claro, you can get a SIM card with 10 GB for about 13,500 COP.
SIM cards are available almost everywhere — at kiosks and airports. Your best bet, though, is to buy one directly at the carrier’s store.
A great alternative is an eSIM — you can set it up before you even leave home.
You’ll also need a travel adapter for Colombia. The country uses plug types A and B, so most travelers from Europe will need an adapter.
Best Time to Visit and Time Zones in Colombia
Colombia is a year-round destination — its proximity to the equator keeps temperatures remarkably consistent. Instead of seasons, Colombia has a dry season and a rainy season.
The dry season runs from December to March and June to July — these are the best months to visit. Trips to the Caribbean coast, such as Tayrona National Park, are especially well-suited to these months — expect brilliant blue skies and perfect conditions for a beach vacation in Colombia.
The rainy season falls in April and May and from August to November. You can absolutely still visit during this time — it rains most days, but usually just short showers, and sightseeing is still very much doable.
Time zone in Colombia
Colombia is in the Colombia Time (COT) zone, which is UTC−5. Colombia does not observe daylight saving time, so the offset from other regions will shift depending on the time of year in your home country.
Read our article on the best time to visit Colombia
Food and Drink in Colombia
We’ll be honest. Colombian cuisine isn’t among our personal favorites. We found the food a bit repetitive and, after a while, a little one-note. That said, there are definitely some tasty dishes worth trying.
Typical Colombian dishes
- Arepa: Corn flatbread with various fillings
- Sancocho de Mondongo: Soup made with beef tripe
- Tamales: Corn dough stuffed with meat
- Buñuelos: Fried cheese dough balls
- Bandeja paisa: A platter with rice, beans, ground beef, chicharrón, sausage, egg, avocado, arepa, and plantain
- Ajiaco: Chicken soup with potatoes and corn on the cob
- Hormigas culonas: Ants (yep, you read that right)
Typical Colombian drinks
- Chicha: Alcoholic drink made from corn (usually consumed in the Amazon region)
- Aguapanela: Infusion made from sugarcane juice
- Aguardiente: Traditional liqueur
Vaccinations, Illnesses, and Health
There are currently no mandatory vaccinations for Colombia. That said, you should absolutely get vaccinated against yellow fever — the risk in Colombia is high. A yellow fever vaccination may also be required when arriving from third countries such as Brazil.
Other recommended travel vaccinations include Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, rabies, dengue fever, and typhoid. Talk to your doctor before your trip — they’ll advise which ones make sense for your specific itinerary.
Malaria
Malaria is present in some parts of Colombia, particularly the Amazon region. You can find more information on the German Foreign Office website. If you’re heading to any of these areas, let your doctor know so they can recommend appropriate prophylaxis.
Insect-borne illnesses
Beyond malaria, mosquitoes in Colombia can also transmit dengue fever and chikungunya fever. Your best defense is a good insect repellent and wearing long, loose clothing — especially in the evenings.
Gastrointestinal illnesses
It’s not unusual to pick up a stomach bug during your trip. Hygiene standards and food preparation can be quite different from what you’re used to at home.
Our advice: wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and don’t overdo it with street stalls. We got food poisoning during the Ciudad Perdida hike — it happens.
Healthcare system
Private clinics and hospitals in Colombia are generally faster and better equipped than public facilities. Make sure you have travel health insurance before you go — you’ll typically need to pay for treatment upfront and claim reimbursement afterward.
More Tips for Colombia
To wrap things up, here are a few practical pointers for your trip to Colombia.
Restrooms
In Colombia, toilet paper goes in the trash can next to the toilet — not in the toilet itself. Otherwise, you’ll almost certainly clog it.
Public restrooms at bus terminals and tourist attractions typically cost around 1,000 COP. If you want toilet paper, you’ll pay a few hundred extra pesos on top of that.
Regardless, always carry a roll of toilet paper with you — rest stops and free public restrooms usually don’t have any.
Drinking Water
Tap water is safe to drink in almost every part of Colombia. We asked at our accommodations in every city we visited and almost always got the green light. We also never had any stomach issues from tap water throughout our entire trip.
Date Rape Drugs
Drink spiking is a real and widespread problem in nightclubs and bars in Colombia — especially at tourist-oriented venues and particularly in Medellín. Don’t accept drinks from strangers, and never leave your drink unattended.
