This is a Guest post by Daniel Catena, a US expat living in Neiva, Colombia. He loves traveling, learning about new cultures, coffee, and sharing ideas on his newsletter.
Colombia in South America is bursting with wonder. It has a staggering 10% of the world’s biodiversity. Also, Colombia is the only South American country with coastline in the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. You can discover intrepid rivers like the Caño Cristales with five colors.
Besides natural beauty, Colombia is passionate about its abundant culture, friendly people, and plenty of destinations to explore. Colombia loves music and is famous for having 1,000 rhythms. All 27 departments have a unique history. It’s the second biggest in South America with 53 million people.
Colombia is absolutely worth visiting. Backpackers, luxury travelers, digital nomads, and Colombia tour groups can all appreciate Colombia.
Is Colombia safe for travel?
Generally speaking, yes, Colombia is perfectly fine for international travelers. Please be aware the federal government has been engulfed in a lengthy conflict with different paramilitary groups. However, most fighting is far from primary tourist areas. Major visitor hubs like Cartagena, Bogotá, and Medellín carry low risk.
Pro tip: Keep up with Colombian current events before booking a trip. Follow your local Travel Advisory page for updated information. There are resources to track the armed conflict.
Although Colombia welcomes foreigners, you should always be smart with your surroundings. A common Colombian idiom is “No dar papaya.” This means never let your guard down. Theft, scams, and petty crimes can happen anywhere. Always use common sense and street smarts.
Luckily, most people are very friendly and willing to help travelers.
Pro tip: Colombia travel is easier when you know the locals. Resources like Couchsurfing, Meetup, or With Locals can help! There are also many Colombia vacation packages to explore with a group. Brushing up on some basic Spanish phrases is helpful.
Extra tip: Many Colombian cities don’t have potable water. It’s a good habit to ask for drinks without ice.
What are Colombia’s entry requirements?
Colombia entry requirements vary depending on where you’re from. For example, US and EU travelers can stay in Colombia for 90 days without a visa. However, most countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia require an online visa. You need a passport with at least six months of validity to enter Colombia.
Note: You may be able to extend your trip for another 90 days. Contact the Ministry of Foreign Relationships or the Office of Migración Colombia.
All travelers need proof of a return trip out of Colombia. Airlines won’t let you on a plane to Colombia without showing an exit ticket. Also, you must register your trip with CheckMig 72 hours before going to Colombia.
There is no immunization requirement, but it’s recommended travelers get vaccinated for:
- COVID-19
- Yellow Fiver
- Typhoid
Do I need travel insurance?
Travel insurance isn’t required, but highly recommended for a Colombia trip.
What to pack:
Packing depends on where you plan to visit in Colombia. Light, breathable clothing is best if in a tropical climate. Cities like Bogotá can get chilly, so light layers or full-on jackets might be necessary. Some essential Colombia packing items include:
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Light rain jacket
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitizer
- Water bottle (filtered is best)
- Money belt
When is the best time to go to Colombia?
This depends on your vacation days and time of year. However, many travel sites like Lonely Planet say the best time to go is between December and March.
How do I plan a trip to Colombia?
Colombia has no shortage of adventures. Here are some ideas:
Adventure hike in the jungle:
- Tayrona National Park: Located in the northern Caribbean region of Colombia, Tayrona is about 45 minutes from Santa Marta. It’s part of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Natural Park. This is a popular trekking destination full of wildlife. You’ll experience the jungle, majestic archeological ruins (the Lost City), and golden beaches.
Sleep under the stars:
- Tatacoa Desert: This “dry tropical forest” is famous for its unique grey and red-rippled rock formations. You’ll feel like you’ve landed on Mars! It’s prime for hiking, horseback riding, glamping, and stargazing at night. Tatacoa is about an hour away from Neiva, in southern Colombia.
Have an urban adventure:
- Bogotá: Most travelers start their Colombia adventure at the El Dorado Airport in Bogotá. This is Colombia’s booming capital. You can’t get more urban than Bogotá. It’s sandwiched between huge mountain ranges. It’s a staggering 8660 feet above sea level with over 11 million inhabitants. There’s no shortage of restaurants, museums, and activities here. The Gold Museum, Mount Monserrat, and Iglesia de San Francisco are a handful of ideas.
Breathtaking coastal views:
• Cartagena de las Indias: This is one of the oldest Spanish colonial-style cities in South America. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena is full of breathtaking beaches. Visitors can relax in nearby Boca Grande Beach or visit nearby Playa Blanca, Baru Island, or the Rosario Islands.
Note: Although Cartagena is a beach destination, Santa Marta has arguably the prettiest beaches in Colombia.
Experience eternal spring:
• Medellín: Colombia’s second most populated city also has the best weather. Its altitude, 4900 ft above sea level, ensures it never reaches extreme temperatures. Medellín prides itself on innovation, art, and locals (Paisas) are notoriously friendly. The “City of Eternal Spring” is also Colombia’s City of Flowers. Medellin’s famous Flower Festival happens in August each year.
The famous coffee route:
- Central Colombia: Colombian coffee is one of the best on earth. Its famous Coffee Zone (Efe Cafetero) is in the Risaralda, Caldas, and Quindío departments. This coffee axis is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides amazing coffee, there are picturesque landscapes with verdant rolling hills. There are many Colombia vacation packages that include tastings at coffee plantations. Manizales, Pereira, and Armenia are vibrant towns within the Coffee Zone.
Back to you
You now have a definitive starting point for a memorable journey around Colombia. Now is your turn – plan your first Colombia trip today!
