Colombia

1. What are the best places to visit in Colombia?
Cartagena’s walled city is a UNESCO site with colonial architecture and vibrant streets. The Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero) offers coffee farm tours in Salento and the Cocora Valley’s towering wax palms. Bogotá’s historic La Candelaria district has the Gold Museum and Monserrate Hill. Medellín, once notorious, now boasts the Comuna 13 street art and cable cars. Tayrona National Park near Santa Marta features beaches and jungle hikes. The Amazon, accessible from Leticia, offers wildlife tours to spot pink dolphins. Visit San Andrés for Caribbean beaches and snorkeling. Don’t miss the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá, an underground church near Bogotá.

2. Is it safe to travel to Colombia?
As of March 2025, Colombia is much safer than its past reputation suggests, but caution is still needed. Petty theft is common in Bogotá and Cartagena—avoid flashing valuables in crowded areas like markets or buses. Violent crime has decreased, but some rural areas near the Venezuelan border or Pacific coast have risks due to lingering guerrilla activity—stick to tourist-friendly regions. Tap water isn’t safe; use bottled water. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue are a concern in the Amazon—use repellent. Medical facilities are good in cities but limited in rural areas, so travel insurance is advised. Check travel advisories for updates on safety and political stability.

3. Do I need a visa to visit Colombia?
Citizens of the U.S., EU, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days with a passport valid for 6 months. A yellow fever certificate is required if visiting high-risk areas like the Amazon or Tayrona National Park, or if coming from an affected country. Proof of onward travel may be requested. Extensions up to 90 days are possible at Migración Colombia offices in major cities ($40). Other nationalities may need a visa, obtainable through a Colombian embassy ($50–$100). Confirm requirements before travel, as health-related entry rules can change, especially for yellow fever zones.

4. What is the best time to visit Colombia?
Colombia’s equatorial climate makes it a year-round destination, but the dry seasons (December–March and July–August) are best for most regions, with temperatures of 20°C–30°C (68°F–86°F). The Coffee Region and Medellín are ideal during these months for hiking and outdoor activities. The rainy seasons (April–June and September–November) bring heavy showers to the Amazon and Bogotá, but they also mean fewer crowds and lush landscapes. Cartagena and San Andrés are hot year-round, around 28°C–32°C (82°F–90°F), with high humidity. Festivals like the Carnival of Barranquilla (February or March) are best during the dry season. Avoid the Amazon during peak rains (April–May) due to flooding.

5. How do I get to Colombia?
Fly into El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá or Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) in Cartagena. Direct flights from the U.S. (Miami, New York) take 3–5 hours ($300–$800 round trip) with Avianca or American Airlines. From Europe (Madrid, Paris), flights take 10–12 hours ($600–$1,500) with Air France or Iberia. Domestic flights with Avianca or LATAM connect Bogotá to Medellín or Cali ($40–$100 one-way, 1 hour). Long-distance buses like Expreso Bolivariano travel between Bogotá and Cartagena (20 hours, $30–$50). Taxis in Bogotá cost $3–$8 per ride, or use Uber, which is widely available. Roads are improving, but rural routes can be slow—plan extra time.

6. What are traditional Colombian foods to try?
Try bandeja paisa, a hearty platter from Medellín with beans, rice, ground beef, plantain, and avocado. Ajiaco, a chicken and potato soup with corn, is a Bogotá staple. Arepas, grilled corn cakes, are served everywhere—try them with cheese or eggs. In Cartagena, sample ceviche or coconut rice with fish. Lechona, a whole roasted pig stuffed with rice and peas, is a Tolima specialty. For a snack, grab buñuelos, fried cheese dough balls. Sip Colombian coffee, especially in the Coffee Region, or try aguapanela, a sugarcane drink. On the coast, patacones (fried plantains) are a must. For dessert, enjoy obleas, thin wafers with arequipe (caramel).

7. What are the best cultural experiences in Colombia?
Join the Carnival of Barranquilla (February or March), a UNESCO-listed festival with parades and cumbia dancing ($20–$50/ticket). In Bogotá, visit the Botero Museum to see Fernando Botero’s art ($5 entry). Take a salsa dancing class in Cali, the salsa capital ($10–$20/class). Explore Comuna 13 in Medellín with a graffiti tour to learn about its transformation ($15–$30). Attend the Flower Festival in Medellín (August) for silleteros parades. In the Coffee Region, stay at a finca and join a coffee-tasting tour ($20–$40). Visit the San Basilio de Palenque village near Cartagena for Afro-Colombian culture ($50/tour). In Leticia, experience an indigenous Amazonian ritual with a local guide ($30).

8. What are the best outdoor activities in Colombia?
Hike in the Cocora Valley to see the world’s tallest wax palms ($5 entry, $20 for guides). Trek to the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida), a 4-day jungle hike near Santa Marta ($400–$500/tour). Snorkel in San Andrés or Providencia for coral reefs ($30–$50/dive). Raft on the Chicamocha River near San Gil ($40/tour). Explore Tayrona National Park for beach camping and wildlife ($20 entry). Take a boat tour in the Amazon from Leticia to spot caimans ($80–$150 for 2 days). Paraglide in Medellín’s Andes for panoramic views ($50/flight). Visit Caño Cristales, the “River of Five Colors,” during the wet season (June–November, $200–$300/tour).

9. What should I know about Colombian culture before visiting?
Colombians are warm and proud—greet with a handshake and “Buenos días.” Spanish is the main language; English is limited outside tourist areas. Dress is casual, but avoid shorts in Bogotá’s cooler climate (15°C–20°C/59°F–68°F). Meals are social—lunch is the main meal, often with soup. Tipping 10% is standard in restaurants (sometimes included). Colombians love to dance—salsa, cumbia, and vallenato are everywhere. Soccer is a passion—expect lively debates about Atlético Nacional or Millonarios. Public displays of affection are common. Be prepared for a relaxed sense of time—punctuality isn’t strict. Avoid discussing the drug trade or past conflicts, as they’re sensitive topics.

10. What are the accommodation options in Colombia?
In Bogotá, stay at the JW Marriott Hotel ($150–$300/night) for luxury or Hostal Macondo ($20–$40/night) for budget travelers. In Cartagena, the Sofitel Legend Santa Clara ($200–$400/night) offers colonial charm, while Hostal Casa Baluarte ($30–$60/night) is affordable. Medellín has the Hotel Dann Carlton ($100–$200/night) or The Wandering Paisa Hostel ($15–$30/night). In the Coffee Region, Hacienda Bambusa ($150–$300/night) provides a farm stay, or try Hostel Tralala in Salento ($20–$40/night). San Andrés offers the Decameron Aquarium ($200–$350/night) or Posada Nativa ($40–$80/night). Book early for peak seasons like Carnival or the Flower Festival, as prices rise.