Colombia Travel Information

Colombia is a country located in South America, known for its diverse landscape, rich culture and history, and friendly people. From the Caribbean coast to the Andes mountains, Colombia offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. Here are the top 10 things to do in Colombia:

1. Visit the Lost City (Ciudad Perdida)

The Lost City, also known as Ciudad Perdida, is an ancient city built by the indigenous Tairona people, located deep in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Visitors can take a multi-day guided trek to the site, and explore the well-preserved ruins, rich biodiversity and beautiful landscapes.

2. Explore Cartagena

Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Colombia. Visitors can explore the city's well-preserved colonial architecture, visit the local markets, and take a stroll along the picturesque walled city.

3. Relax on the beaches of Santa Marta

Santa Marta is a Caribbean coastal city located in the north of Colombia, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and lush mountains. Visitors can spend their days lounging on the beach, diving, and exploring the local culture.

4. Visit the Coffee Region

Colombia is one of the world's largest coffee producers, and visitors can take a tour of the coffee region to learn about the country's coffee-making process and culture, visit coffee farms, and taste different varieties of coffee.

5. Explore Bogotá

Bogotá is the capital and largest city of Colombia, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse neighborhoods. Visitors can explore the city's museums, parks, and plazas, take a cable car ride to the Cerro de Monserrate for a panoramic view of the city, and enjoy the city's delicious local cuisine. Bogotá has a lot to offer, from visiting the historic downtown, known as La Candelaria, to taking a walk in the new cultural and entertainment district of Zona G. Visitors can also experience the city's nightlife, shop at the local markets, and learn about the country's history and culture at the many museums and cultural centers that Bogotá has to offer.

6. Visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá is an underground Roman Catholic church built within a salt mine. Visitors can take a tour of the mine and learn about the history of the mine and the cathedral and admire the impressive underground architecture.

7. Visit the San Francisco Museum

The San Francisco Museum is located in the heart of Bogotá and is one of the most important museums in the country. Visitors can learn about the country's history and culture, as well as admire the collection of pre-Columbian art and artifacts.

8. Visit the Medellín

Medellín is the second-largest city in Colombia, known for its innovative urban development and its famous cable car system that connects the city's neighborhoods. Visitors can explore the city's vibrant culture, visit the local markets and take a cable car ride for a panoramic view of the city.

9. Visit the Tayrona National Natural Park

Tayrona National Natural Park is a protected area located on the Caribbean coast, known for its beautiful beaches, lush vegetation, and diverse wildlife. Visitors can take a guided tour and explore the park's natural beauty and learn about the indigenous communities that live there.

10. Visit the Guatapé

Guatapé is a small town located in the Andean region of Colombia, known for its colorful houses and its famous rock, El Peñol. Visitors can take a boat tour of the reservoir, and climb the 740 steps to the top of El Peñol for a panoramic view of the surrounding area.

Climate

Colombia has a diverse climate due to its varied topography, with temperatures averaging around 25-30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the year. Coastal regions are typically hot and humid, while the highlands are cooler and more temperate. Colombia has two main seasons, the rainy season, known as the "green season," typically runs from April to November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in October and November.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Colombia depends on your travel plans and preferences. If you're looking to avoid the rain and enjoy warm weather, the dry season from December to March is the best time to visit. This is also the peak tourist season, so expect crowds and higher prices. If you don't mind some rain and are looking for fewer crowds and lower prices, the green season from April to November can also be a good time to visit. Additionally, Colombia is home to many unique and diverse landscapes, some of which may be inaccessible during the rainy season, so it's important to plan your trip accordingly. You can also visit the Caribbean coast during the rainy season, as it offers a relief from the heat and humidity of the Pacific coast.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Colombia offers a variety of hotels to choose from, including budget-friendly options and luxury resorts. In major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena, you'll find a variety of international hotel chains as well as locally-owned properties. In more rural areas and beach destinations, you may find smaller, more basic hotels or guesthouses.

Hostels

Colombia also has a growing number of hostels, which are a budget-friendly accommodation option. They often have shared dorm rooms as well as private rooms and offer a more social atmosphere than traditional hotels. Hostels are popular among backpackers and other budget-conscious travelers.

Vacation Rentals

Another option for accommodation in Colombia is vacation rentals, such as apartments or villas. This can be a good option for groups or families traveling together, as it allows for more space and privacy than a hotel room. Vacation rentals can also be a more budget-friendly option, as the cost can be split among multiple people.

Eco-Lodges and Camping

For those who want to be closer to nature, eco-lodges and camping are also options. These can be found in national parks and other protected areas and offer a unique way to experience Colombia's natural beauty. Some of them offer sustainable tourism initiatives and opportunities to engage with local communities

Public Transportation

Colombia has a variety of public transportation options, including buses, minibuses, and taxis. These are the most affordable option for getting around, but can be crowded and uncomfortable. The public transportation system is well-organized in some areas, but less developed in others.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are also an option in Colombia, but it is important to keep in mind that driving conditions can be challenging. The road infrastructure is well-developed in some areas, but less in others, and driving can be dangerous in rural areas. Additionally, it is a good idea to check with the rental agency and make sure that you have a valid driver's license and that your insurance covers you while driving in Colombia.

Private Transportation

Another option is to hire a private driver or tour company, which can be a convenient and safe way to get around the country, particularly if you plan to visit multiple destinations. This option can be relatively expensive but can also be more comfortable and reliable.

Air Travel

For traveling between different regions of the country, air travel is also an option, but the options are limited and prices can be relatively high. However, it can save a lot of time, especially if you plan to travel to remote places that are not easily accessible by land.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.