Planning Your Trip to Colombia: A Practical Guide

When to go, which vaccines, which itinerary, what to see: here is our practical guide and travel tips to help you prepare your trip to Colombia!

At a Glance: Essential Facts Before You Go to Colombia

• Best time to travel: During the dry season, from December to March
• Entry requirements: Passport valid for the full duration of the stay for EU nationals
• Flight duration: 11-12h (direct Europe–Bogotá) to around 16h with a stopover
• Time difference: The time difference between Colombia and the UK varies: –6h in summer and –4h in winter. In 1992, Colombia abolished seasonal clock changes.
• Languages: Since the 16th-century Spanish colonisation, Colombia’s official language is Spanish. However, more than 65 indigenous languages survive from the pre-colonial era.
• Population: 51 million
• Area: 1.142 million km², twice the size of France
• Currency: The Colombian Peso (COP). As of 2024, €1 is worth approximately 4,600 pesos. We recommend checking the exchange rate before departure.
• Plug type: Types A and B: an adapter is required.
• Country code: +57

Climate: When to Travel to Colombia?

Colombian Climate

Colombia lies just above the equatorial line. There are only two seasons per year: summer, or the dry season, from November to March, and winter, or the rainy season, from April to October. Between these two periods, July and August are milder and see less rainfall.

Colombia has a remarkable diversity of climates. The country sits at the crossroads of the Caribbean to the north, La Guajira Desert to the northeast, the Amazon to the south and the Pacific to the west. The Andes run through the entire country from north to south.

When Is the Best Time to Go to Colombia?

The most favourable period for travel to Colombia is the dry season (November to March). The country’s proximity to the equator means temperatures remain relatively uniform throughout the year.

Planning Your Colombia Itinerary

Colombia’s Must-Sees

From the Caribbean to the Pacific, via the coffee triangle and charming colonial towns, Colombia is a true concentrate of Latin culture that is sure to win you over!

Here are some of the highlights not to miss on your Colombia trip:

• Tayrona Natural National Park where the jungle tumbles down the mountainside to meet the paradise beaches of the Caribbean Sea
• Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City) in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, discovered on a breathtaking 4-day trek through lush nature
• Cartagena de Indias, rightly nicknamed ‘the Pearl of the Caribbean’ for its colonial and multicultural heritage
• The Zona Cafetera to discover (and taste) the famous Colombian coffee in a sublimely rolling landscape
• The Cocora Valley, birthplace of the towering wax palm, Colombia’s national tree

How Long Should You Spend in Colombia?

The recommended length of a Colombia trip varies according to your goals and pace of travel.

We advise at least 2 to 3 weeks to explore the highlights of Colombia while also enjoying experiences off the beaten track. Colombia can also be combined with neighbouring countries, such as Ecuador (the Amazon and the Galápagos Islands, for example) or Panama for its beaches.

What Budget Do You Need for Colombia?

For a 2-week trip to Colombia, budget between €2,400 and €2,800 per person. This price varies depending on the activities, type of support and regions visited. More remote regions such as the Amazon, Caño Cristales or the Guajira Desert are more expensive, as they require full logistics: transport, guided excursions and full board.

For a 20-day Colombia circuit covering highlights such as Bogotá, Medellín and Cartagena alongside immersive nature experiences (the Pacific coast, the Llanos and the Ciudad Perdida trek), budget around €3,500 per person.

For a complete 3-week trip exploring colonial cities, the Zona Cafetera, the Pacific coast and the Caribbean coast (including 3 days of relaxation on Isla Mucura), allow a minimum budget of €4,500 per person. Included: charming 2/3-star accommodation, homestay experiences and guided activities at every stage.

Health and Vaccines in Colombia

Source: France Diplomatie.

Health Risks in Colombia

The main health risks in Colombia are linked to insect bites (dengue, Zika…), though the risk of transmission is very low. Note that tap water is safe to drink in major cities (Bogotá, Medellín…) but not throughout the country.

A few tips to avoid minor health issues:

• Use mosquito repellent and/or wear covering clothing in tropical areas
• Wash your hands regularly with hand sanitiser
• Keep your distance from animals and do not pet them
• Do not swim in stagnant water
• Avoid raw or undercooked food, ice cubes and ice cream from unknown sources
• Drink bottled or previously filtered water

Which Vaccines Are Required for Colombia?

No vaccinations are mandatory to enter Colombia. It is advisable to get vaccinated against yellow fever, and prudent to check the validity of your DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, polio), typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B, and rabies vaccinations.

Regarding yellow fever: the vaccine is compulsory for travellers arriving from certain countries, including Brazil. It is also required to visit certain national parks. Do not hesitate to seek advice from your doctor!

Safety in Colombia

All the stages selected for your Colombia trip are safe. Only areas close to certain borders should be avoided. Take care of your personal belongings in cities (particularly in Bogotá) and at airports. Avoid wearing jewellery, valuable watches or other conspicuous signs of wealth.

Documents You Need for Colombia

Do You Need a Visa for Colombia?

For stays of less than 3 months, on arrival and with a return ticket, Colombian customs will issue a tourist visa valid for 90 days. EU nationals will need to present a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date, along with your return ticket.

Travel Insurance for Colombia

We recommend taking out at minimum a repatriation insurance policy (included in all Tierra Latina trips). For greater peace of mind and to cover all eventualities, a comprehensive multi-risk insurance policy is also recommended to cover any medical expenses. Hospitals in Colombia are generally private and require upfront payment of costs.

Packing Your Suitcase for Colombia

What to pack for Colombia depends on the season and the regions you plan to visit. Here are the essentials to include in your luggage:

• Mosquito repellent (eco-friendly if possible)
• A universal electrical plug adapter
• Light clothing and beach wear for the Caribbean coast
• A waterproof jacket and a jumper for mountain areas including Bogotá
• Light, comfortable clothing for the coffee triangle and Medellín

Culture: Films and Books Before You Go to Colombia

Documentaries and Films to Watch Before Travelling to Colombia

• Colombia: Wild Magic by Mike Slee, available on YouTube in Spanish with English subtitles
• Embrace of the Serpent (El abrazo de la serpiente) by Ciro Guerra, available on VOD
• Encanto by Disney Studios, available on VOD

Books to Read Before Travelling to Colombia

• One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez: a true masterpiece of the 20th century by the Colombian Nobel Prize winner in Literature
• The Country of Cinnamon (El país de la canela) by William Ospina: an initiatory travel novel through the Amazon and the history of Colombia
• Tales from the Town of Widows (En la ciudad de los viudos intrépidos) by James Cañon: a both tragic and burlesque fable told through portraits of women in a small Colombian village

On the Ground: Transport, Accommodation and Food in Colombia

Getting Around Colombia

Several transport options are available for getting around Colombia:

• Inter-city buses: the most common and economical way to travel between major cities, for example between Medellín and Bogotá. Fares generally range between 20,000 and 90,000 COP (€5–20) depending on the distance. That said, journeys can be long. For example, a Bogotá–Medellín trip takes around 9 hours.
• Colectivos: minibuses or shared taxis serving shorter routes. Often faster than regular buses and prices can be negotiated in advance.
• Domestic flights: for longer distances (for example Bogotá to Cartagena), flying is both quick and sometimes cheaper than the bus. Airlines such as Viva and Avianca offer extensive domestic connections between major cities.
• Taxis: a practical and relatively affordable option for getting around cities. However, booking via an app or using a vetted private hire service is strongly recommended for safety.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Colombia?

• Bogotá: the Candelaria neighbourhood, the historical and cultural heart of the Colombian capital
• Cartagena: in the Old Town (Ciudad Amurallada), for a historic experience with colourful streets and a romantic atmosphere
• Medellín: in the lively El Poblado neighbourhood or the more residential Laureles district
• The Zona Cafetera: in an authentic coffee finca, directly with local producers
• The Pacific coast, the Amazon or the Llanos: in an eco-lodge deep in the heart of nature

What to Eat in Colombia?

With its pre-Columbian, Afro-Caribbean and European heritage, Colombian cuisine is wonderfully diverse! Here are some specialities to try during your trip:

• Arepa: the iconic maize flatbread, filled with cheese, vegetables or meat
• Bandeja Paisa, a true feast: rice, red beans, minced meat, chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), fried egg, avocado and arepa
• Ajiaco: a traditional soup made with chicken, three types of potato, sweetcorn and fresh herbs