Colombia is a land of diverse landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality. Known for its stunning natural beauty, from the lush Amazon rainforest to the towering Andes mountains and the pristine Caribbean coastline, Colombia offers a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Traveling through Colombia is a sensory delight, and at the end of your journey, it will be difficult to leave this cheerful country behind. Below, I’ve compiled the most important tips and facts for traveling in Colombia.
1.Book your domestic flights in advance
Colombia is an incredibly large country, a whopping 28 times the size of the Netherlands! We had prepared ourselves to spend many hours on buses, but this turned out to be less of an issue because domestic flights in Colombia are very affordable. Easyfly and LATAM are budget airlines in Colombia, and if you book your tickets early, you can often fly for just a few tens of euros. Booking last minute can significantly increase the price. Additionally, flying on a weekday is often much cheaper than on weekends.
2.You don’t necessarily need to speak Spanish
It’s a fact that very few Colombians speak English. And yes, it’s disappointing when a taxi driver enthusiastically tries to chat with you and you don’t understand a word. Traveling through Colombia can definitely be more enjoyable if you speak some Spanish, but it’s not necessary to get by. The menu in many restaurants is often only available in Spanish, but if you download the Google Translate app at home, you can translate everything offline in Colombia. If you want to improve your Spanish while traveling, the Duolingo app is recommended. There’s a good chance you’ll speak much better Spanish by the end of your trip!
3.Don’t just withdraw money from any bank
At many Colombian banks, you can only withdraw a small amount per transaction and then pay a high commission per transaction. Sometimes you end up paying up to 15% commission. Not really a good deal. It’s best to withdraw money from a Davivienda ATM because here you can withdraw up to 2 million pesos – around €450 – at once. At many other banks in Colombia, this is 600,000 pesos per transaction.
4.Use Uber in major cities
Officially, Uber is banned in Colombia, but it is still widely used in major cities. The advantages of Uber are significant, especially for foreign travelers. You get a fair price, you can check reviews of the driver, and the driver knows exactly where you want to go. Especially when you want to go to your hotel after a night out, ordering an Uber is safe and very easy. Buy a local SIM card with some data on it and install Uber on your phone if you haven’t already.
5.Don’t take valuable items with you when going out
Under the influence, you are an easy target for thieves, so make sure that when you go out, you take as few valuables as possible with you. Also, always keep an eye on your drink and don’t accept drinks from strangers. The times we heard from travelers in Colombia that they were robbed, it was almost always during a night out or on the way back to the hotel. We were also robbed during a night out in Cartagena. Fortunately, only a few small bills that were loose in the trouser pocket. So take as little as possible with you when you go out. For example, don’t put your entire wallet in your bag, just a few bills. Put your phone away securely behind a zipper and never leave it in your pocket. Better safe than sorry!
6.You need a universal adapter
Don’t forget to bring a few universal adapters on your trip, otherwise, you won’t be able to charge your phone or camera in Colombia.
7.Local holidays are very busy
Colombians are increasingly discovering their own country. About 15 times a year, there is a public holiday that falls on a Monday or Friday, so almost all Colombians have 3 consecutive days off. If you’re in a place like Tayrona or Salento during one of these holiday weekends, expect it to be very crowded. When Colombians go on vacation in their own country, they often go with the whole family. By the whole family, we mean grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and the dogs. Everyone goes! Of course, it’s very cozy, but it’s advisable to take this into account when planning your trip. Make sure you preferably don’t go to places like Tayrona or Valle de Cocora on these holidays.
8.Try to avoid mid-December to mid-January as well
During this period, it’s holiday time for Colombians, and they visit all the beautiful places in their own country. As a result, everywhere is much busier, and consequently, the prices of hotels and flights rise. If you have the option, it’s better to choose another period.
Traveling Through Colombia：Discover Wonderful Scenic Spots
From the remote beauty of the Sierra Nevada del Cocuy and the vibrant Amazon culture in Leticia to the serene beaches of Providencia Island and the adventurous trails of the Páramo de Sumapaz. This selection of locations promises a deep dive into undiscovered Colombia, where nature reigns supreme and authentic experiences await.
1. Leticia: The Gateway to the Amazon
Leticia, a small town nestled on the banks of the Amazon and bordering Peru and Brazil, offers a unique insight into the Amazon jungle. This destination is perfect for adventurous travelers seeking an authentic experience in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. Don’t forget to read our jungle survival tips before your visit.
Highlights Leticia:
Take a boat trip on the Amazon River to discover the rich flora and fauna.
Visit Isla de Los Micos to meet hundreds of curious little monkeys.
Experience the local culture by visiting indigenous communities.
Travel tips Leticia: Leticia is easily accessible with direct flights from Bogotá. Consider booking a multi-day tour to truly experience the jungle. Accommodations range from simple hostels to comfortable hotels, depending on your preference.
2. Sierra Nevada del Cocuy
The Sierra Nevada del Cocuy is a breathtakingly beautiful national park in Colombia, known for its glaciers, rugged peaks, and unique alpine landscapes. It’s almost
reminiscent of Patagonia. It’s a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
Highlights Sierra Nevada del Cocuy:
Trekking through the park reveals spectacular views of snow-capped peaks, crystal-clear lakes, and vast valleys.
The park is home to unique flora and fauna, including the frailejón plants and the Andean condor.
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to March.
Travel tips: Accessibility is more challenging than other destinations; it requires a journey by bus or car from major cities such as Bogotá or Medellín. Make sure to prepare well and have proper equipment for high-altitude trekking. It’s advisable to acclimatize to the altitude before starting intensive trekking, which can easily be done in Bogotá itself as the capital is located at an altitude of 2,625m.
3. Bahía Solano
Bahía Solano, located on the Pacific coast of Colombia, is an untouched paradise known for its rich biodiversity, including the annual whale watching between July and October.
Highlights Bahía Solano:
Observe humpback whales migrating to these waters to calve and mate.
Explore the lush jungles that reach to the coastline, with countless waterfalls and natural pools.
Enjoy the serene beaches and rich marine biodiversity by snorkeling and diving.
Travel tips Bahía Solano: Flights to Bahía Solano depart from Medellín, Cali, Bogotá, or other major cities. This destination is ideal for travelers seeking peace and connection with nature.
4. Mompox
Mompox, also known as Santa Cruz de Mompox, is a city that seems to have stood still in time. This historic city, located on the banks of the Magdalena River, is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights Mompox:
Stroll through the streets to admire the beautiful colonial houses, churches, and squares.
Mompox is famous for its filigree jewelry, a must-see (and maybe even a must-buy) for handicraft lovers.
The city played a crucial role in Colombia’s independence, giving it a rich historical significance.
Travel tips Mompox: The city of Mompox is accessible by bus from Cartagena or by a combination of bus and boat from other cities.
5. Providencia Island
Providencia, located in the Caribbean Sea, is part of the archipelago San Andrés, Providencia, and Santa Catalina. It is a less visited gem compared to the more touristy San Andrés and offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear water, and a rich Afro-Caribbean culture.
Highlights & Facts:
Providencia is known for its beautiful coral reefs, making it an ideal destination for diving and snorkeling.
The island has a “Round the Island” road that takes you past breathtaking viewpoints, secluded beaches, and local eateries.
Crab Cay (Cayo Cangrejo) offers one of the best panoramic views in the Caribbean.
Travel tips Providencia: The most common way to reach Providencia is by first flying to San Andrés and then taking a smaller plane or ferry to Providencia. The island is relatively small, so renting a scooter or golf cart is a popular option for getting around. Accommodations range from cozy guesthouses to luxury resorts, depending on your preference.
6. Caño Cristales
Often described as the “river of five colors” or the “liquid rainbow,” Caño Cristales is a natural wonder located in the Serranía de la Macarena National Park. This river comes alive with an explosion of natural colors between the wet and dry seasons thanks to a unique type of water plant called Macarenia clavigera.
Highlights Caño Cristales:
The best time to visit Caño Cristales is between July and November when the river displays its full array of colors.
It’s a perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers seeking spectacular landscapes.
Visitors must be accompanied by a certified guide to preserve the area’s ecological balance.
Travel tips Caño Cristales: The journey to Caño Cristales usually begins with a flight to La Macarena from Bogotá, followed by a short boat trip and a hike. It’s important to book your tour in advance since access to the river is strictly regulated to protect the environment.
7. Capurganá and Sapzurro
Located on the Caribbean coast, near the border with Panama, are the remote villages of Capurganá and Sapzurro. These places are only accessible by boat or small plane and offer pristine tropical landscapes, crystal-clear water, and tranquil beaches far away from the crowds. They serve as entry points to Panama for many backpackers and travelers. You can also sail through the San Blas islands, which we recommend if you want to travel to Panama.
Highlights:
The area is a paradise for divers and snorkelers with its rich underwater life and beautiful coral reefs.
Hiking trails connect Capurganá with Sapzurro, offering breathtaking views along the way and the opportunity to explore pristine nature.
La Miel, just across the border in Panama, is easily accessible on foot from Sapzurro and is known for its beautiful beach.
Travel tips: The remote location means you need to plan well in advance, including transportation and accommodation.
These are just a few of the many incredible destinations that Colombia has to offer. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the jungle, relaxation on the beach, or immersion in history and culture, Colombia has something for everyone. With its warm climate, friendly people, and diverse landscapes, Colombia is truly a traveler’s paradise.
