Colombia Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Colombia with this comprehensive travel guide featuring must-visit places, activities, food, and local culture, as well as safety, transportation, and logistics tips.
- Introduction to Colombia
- List of Places to Visit in Colombia
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Colombia
- Best Things to Do in Colombia: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Colombia
- Food and Drink Scene of Colombia
- Where to Stay in Colombia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Colombia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Colombia
- Best Time to Visit Colombia
- Do’s and Don’ts of Colombia
- Safety and Health in Colombia
- Getting to Colombia: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Colombia
- Where to Go Next from Colombia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Colombia
Colombia is a South American country that boasts a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and warm and welcoming locals. From the vibrant cities of Bogota and Medellin, to the lush Amazonian rainforest, to the Caribbean coast, there’s something for every traveler in Colombia. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll share all the essential information you need to plan your trip to this amazing country.
List of Places to Visit in Colombia
Here is a list of must-visit destinations in Colombia:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Gold Museum in Bogota
- San Felipe de Barajas Castle in Cartagena
- Fernando Botero Museum in Medellin
- Tierradentro Archaeological National Park
- Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira
Natural Attractions of Colombia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Tayrona National Park
- Valle de Cocora
- Caño Cristales
- Guatapé and El Peñol
- Los Nevados National Natural Park
Hiking/Biking Routes of Colombia
If you’re looking for an adventure-packed vacation, Colombia has plenty of options:
- Valle de Cocora Trek
- Ciudad Perdida Trek
- Paramillo del Quindio Trek
- Pico Cristobal Colon Hike
- Biking through the Coffee Region
Best Things to Do in Colombia: Activities and Tours
- Take a salsa class in Cali
- Enjoy the Juan Valdez coffee experience
- Take a street food tour in Bogota
- Explore the underground salt cathedral in Zipaquira
- Go birdwatching in Mompos
Week-Long Itinerary for Colombia
Here’s a suggested itinerary for a one-week trip to Colombia:
Day | Destination |
---|---|
1 | Arrive in Bogota, explore the historic district and take a street food tour |
2 | Take a day trip to the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira |
3 | Fly to Medellin, visit the Fernando Botero Museum, and take a salsa class |
4 | Explore the Guatapé and El Peñol near Medellin |
5 | Fly to Cartagena, explore the walled city, and take a street food tour |
6 | Take a day trip to the Rosario Islands |
7 | Departure day |
Food and Drink Scene of Colombia
Must-Try Dishes
- Bandeja Paisa
- Arepas
- Sancocho
- Empanadas
- Ajiaco
Local Beverages
- Coffee
- Aguardiente
- Chicha
- Refajo
- Lulada
Where to Stay in Colombia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
From budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels, there are many options for accommodations in Colombia. Here are some of the best:
- Selina Medellin in Medellin
- La Brisa Loca Hostel in Santa Marta
- Masaya Hostel in Bogota
- Casa del Arzobispado in Cartagena
- Hotel Boutique Casa San Agustin in Cartagena
What to Buy in Colombia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Emeralds
- Coffee
- Leather Products
- Handmade Jewelry
- Traditional Clothing such as mochilas and ponchos
Local Culture and Customs of Colombia
In Colombia, family and community are very important. Colombians are also known for their love of music and dance, especially salsa. It’s important to be respectful of Colombian culture and customs, including greeting locals with a handshake and using formal titles such as “señor” and “señora”.
Best Time to Visit Colombia
The best time to visit Colombia depends on your itinerary and interests. Generally, the dry season from December to March and July to August is the best time to visit, but the rainy season from April to June and September to November can also offer unique experiences such as the Caño Cristales river.
Do’s and Don’ts of Colombia
Do:
- Take a salsa class in Cali
- Explore the historic district of Cartagena
- Try local food and drink
- Visit Tayrona National Park
- Learn some Spanish phrases
Don’t:
- Wear flashy jewelry
- Take unmarked taxis
- Walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas
- Drink tap water
- Leave valuables unattended
Safety and Health in Colombia
Safety in Colombia
Colombia is generally safe for tourists, but it’s important to take precautions to avoid any potential risks. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid traveling alone or in remote areas. Keep your valuables out of sight and only use official taxis.
Health in Colombia
It’s important to take proper precautions to stay healthy in Colombia. Drink bottled water, peel all fruits and vegetables, and only eat food that has been thoroughly cooked.
Getting to Colombia: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Colombia
- El Dorado International Airport in Bogota
- Jose Maria Cordova International Airport in Medellin
- Rafael Nunez International Airport in Cartagena
Bus Stations Near Colombia
- Terminal del Norte in Bogota
- South Terminal in Medellin
- MegaBus Terminal in Cartagena
Other Options
- Domestic flights within Colombia
- Car rental
How to Get Around in Colombia
While cities like Bogota and Medellin have great public transportation systems, it’s generally best to rely on taxis or car rentals to get around in Colombia.
Where to Go Next from Colombia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
If you’re looking to continue your South American adventure, here are some nearby destinations to consider:
- Machu Picchu, Peru
- Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- Amazon Rainforest, Brazil
- Lake Titicaca, Bolivia
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for an adventure-packed vacation or a relaxing getaway, Colombia has something to offer every traveler. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’ll be well-equipped to plan your visit to this beautiful country and make unforgettable memories.
Colombia Image Gallery
![Palacio de la Cultura & Coltejer Building in Medellín](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0a/Palacio_de_la_Cultura_and_Coltejer_Building.jpg/100px-Palacio_de_la_Cultura_and_Coltejer_Building.jpg)
![Toll station in the Antioquia Department](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bf/PeajeZonaOccidente.jpg/100px-PeajeZonaOccidente.jpg)
![Street in Armenia (Colombia)](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Avenida_boliar_armenia_quindio.jpg/100px-Avenida_boliar_armenia_quindio.jpg)
![Cali](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a1/Centro_de_Cali_desde_la_torre_de_Cali.jpg/100px-Centro_de_Cali_desde_la_torre_de_Cali.jpg)
![Buñuelos](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/21/Bu%C3%B1uelos_Colombianos_%2824221303805%29.jpg/100px-Bu%C3%B1uelos_Colombianos_%2824221303805%29.jpg)
![Seafood in Colombia](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/82/SeasidePrawnCoctail.jpg/100px-SeasidePrawnCoctail.jpg)
![Colombia is one of the world's largest coffee producing countries](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Coffee_farmer_-_triangulo_del_caf%C3%A9.jpg/100px-Coffee_farmer_-_triangulo_del_caf%C3%A9.jpg)
![Colombian police officers next to a patrol car](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/95/Plan_Nacional_de_Vigilancia_Comunitaria_por_Cuadrantes_%286219724561%29.jpg/100px-Plan_Nacional_de_Vigilancia_Comunitaria_por_Cuadrantes_%286219724561%29.jpg)
![Street view in Bogota](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c2/Carrera_S%C3%A9ptima_Bogot%C3%A1_DC_-_panoramio.jpg/100px-Carrera_S%C3%A9ptima_Bogot%C3%A1_DC_-_panoramio.jpg)