WELCOME TO COLOMBIA
COLOMBIA TRAVEL GUIDE
Presenting to you, your ultimate Colombia Travel Guide.
Colombia is such an underrated destination. From affordable prices where the USD could really stretch to an expansive history with a unique culture and mesmerizing natural sights everywhere you go, what is not to love.
Since it’s a Spanish-speaking country, this is an amazing opportunity to learn, freshen up, & perfect your skills. Duolingo cannot compete with this type of language immersion.
From hiking La Ciudad Perdida, a civilization that predates Machu Picchu by a few hundred years, to visiting the legendary site of El Dorado in Bogotá, reflecting on intense history throughout the colorful streets of Cartagena, and diving deep in the crystal waters of Islas del Rosario, if paradise were a country, this would be it.
Check out your ultimate Colombia Travel Guide and everything you need to know to plan a perfect trip.
best time to visit
Let’s just start with there is no bad time to visit. As your ultimate Colombia Travel Guide, this is what to expect each season so you can plan a perfect trip!
Like most tropical climates, the ideal time to go to Colombia is from December to March. Here, the climate is warmer and the Andes is drier.
If you’re planning to hike the La Ciudad Perdida, avoid September – November when the country gets the most rain. Go during the dry season to prevent yourself from being miserably soaked for four days straight. If it rains, they don’t cancel the excursion.
Visiting other places like Bogotá is great during the Spring, yes, it rains a bit- but it’s the off-season and a bit quieter, nonetheless more affordable.
COLOMBIA TRAVEL GUIDE:
what to know before you go
Language: Spanish is the official language. English is common in tourist areas.
Currency: Colombian Peso (COP). Credit/debit cards are accepted in most cities; cash is best for small towns and taxis. ATMs are widely available.
Plug Types: Type A & B (same as the U.S. & Canada). Voltage: 110V, 60Hz.
Colombia Travel Guide (Safety):
- Major tourist areas (Cartagena, Medellín, Bogotá, Coffee Region) are generally safe.
- Avoid flashing valuables and keep belongings close in crowded areas.
- Use authorized taxis or Uber, DiDi, or Cabify.
- It’s illegal to drive a rental car in places like Cartagena past 8 pm, so plan accordingly.
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phrases you must know before you go!
“Hola,
¿QUÉ más?”
Hello, how are you?
“POR FAVOR”
Excuse me
¿Cuánto
cuesta?
How much does
it cost?
“LA CUENTA, POR FAVOR”
Can I get the check please?
“CHéVRE”
Very cool
“GRACIAS / MUCHAS GRACIAS”
Thank you / Thank you very much
National dishes
A Colombia Travel Guide is incomplete without trying some of the country’s staple dishes. If you’re looking for the local experience, head over to La Puerta Falsa, the oldest restaurant in the country in Bogotá. Dating back to 1816, it’s as local as it gets and a great way to try Colombia’s national dish, the Ajiíco.
AIJACO
A hearty soup of potatoes, chicken, cream, and capers. Its origins are still a bit unknown as it’s also served in places like Cuba and Peru long before Spanish conquistadors invaded.
COLOMBIA TRAVEL GUIDE: Transportation
- Air Travel: Domestic flights are frequent and affordable (LATAM, Avianca, Viva Aerobus).
- Buses: Reliable and inexpensive for intercity travel (companies like Bolivariano, Expreso Brasilia). Long routes can take time due to mountain terrain, but buses are comfortable.
- Taxis & Ride Apps: Use Uber, DiDi, or InDriver, which is much safer and easier than hailing on the street. In smaller towns, official taxis are fine — confirm fares in advance.
- Driving: Roads are improving, but can be challenging in rural areas. A rental company I can personally recommend is Localiza. City traffic (especially in Bogotá) is heavy, so avoid it during rush hour if possible.
TRAVEL GUIDES
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