A Traveller's Guide to Colombia

Everything you need to know about travelling to Colombia.

Essential Facts

Currency

The currency used in Colombia is the Colombian peso (COP). US dollars are usually not accepted in Colombia. ATMs are the best and easiest way to get cash and are available everywhere except in small towns and more remote areas. There are also exchange houses in bigger cities where you can trade US dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros, and many other currencies at a favorable exchange rate. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most major shops, hotels, and restaurants in larger cities, but it is recommended to have cash on hand when visiting smaller towns and remote areas.  

Language

The official language of Colombia is Spanish, used alongisde 68 native languages. English is not widely spoken in Colombia although you may encounter some locals who speak English in tourist spots.

Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Colombia heavily depends on what you want to do. For the Caribbean coast and Cartagena, the gorgeous dry season from December to April is best. Inland cities like Medellin and Bogota benefit from elevation, giving them both a cool spring climate year-round. Rainfall will vary, however, with the dryest months being from December to March, and again in July and August. Note that if you want to see the famous Caño Cristales in full algae bloom, this only takes place in the wet season from May to November. If you're heading to Tayrona National Park, check for maintenance closures throughout the year.

Climate

Due to its proximity to the equator (tropico) and its geographic and atmospheric conditions, Colombia has a number of micro-climates with varying seasons and some challenging contradictions. Located 2,600m above sea level, Bogota has a cooler climate, with temperatures that rarely fall below 10°C/50°F or get higher than 20°C/68°F. Bogota’s dry season runs from December to March and July to August while its wet season is April to May and September to November. Cities such as Medellin and the coffee region enjoy temperatures ranging from 17–25°C/62.6–77°F with frequent rainfall.  Be ready for for a quick downpour in any of these inland cities.

The Caribbean area (Cartagena, Santa Marta, Barranquilla), which is at sea level, experiences more heat and humidity with less rain and a more regular wet season from September to October. Temperatures averaging between 24–33°C/75–91°F. The Amazon region experiences a great deal of rainfall annually (the wettest months are January through May) and temperatures in the high twenties with extreme humidity.

Ideal traveller

Colombia is a beautiful country with diverse offerings. Foodies and coffee lovers will fall in love with regions like the Coffee Triangle, or Bogota with its amazing restaurant and street food scenes. History buffs, culture lovers and party-goers will enjoy the rhythms of Cartagena, the historic Villa de Leyva, and the art culture in transformed Medellin. Thrill seekers, adventure lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photographers have plenty to see and do in Tayrona National Park. Beach lovers will enjoy the peaceful beaches, crystal blue waters, and white sands of the Rosario Islands, easily reached on a day trip from Cartagena.

Getting There From North America

Major Airports

The home of Avianca, Colombia's airport infrastructure is quite extensive with most major cities having international airports. In Bogota, El Dorado International Airport is located 15 minutes west of the city centre. Medellin Airport is located in the town of Rio Negro, about one hour away from the city. On the Caribbean, the three major cities (Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Santa Marta) each have airports that receive international flights throughout the year. In the Pacific region, the Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport is located 14km/8.7mi away from both Cali and Palmira.

Major Air Routes from the United States

In the United States, nonstop flights service Bogota from Dallas, Miami, Boston, Los Angeles, New York City, Washington DC, Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and Houston. Medellin receives nonstop flights from Miami, New York City, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Orlando, while Cartagena sees nonstop service from Miami, New York City, Fort Lauderdale, and Orlando. Note, some of these routes, particularly from Fort Lauderdale and Orlando are operated by low-cost airlines, so check with your booking agent if you're unsure.

Major Air Routes from Canada

In Canada, nonstop flights service Bogota from both Toronto and Montreal. Seasonal flights connect both cities nonstop to Cartagena during Canada's winter. Passengers from other  Canadian destinations will connect via Toronto, Montreal, or a US city.

Essential Sights in Colombia

Bogota

Bogota is the capital city of Colombia and is located on the Andes mountain range. It is a busy, richly international city with a great range of museums and parks, along with an impressive culinary scene. Visitors are usually enchanted by the historical center at La Candelaria, and by the incredible views from Monserrate Hill. Visit the world's largest Gold Museum, or soak up the vibe of modern-day Bogota in trendy Chaperino. Bogota is also a great starting point to visit other areas such as the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira or the town of Villa de Leyva.

Medellin

Medellin is known as the city of "eternal spring" due to its mild climate throughout the year. Filled with colourful streets and very friendly people, Medellin has plenty to see and do. You can tour the center where you will see statues of the famous sculptor Fernando Botero, among a variety of museums. Climb (or take the cable car) for views out to the small town Paisa, then go face down in a plate of the local specialty named after it. Popular day trips include the nearby famous Guatape Dam or the Stone of the Penon.

Coffee Triangle

The Coffee Triangle is a geographical region located in the Andes, made up of three provinces: Caldas, Risaralda, and Quindio. It is said to be the home of the best coffee in the world, due to the altitude where the plant is grown giving it a distinct flavor. You can do many activities in this region, such as visiting an animal farm like Panaca or the Coffee Park, or going to coffee farms to learn about the production process. You can also head to the beautiful Cocora Valley to see wax palms or visit the Nevados National Park, which has three volcanoes topped by glaciers.

Cartagena

Cartagena is considered the Queen of the Caribbean Coast. It's a historic city with stone walls surrounding an old centre, with colonial architecture with cobbled streets and colourful balconies, churches, and monuments that will leave you speechless. Don’t forget to visit the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas (San Felipe de Barajas Castle), an incredible fortress built in 1536. It's an easy jumping off point to the Rosario Islands, and a great spot if you love a good party too.

Other Highlights of Colombia Off the Beaten Path

Villa de Leyva

Designated a national monument and located 2.5 hours northeast of Bogota, Villa de Leyva is a 16th-century colonial town that has undergone very little development in the last 400 years. With its whitewashed buildings, cobblestone lanes, red tiled roofs, private courtyards and a variety of many historical sights, it has retained its historic essence. It’s also home to the Museo El Fosil, which features a 120-million-year-old fossilized Kronosaurus. If you go a little out of town, there is also plenty more to explore such as El Infiernito, a pre-Columbian archaeoastronomical site, and the natural cave, Cueva de la Fábrica.

Tayrona National Park

Located in the northern region of Colombia, Tayrona National Park is a large protected area covering the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, where it meets the Caribbean Sea. It is rich with mangroves, forests, and white sand beaches with crystal blue waters. You can also take the nearby multi-day trek through the Colombian jungles and explore the Ciudad Perdida, a pre-Columbian city built 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu, but with only a fraction of the tourists.

Santa Marta

Santa Marta is a city situated on the Santa Marta Bay of the Caribbean Sea. It was the first Spanish settlement and the oldest surviving city in the country as well as the second oldest city in South America. It may not have the same fame as Cartagena, but it is a historically significant city, and a great base for a day out in Tayrona National Park.

Top Activities and Experiences in Colombia

Museo del Oro in Bogota

The Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) in Bogota is one of the most important museums in Latin America. It has a collection of pre-Hispanic goldsmithing with more than 60,000 pieces, making it the largest gold museum in the world. All of its exhibited pieces date back to the pre-Columbian period, coming from the various Indigenous cultures that populated Colombia before colonization, such as the Muiscas, the Calima, the Nariño, the Quimbaya, the Tierradentro, and the Tolima.

Plaza de Mercado Paloquemao

Plaza de Mercado Paloquemao (Paloquemao Market Square) in Bogota is a massive local farmers market where you can buy fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, and all manner of native Colombian foods. It’s a great place to try the immense variety of fruits and dishes unique to Colombia.

Islas del Rosario

The Islas del Rosario (Rosario Islands) are located two hours by boat from the city of Cartagena. These islands are famous for the beauty of their waters and white sand beaches. As the only national park in Colombia that is mostly underwater, the Islas del Rosario let visitors snorkel, dive, and jet ski, visit Isla de Cholon, or just relax on one of many stunning beaches such as the beautiful Agua Azul Beach.

The Coffee Park

The Coffee Park is a themed amusement park located in the Coffee Triangle that is dedicated to the culture and history of coffee with many informative and interactive attractions. It has two cable cars, several shows, a world coffee garden, three roller coasters, coffee-based food stalls, Colombian folk architecture, and many other attractions. It’s a coffee lover’s wonderland with fun to be had for all ages.

Salt Cathedral

The Salt Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church built underground within the tunnels of the salt mine in the halite mountain near the town of Zipaquira, one hour from Bogota. The cathedral is within a larger complex called the Salt Park, which includes a museum of mining, mineralogy, geology, and natural resources with the main attraction being the cathedral as it is considered a “Jewel of Modern Architecture.” Inside the cathedral is a rich collection of art, especially salt and marble sculptures. In addition to its beauty, it remains a functioning church with many visitors, both religious and non-religious.

Essential Colombian Foods to Try

Bandeja Paisa

The Bandeja Paisa is the representative dish of the Antioquia area (Medellin). This delicious dish is made up of meat, rice, pork rinds, fried egg, plantain slices, regional sausage, arepa (grilled dough), beans, and avocado. This delicious dish is easily found in any region of Colombia with every region having its own variation. We're not spoiling anything by telling you, it's a lot of food, so don't fill up ahead of time.

Ajiaco

Ajiaco is the typical dish of the Central region (Bogota). It’s a soup made with a special herb called guasca that gives it an unique smokey flavor. It also has chicken and a variety of potatoes and is accompanied with avocado, capers, corn, and cream.

Sancocho

Sancocho is a traditional Colombian soup that locals consider a comfort food. It consists of a variety of meats such as pork ribs, chicken, beef ribs, fish, and oxtail with large pieces of plainatin, potato, and cassava. Depending on the region it can sometimes include tomatoes, scallions, cilantro, and corn. In most regions it is accompanied with sliced avocado, white rice, and patacones and topped with a cilantro, onion, and lime pico de gallo.

Arepas

Arepas are an iconic street food in Colombia that are flat, round, and made with a ground maize dough that can be grilled, fried, baked, boiled, or steamed. Typically in Colombia, arepas are grilled or fried and used like bread, as they can be stuffed with many delicious fillings. Oftentimes, locals can be seen walking around with arepas in hand as they’re easy food for on-the-go.

Tips for Sustainable Travel

When visiting Colombia, always try to support the local economy by buying local products and helping local businesses. Use reusable water bottles and avoid producing needless waste during your visit. In some cities such as Bogota, you can rent a small electric scooter to tour the city, which reduces your carbon footprint. Also, make sure when buying local souvenirs and other goods that you do not buy objects made from animal skins, shells, and other unsustainable natural products.

Where to Go Next

Colombia is a handy gateway to all of South America. After visiting Colombia you can continue your trip to Ecuador and visit the beautiful Galapagos Islands, or connect to Peru and see the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. You can also take a short flight to Panama and the Panama Canal, or a longer one to Brazil, Argentina, Bolivia, or anywhere else in South America.