What documents do I need to bring to Colombia?

Make sure you have a valid passport and, depending on your nationality, verify beforehand if you need a visa to enter. Also, keep copies of your documents in a safe place or in digital format.

If you have any medication, please bring a copy of the prescription with you, just to avoid any issues at the airport. Also, inform the guides, so they can keep an extra eye for you. The same apply for allergies or food preferences, tell us beforehand so we can arrange an special menu for you.

What can I do in case of an emergency in Colombia?

In many cases we are renowned for the quality and affordability of medical services for foreigners.

However, please consider purchasing a travel insurance card, this covers situations such as emergency care or medical attention (some even cover medication), as well as covering issues like flight cancellations and lost luggage. Check with your trusted travel agency to get one.

If you have another kind of issue, the emergency lines in Colombia are 112 (police) or 123 for general information.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Colombia?

Check with the health authorities in your country about the recommended vaccinations for your trip to Colombia. It is not mandatory in our country ’cause the risk of acquiring mosquito-borne diseases, such as yellow fever and dengue fever, is very low. However, we recommend you to take yellow fever shot if you are going to the jungle or remote destinations.

Can I pay for goods and services with my country’s currency?

The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). Be sure to change some money in your country or at the airport upon arrival. In the main cities you can use credit and debit cards, if you are going to more remote towns or regions, we recommend you to carry cash, preferably on small quantities and low denomination (notes or coins).

What language do they speak in Colombia?

Spanish is the official language in Colombia. It is useful to learn some basic phrases in Spanish or use a translation app to communicate better. If you are going on a tour, we recommend you to hire a guide in the language you need, most of our guides are bilingual where English is the second most spoken language.

Is it safe to travel to Colombia?

Always maintain a high level of caution with your belongings, especially in crowded places. Avoid carrying unnecessary valuables or having your gadgets in sight for long periods of time. Use safety deposit boxes in your accommodation to store your valuables and documents. Regarding the situation of violence in our country, it is important not to go to very remote places without the accompaniment of the communities and in any case, keep an eye on the news to see which palces not to visit.

What kind of clothes should I bring?

Colombia has different climatic zones due to its geography, from deserts to snowy mountains, jungles and beaches. Research the weather forecast for the region you plan to visit (see our travel recommendations) and bring what is appropriate. In general, it is advisable to pack light, comfortable clothing and a jacket in case of rain. Although we do not have weather seasons, there are often rainy or dry seasons. Check with the local guides or the tour operators you hired to learn about the weather upon arrival.

Do I have access to electricity and Internet (WiFi or mobile data) in Colombia?

Regarding access to electricity, in Colombia, type A and B plugs (or sockets) are used. Be sure to bring an adapter if your devices are not compatible with these types of sockets. Some places have light in certain hours, especially if it is a remote region. For internet access, most hotels and lodgings have a WiFi network. If you need mobile data, check with your phone operator for a roaming plan or we also recommend you purchase a SIM card from Claro and buy a data package (between US$15-25 per month).

Can I arrive and improvise or is it better to have an itinerary?

In Colombia, flying tickets tend to be more expensive than the experiences, so we recommend you plan your trip in advance to avoid any inconveniences in your travel. If you are going to visit popular places or destinations, keep in mind that we have high seasons when availability is low and prices are high. Check with us or with your trusted agency for availability at your destination. Some of this companies have pre-purchased slots, so you can have an affordable price.

How are Colombians with foreigners?

We are known for being cheerful, uncomplicated, attentive and friendly, but that does not mean that you can behave as you wish, especially with the native or indigenous communities of our country, it does not hurt to respect local customs and Colombian culture. Say hello in a friendly way, be respectful with the local people and be open-minded when interacting and learning more about our culture.

When is the cheapest season to travel to Colombia?

The cost of travelling to Colombia can vary depending on the time of year and the region you plan to visit. However, generally speaking, the off-peak months tend to be cheaper in terms of accommodation and flying tickets (mainly). Here are some general guidelines:

Low Season: The months of April to June and September to November are often considered low season in Colombia. During these periods, you may find better deals on accommodation and flying tickets. However, be aware that weather conditions may vary by region giving you some flight delays.

High Season: High season in Colombia generally matches with school holidays from December to January, last mid-June, first mid-July and during Easter Week in March or April. During these time periods, prices are likely to be higher and tourist attractions are more crowded.

In-between: The in-between months, such as July and August (even up to October in some destinations), can be a good choice in terms of price/weather balance. The weather tends to be pleasant in many parts of the country during these months.

Special Events: If you plan to attend special events or festivals in Colombia, such as the Barranquilla Carnival in February or Blank and White race carnival in Pasto, prices may be higher due to the additional reservations.

So check prices and specific conditions before making travel plans, as prices may vary according to location and circumstances.

How much can a trip to Colombia cost?

The cost of travelling to Colombia may vary significantly depending on a number of factors, such as the length of your stay, the city you are travelling to, your lifestyle and your accommodation preferences. However, we will provide you with a general estimate of the average cost per day in Colombia in US dollars:

Accommodation: The cost of accommodation varies depending on the city and the quality of the place where you will be staying. On average, you can find cheap hostels for US$10-20 a night. Mid-range hotels tend to cost between US$40 and US$80 per night. Luxury hotels and resorts can cost more than US$100 per night.

Food: Food in Colombia is affordable. In local restaurants and markets, a cheap meal costs between US$3 and US$7. Eating in mid-range restaurants can cost between US$10 and US$20 per meal. A good restaurant can cost more, around US$25-50 per meal.

Transport: Public transportation in Colombia is affordable too (< 1 USD). Taxis and Uber are cheap, you will spend up to 15 USD. A bus ticket between cities and departments (or states) usually cost between USD 10-50, but this will depend on how far you travel. Domestic flights vary widely in price and get more expensive the closer you get to the date of your departure. Fares range from US$30 to US$250.

Activities: The cost of activities and excursions varies depending on what you wish to do. Visits to museums and tourist attractions usually range from $5-20 USD. More specialised activities, such as skydiving or scuba diving, will be more expensive.

Additional expenses: Remember to include additional expenses such as shopping, drinks, tips and travel insurance.

In general, a modest daily budget for a traveller in Colombia might range from $30-80 USD. However, if you wish to stay in luxury hotels and enjoy exclusive experiences, your daily budget will increase significantly. It is always advisable to plan your trip and set a budget according to your personal preferences.

We hope you find these frequently asked questions useful, please feel free to write to us if you need more information. If you would like more destination-specific information, please visit our travel recommendations page.