Colombia this beautiful country thrives despite the bad reputation of its past. This country is home to unique attractions, landmarks, and nature. With this Colombia Travel Guide (2024), you’ll have all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Colombia in 2024.
Colombia is a fruit paradise where you can find exotic fruits that you can never find elsewhere. It is also home to exotic flowers and the prettiest emerald. The country also has regard to street art such as graffiti. Moreover, the locals are welcoming to tourists.
The country also offers the most ambient beaches, and of course, their world-famous Colombian coffee is a must-try.
Despite the dark past, the country continuously redeems itself through its people and nature.
Best season to go to Colombia
Depending on the type of vacation you want to experience in 2024 with Ultimate Travel Guide, these are the best seasons to visit the beautiful country of Colombia:
- If you want to experience the summertime fun and get tanned on the beach, the best months to visit are December to March.
- If you want to experience the thrilling wildlife on the Amazon of Colombia, the best time to go is June to December.
Overall, due to its climate, the country is visitable all year round, however, to avoid rainfall season, the bests months to visit are December to March, and June to September.
Temperature in Colombia
The temperature in Medellin
Monthly hours of sunshine in Medellin
Rainy days in Medellin
Visa options in Colombia
Colombia has three types of visas:
- Visitor Visa (V)/ Travel Visa
- Migrant Visa (M)
- Resident Visa (R)
Columbia offers visa-free entry for travelers during a 90-day stay. Currently, these are the 99 countries that are able to enter Colombia visa-free:
| European Union citizens | Nationals of Mercosur Countries | Andorra |
| Antigua and Barbuda | Australia | Azerbaijan |
| Bahamas | Barbados | Belize |
| Bhutan | Bosnia and Herzegovina | Brunei |
| Canada | Costa Rica | Dominica |
| Dominican Republic | El Salvador | Fiji |
| Georgia | Grenada | Guatemala |
| Honduras | Hong Kong | Iceland |
| Indonesia | Israel | Jamaica |
| Japan | Kazakhstan | Liechtenstein |
| Marshall Islands | Mexico | Moldova |
| Monaco | Montenegro | Micronesia |
| New Zealand | North Macedonia | Norway |
| Palau | Panama | Papua New Guinea |
| Philippines | Qatar | Russia |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | Saint Lucia | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines |
| Samoa | San Marino | Serbia |
| Singapore | Sovereign Military Order of Malta | Solomon Islands |
| South Korea | Switzerland | Taiwan |
| Trinidad and Tobago | Turkey | United Arab Emirates |
| United Kingdom | United States | Vatican City |
Updated: October 2022
Source: https://thevisaproject.com/colombia-visa/#Colombia_Tourist_Visa-_Visitor_Visa
Sockets and Plugs to use in Colombia
Type A and B plugs
Currency Exchange Rate
The official currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP).
| Currency | Amount in Colombian Peso |
| 1 USD | 4 835 |
| 1 EUR | 4 818 |
| 1 GBP | 5 615 |
| 1 CAD | 3 542 |
| 1 USD | 4 835 |
| 5 USD | 24 175 |
| 10 USD | 48 350 |
| 20 USD | 96 700 |
| 100 USD | 483 501 |
Exchange Rate Converter
Fee-free ATM in Colombia
If you are using international cards, expect that Colombian ATMs do have little fees, but this depends on which bank you’ll get your money from. To avoid such fees, I would recommend using online banks like Wise, which allows you to take money from ATM abroad without commission, and has one of the best conversion rates.
ATMs that are free of charge for International Cards:
- BBVA
- Colpatria
- Davidienda
- Pichincha
ATMs with charges:
- ATH Cajeros Automaticos: 10,500 COP
- Bancolombia: 14,500 COP
- Citibank: 15,000 COP
- Servibanca: 14,500 COP
*Note, if ATM is asking for a conversion rate, use the local currency, as your bank probably would provide a better conversion rate, than ATM.
Cost of living in Colombia
Below is a table showing the prices for popular items while visiting Colombia.
| Local Price (USD) | Fair price (USD) | Tourist price (USD) | |
| Meal (Inexpensive Restaurant) | $3.10 | 4-6 | 6+ |
| Western Fastfood Meal | $4.58 | 5-8 | 8+ |
| Water (0.33 Liter) | $0.46 | 0.75-2 | 2+ |
| Domestic Beer (0.5-liter bottle) at the Market | $0.70 | 1-3 | 3+ |
| Domestic Beer (0.5-liter bottle) at the Pub | $2 | 2-4 | 4+ |
| 1 mile of Taxi Ride | $2.30 | 2.50-3.50 | 3.5+ |
| Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) | $21.01 | 25-28 | 28+ |
| Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in an expensive area | $354 | 360-450 | 450+ |
| Monthly Rent for an Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of the Center | $211.77 | 230-240 | 240+ |
Mobile Apps you need in Colombia
Colombia Phone operators
Here is the list of the top phone operators in Colombia:
- Claro
- Movistar
- Tigo Une
- Avantel
- Virgin Mobile
- Movil Exito
- Etb
Personally, I would recommend Claro for its high speed. It has the reputation of the most extensive 4G coverage in the country.
Another option is to use eSim like Airalo.
How to get from Airport in Bogota and Medellin
I tried to summarise the main ways to get from two most popular international airports the El Dorado International Airport in Bogota and José María Córdova International Airport in Medellin to different parts of the city. By taxi and bus.
Bogota – El Dorado International Airport
| Destination | Duration | Taxi Price | Bus Price |
| City Center (Candelaria) | 40-60 mins. | $5.33 USD | $2 USD |
| Chapinero | 20-40 mins. | $6 USD | $2 USD |
| Usaquen | 31 mins. | $7-10 USD | $2 USD |
| Villa de Leyva | 4 hours (car); 5-6 hours (bus) | $60-120 USD (for 3-4 people) | $10-12 USD |
Medellin – José María Córdova International Airport
| Destination | Duration | Taxi Price | Bus Price | Uber Price |
| City Center | 20-40 mins. | $5.33 USD | $3.5 USD | $16.22 USD |
| El Poblado | 20-40 mins. | $25 USD | $5 USD (with metro) | $17-22 USD |
| Guatape | 1 hr 30 mins. (car); 2 hours (bus) | $60-80 USD | $7 USD (two transfers) | $50-80 USD |
| Santa Marta | 14 hours (car); 16 hours (bus) | $34-45 USD |
Is Colombia Safe?
Just like any country, traveling to Colombia has its own risks, however, this country is fairly safe to visit.
Contrary to beliefs and stereotypes, the country has actually lower crime rates. The kidnapping incidence is almost zero, however, travelers are still advised to be vigilant. Petty crimes like robbing and scamming are still present in the country, hence, being cautious is important.
Consulting the locals could also be useful since they have a greater knowledge of their territory. In case of an emergency, these are the numbers you may call for help:
- National Emergency Number: 123
- Tourist Police: (1) 3374413
- Information: 113
Travel Insurance
If you are traveling, I would say insurance is a must. I saw so many times when people get injuries and health problems, and their relatives/friends are organizing fundraising campaigns for the treatments.
The health system here is very expensive. So it’s better to be safe than sorry. Hopefully, you won’t need to use it.
I personally buy for EUR 42/month (can have a daily option) SafetyWings travel insurance. That gives me peace of mind. It has $250 deductible, with $250 000 max limit. I had 2 claims, and both of them got covered.
*This is an affiliate link. This means I will get a commission if you use it. But as I mentioned before I am using this insurance myself.
Colombia’s co-working and co-living places
Bogota
Selina (Co-Working & Co-Living)
Medellin
Santa Marta
Belafonte (Co-Work & Co-Living)
Cartagena
Colombia FB Group Community
Things to do in Colombia
Here is the list of things you can do in Colombia:
Where to stay in Colombia
Bogota: the capital of Colombia. These are the places where I recommend staying:
- La Candelaria – this place has the nicest transportation and it is packed with tourist attractions.
- Chapinero – this place is diverse with its LGBT-friendly places, universities, and an active nightlife.
- Chicó – for those who are looking for the safest and the most luxurious holidays, this is the place to go.
Medellín: This place is home to the best cafes, coffee, and picturesque flower farms. These are the places where I recommend staying:
- El Poblado – this neighborhood is very lively as it offers great nightlife. This is also where most tourists stay.
- Laureles – if you want a cheaper and more authentic option, this place is the perfect way to go.
- Envigado – this area is highly recommended for those who want quiet accommodation. This place has also good transportation.
Cartagena: This place is known for its best beaches and colorful colonial downtown. These are the places where I recommend staying:
- Centro – this area offers a historic experience. It features beautiful old buildings.
- Bocagrande – this neighborhood is a great option if you want to experience the beach.
- Crespo – this place gives you the most accessibility to the airport.
7,10 and 14 days Colombia Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bogota. Spend the first day of experiencing the country by roaming around the famous street arts around La Candelaria. Pro-tip, joining a local tour may boost this experience. You can also come to the iconic Plaza Bolivar. Day 2: Enjoy the panoramic view of the city from Monserrate. Go museum touring around Bogota. Visit the Botero Museum and Museo del Oro. Day 3: Travel from Bogota to Salento and enjoy your first day at the famous Valle de Cocora (one of my favorite places in Colombia). Day 4: Coffee experience in the country is a must, so you might want to try coffee farm tours. End your day with some nature experience by visiting Santa Rita Falls. Day 5: Travel from Salento to Medellin and explore the city on a bird’s eye view by riding the Medellin Metro Cable. After that, you can have some quiet time and food exploration around Barrio Manila. Day 7: Have a look at the picturesque view from Pueblito Paisa. Take a tour of the famous Comuna 13 to see how one of the most dangerous places in the world has transformed into a safe tourist spot. Afterward, unleash your inner royalty as you visit El Castillo Museo y Jardines. Day 8: You can’t leave Medellin without visiting the Botanical Garden and Parque Explora. Day 9: Travel from Medellin to Cartagena. Explore one of the most beautiful colonial downtowns in Latin America. Walk around the colorful streets of the city. Day 10: Visit the famous Getsemani neighborhood. You may end your day by enjoying the sunset at the Walls of Cartagena or through the Sunset Cruise. Day 11: Go to Santa Marta and visit Parque de los Novios and end the day at the Sunset Bar at Los 7 Mares. Would recommend staying at the Viajero hostel (not paid promotion) with the beautiful view and pool on the top. Day 12: Go to visit the alluring beaches at Parque Tayrona. The first thing to do is to hike or ride a van to El Cabo where you can enjoy snorkeling. Stay one night in Tayrona park, and enjoy the beautiful sunrise and sunset there. Day 13: Visit El Pueblito to enjoy the wildlife experience and the archaeological site of the place. Day 14: Enjoy and chill last day in Tayrona Viajero hostel (not paid promotion) by the beach. |
COVID-19 rules in Colombia
Prior to entering the country, a traveler must present:
- Proof of vaccination printed or in electronic form in which, the last dose is 14 days prior to travel; OR
- Proof of a negative or not detected antigen test taken not more than 24 hrs or RT-PCR taken not more than 72 hrs, taken one day prior to boarding.
Additional Requirements:
- Filled out the Check-Mig form which is available on the Migracion Colombia website and app.
- Face mask usage is also required.
COVID Restrictions in the country:
- Face masks are not mandatory in open spaces.
- Face masks are still mandatory in health facilities, nursing homes, and public transportation.
Source: Resolution 692 of 2022, Ministry of Health of Colombia
Good to know
- Avoid hitchhiking for safety.
- If you plan to travel by air around the country, Viva Air is the cheapest option.
- Drugs are strictly prohibited.
- There is a thing called ‘Colombian Time’ which generally explains their unpunctuality.
- English is not commonly spoken in Colombia.
- Restrooms signs with M means Mujeres which translates to women. In contrast, those with an H sign would be meant for men as the H stands for Hombres.
- Taking photos of military bases is illegal.
- A conversation about Pablo Escobar as a topic is highly discouraged.
- Sunscreen could be your best friend because the sun may be intense in most areas.
- It is advised to not drink tap water, especially in areas outside Bogota and Medellin.
- The country is LGBTQ++ friendly.
10 Basic words to know in Colombia
1. Hola/Buenos días: Hello
2. ¿Cómo estás? /¿Todo bien?: How are you/ How’s it going?
3. Me regalas: Can I have…
4. Cuánto cuesta?: How much?
5. Adiós/Chao/Hasta luego/Nos vemos: Goodbye
6. Por favor: Please
7. Lo siento: Sorry
8. Gracias: Thank you
9. Sí : Yes
10. No hay problema: No problem
Check out more travel guide to Bolivia, South of Thailand, Colombia, Egypt, Tenerife, Bali and other amazing Ultimate Travel Guide.
