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InternationalTravel.ai > Colombia

Colombia

Coastal Beaches

Best Season to Visit: Spring

Best Off-Peak Month to Visit: September

Famous For: Coffee, Biodiversity, Cultural festivals

Train Access: No

Bus Service: Yes (TransMilenio, SITP, Metrolinea, MIO, Transcaribe, relatively safe)

Tourist Visa: Most travelers from North America, Europe, and Australia can enter Colombia without a visa for stays up to 90 days, with the possibility of a 90-day extension. Other nationalities may require a visa, which can be applied for at Colombian consulates with varying durations and processes.

Colombia, a country of vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and rich history, offers an array of experiences for travelers. From the cobblestone streets of Cartagena's walled city to the modern skyline of Bogotá, Colombia's cities blend colonial charm with urban dynamism. The country's diverse regions offer something for every traveler: the Caribbean coast boasts beautiful beaches and the historic port of Santa Marta, while the coffee region's rolling hills invite visitors to experience life on a coffee finca. Medellín, known as the City of Eternal Spring, enchants with its pleasant climate and innovative public spaces. For adventure seekers, the Amazon rainforest and the Andes mountains provide ample opportunities for trekking, wildlife watching, and river rafting. Cultural experiences are rich and varied, including the chance to learn salsa dancing in Cali or exploring pre-Colombian archaeological sites like San Agustín. Colombian cuisine is a feast for the senses, with regional specialties like arepas, fresh seafood on the coast, and exotic fruits found nowhere else. Unique events such as the Barranquilla Carnival and the Flower Festival in Medellín showcase the country's festive spirit. Visitors can also relax in the thermal baths of the Andean town of Paipa or explore the Tatacoa Desert's otherworldly landscapes. With its warm hospitality and diverse attractions, Colombia offers a memorable journey for all who visit.

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Podcasts

Episode 8: Jake Barber - The Expat Finance Expert Returns

Jake Barber, the Founder and CEO of SJB Global, is a life-long expat and an expert in expat finance. Over the course of Expat Exchange's nearly 30 years online, there are few people we have met with as much lived experience and professional acumen as Jake. We were thrilled to welcome him back to the show and look forward to having him on again!

Episode 6: Jake Barber - Expat Finance Expert and Lifelong Expat

Jake Barber is an expat finance expert and the founder and principal of SJB Global. A lifelong expat currently living in Marbella, Spain, Jake has vast experience helping expats from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other countries manage their finances while living abroad. Get a primer on what you need to know both before and after you move abroad!

Planning Your Trip to Colombia

Weather: Colombia has a diverse climate that varies significantly depending on altitude and geography. The coastal regions and lowlands typically experience a tropical climate with high humidity and temperatures, while the Andean highlands have cooler temperatures and a more temperate climate. The Amazon rainforest in the south of the country is hot and humid, and the eastern plains can have a more savanna-like climate with a distinct wet and dry season.

Festivals: The Barranquilla Carnival is a colorful explosion of dance, music, and costumes, second only to Rio's, while the Flower Festival in Medellín dazzles with elaborate floral displays and parades.

Best Destinations for Kids: The interactive Maloka Museum in Bogotá and the National Coffee Park in Quindío offer educational and fun experiences for children, with interactive exhibits and amusement rides.

Hidden Gem: The department of Huila is an underrated destination, home to the stunning Tatacoa Desert and the UNESCO-listed San Agustín Archaeological Park.

Budget-Friendly Advice: Colombia is a budget-friendly destination where travelers can enjoy a range of experiences without breaking the bank. Hostels and budget hotels are widely available, with dorm beds in cities like Bogotá and Medellín starting around $10-$15 per night. Street food and local eateries offer delicious meals such as empanadas, tamales, and fresh fruit juices for just a few dollars. Public transportation is affordable, with city buses and metro systems costing less than $1 per ride. Long-distance buses connect major cities and towns, providing a cost-effective way to explore the country. Attractions such as the Gold Museum in Bogotá have low entry fees, and many natural parks and beaches are free to visit. For activities, consider hiking in national parks like Tayrona or Cocora Valley, where entrance fees are minimal. By traveling during the off-peak season and avoiding tourist hotspots, visitors can further stretch their budgets.

Accessibility: Colombia is making strides in accessibility, with cities like Bogotá improving sidewalks and public transport, but older travelers may still find challenges due to uneven terrain and less accessible rural areas.

For the Solo Traveler: Solo travel in Colombia can be a rewarding experience, but it's important to stay informed and cautious. Major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena are generally safe for solo travelers, with a variety of hostels and social events to meet others. It's recommended to use official taxis or apps like Uber for transportation, especially at night. Solo hikers should join guided tours in national parks. While Colombia has made significant improvements in safety, it's wise to avoid certain rural

Planning a 1 Week Stay: A week in Colombia could include exploring the historic streets of Cartagena, experiencing the vibrant culture of Medellín, and relaxing in the coffee region's serene landscapes.

Planning a 1 Month Stay: For a month-long trip, consider a journey from the Caribbean coast's beaches to the Amazon rainforest, with stops in Bogotá, the coffee region, and the archaeological sites of San Agustín.

Delving into the Culture

Movies Set: Romancing the Stone, Love in the Time of Cholera, The Two Escobars, Maria Full of Grace

Popular Foods: Colombian cuisine is diverse and varies by region. Some of the most popular dishes include arepas, which are cornmeal patties that can be grilled, baked, or fried and are often served with cheese or other fillings. Bandeja Paisa, a traditional dish from the Antioquia region, is a hearty platter that includes beans, rice, chorizo, pork rind, avocado, arepa, and a fried egg. For dessert, Colombians enjoy treats like tres leches cake, a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk, and arroz con leche, a sweet rice pudding.

Unusual Eats: Hormigas culonas, also known as "big-bottomed ants," are a delicacy in some parts of Colombia, particularly in the Santander region. These ants are toasted and eaten as a snack, and are known for their crunchy texture.

Popular Sports: Football, Cycling, Tejo, Baseball

Popular Teams: Atlético Nacional (football), Millonarios FC (football), América de Cali (football), Deportivo Cali (football)

Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: When in Colombia, it is considered rude to refuse food or drink when offered, as it is a sign of hospitality and friendship. It's also important to be punctual for business meetings, but social events often start later than the scheduled time. Avoid discussing topics like drugs, violence, and the internal conflict, as these are sensitive subjects due to the country's history.