Things to Know Before Traveling to Colombia

Colombia's beautiful old towns and lively cities are full of friendly people who are always ready with a smile and great hospitality. Colombians are proud of their culture and love to share it with visitors, but there are a few things you should know before traveling to Colombia to ensure you have the best trip!

Colombian festivals are lively and make the streets more colorful and exciting. You can experience the unique culture at Carnaval de Barranquilla in February, Medellín’s Flower Fair in August, and Holy Week in March/April. Other festivals to check out are Feria de Cali in December and Jazz in the Park in Bogotá in September.

Colombia's temperature changes a lot depending on the altitude. Coastal areas are warm all year, but high-up cities like Bogotá stay cool, and mountain areas can get very cold. The main thing visitors need to think about is rainfall, since the country has dry and rainy seasons. The best times to visit are during the dry seasons: December to March and July to August, when there's less rain and more sun for exploring.

Colombia has changed a lot. It used to be known for its problems, but now it's a popular tourist spot. However, some people may still be worried about safety because of its past. Overall, Colombia is fairly safe to visit in 2025, but it's best to avoid certain areas, like the border with Venezuela, as things can be dangerous there. Also, try not to show off expensive things and always be aware of your surroundings. Use safe transportation options, like official taxis or ride-hailing apps, and don't just take a random taxi off the street.

Driving in Colombia can be a rewarding way to explore beyond the cities, but it requires heightened awareness and adaptation to local conditions. Be prepared for varying speed limits, typically around 60 km/h in urban areas but potentially higher on highways, and watch out for "Pico y Placa" restrictions in major cities. Road conditions can range from well-maintained to challenging, with sparse signage outside urban centers and frequent, high-speed bumps.

Colombia is a country with a lot of variety - from Caribbean beaches to the high Andes mountains. You can find old buildings, beautiful beaches, and busy city life.

Walking through La Candelaria, the historic center of Bogotá, is like going back in time with Spanish colonial buildings and cool street art everywhere. And if you're feeling adventurous, get an International Driving Permit and explore the coffee region, the Amazon rainforest, or the unique Tatacoa Desert.

Colombia is a budget-friendly place to travel where you can get more bang for your buck. You can find hostels with dorm beds for as little as 115,000 COP (USD 17) per night, and mid-range lodging will cost you around 125,000-167,000 COP per night.

Street food is a must-try in Colombia. You can get delicious empanadas and arepas for just a few pesos. Also, keep an eye out for "menú del día" or "ejecutivo" at local restaurants, where you can enjoy a three-course lunch for as little as US$2. You'll find fresh produce and local specialties at incredibly low prices in food markets like Plaza Minorista José María Villa in Medellín or Plaza de Mercado Paloquemao in Bogotá.

Getting around in Medellín is cheap, with the metro costing around 2,850 COP for a one-way fare (approximately USD 0.69), and local buses are about 2,700 COP (approximately USD 0.65). If you're traveling between cities, intercity buses are the most common and affordable option, with average fares between 20,000-40,000 COP (approximately $4.83 - USD 9.67).

Packing for Colombia can be hard because the weather is so different everywhere. To stay comfortable, it's really important to think about the specific weather of the places you're going, since it can go from hot rainforests to cold mountain peaks.

In the capital city of Bogotá, expect mild temperatures around 68°F (20°C), so layers are key! Locals tend to dress in a fancy, slightly conservative way, usually wearing darker colors. Pack a mix of short- and long-sleeve shirts, nice jeans or lightweight travel pants, and a sweater or light jacket for when it gets cold at night.

If your adventure takes you to the Amazon, get ready for heavy rain and humidity with temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s F (high 20s C). Pack clothes that breathe and dry quickly. Plain T-shirts and loose, long-sleeve hiking shirts in light colors are perfect. Longer, loose, airy pants that won’t hold onto moisture are also recommended.

A tip: Consider lightweight jeans or jean shorts for warmer destinations. Bring a denim jacket to layer over a sweater or a tank top.

The Amazon rainforest is big and important, covering a large part of South America - including Colombia! You might think of Brazil and Peru for Amazon trips, but Colombia has its own amazing biodiversity to see.

Leticia, the southernmost city in Colombia, is the entrance to the Amazon. It's also the capital of the Amazonas department and you can only get there by plane, with daily flights from Bogotá. Leticia's relaxed atmosphere is the perfect way to adjust before going into the wilderness.

Colombia has its fair share of ancient civilizations, colonial conquests, and struggles for independence. The country’s culture reflects the indigenous Indian, Spanish, and African origins of its people. The oldest archaeological finds in Colombia are from the Magdalena Valley, where hunter-gatherer tribes transitioned to agrarian societies, establishing fixed settlements.

For travelers keen to explore Colombia's ancient past by car, several accessible archaeological sites can be put on your list. San Agustín Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site about 520 km from Bogotá, showcases South America's largest collection of pre-Columbian megalithic sculptures. At the same time, nearby Alto de los Ídolos boasts the region's tallest statue.

Colombia's breathtaking biodiversity is both a traveler's dream and a journey to plan carefully. If you plan to drive with an International Driving Permit, be prepared for roads winding from smooth highways to rugged mountain passes. The same diversity that makes Colombia a paradise for nature lovers means you must adapt your travel plans to varying road conditions and weather shifts.