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Category: Colombia

Quick Colombia Travel Tips

Looking to visit Colombia? From travel tips and guides to Colombia itineraries, get everything you need to know about visiting Colombia just below.

Currency: Colombian Peso

Language: Spanish. It should also be mentioned that English is spoken very little in Colombia. Outside of Cartagena and some places in Medellin, we did not encounter too many English-speaking locals. However, don’t fret! Colombians are VERY nice and are patient. They’ll work with you! Plan to brush up on a little Spanish and be sure to download Google Translate to your phone, and you’ll be just fine.

Visa: Depending on your home country, you may not need a visit to enter Colombia. For U.S. citizens, a visa is not required for a 90-day stay. Be sure to check the latest visa requirements for your country, prior to arriving in Colombia.

Getting Around Colombia: If you are on a budget, the best way to get around Colombia is by overland bus. From private vans and overnight busses, traveling by overland is a great way to get around to different places in Colombia. However, be warned. Colombia is very mountainous, so if a place is short in distance, it still may take you a full day to get there. Alternatively, flying is another great and fast way to get around the country. If you are wanting to explore the cities or towns you are in, we recommend walking or hailing a taxi/Uber to get you around town.

Safety: Colombia is not what it used to be in the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. It’s truly transformed and changed for the better. However, with any place you travel to and even in your hometown, things can happen and go wrong. Pickpocketing and theft are among the top issues tourists experience when visiting Cambodia.

Below are some safety tips we used when backpacking Cambodia:

  • When walking down the street, be sure belongings (like your wallet and cellphone) are not in your back pockets. Front pockets only.

  • Don’t drape your purse or backpack over just one shoulder. Place your purse across your body and wear your backpack on both shoulders. You don’t want a thief running by to knab yours belongs.

  • You’ll probably get offered to buy cocaine. If you choose to partake, understand there may be potential consequences waiting for you – i.e. robbery, arrest, etc.

A great thing to always have with you is travel Insurance. When we spent one month in Colombia, we had travel insurance through World Nomads. Covering things like medical bills and theft, having travel insurance has definitely come in handy for us a time or two.

Essential Phrases: Even if you are not fluent in Spanish, it’s always nice to know a few words of the local language.

–       Hola: Hello

–       Adiós: Goodbye

–       Para Aqui: For Here

–       Para Llevar: To go

–       No Gracias: No Thank You

–       Gracias: Thank you

Top 10 Experiences To Have In Colombia

While there are loads to see, do and experience in Colombia, the below list is definitely our top 10 favorite things we did during our time exploring Colombia.

  1. Relax on the Rosario Islands (Isle Grande)

  2. Wander through the Spanish colonial town of Cartagena

  3. Hike to the top of Monserrate in Bogota

  4. Take the free Comuna 13 tour in Medellin

  5. Hike through some of the tallest Palm Trees in the world at Cocora Valley

  6. Go paragliding in Medellin

  7. Explore the street art of the La Candalaria neighborhood in Bogota

  8. Go coffee tasting at a local coffee plantation in Salento

  9. Eat at some of the best restaurants in all of South America while in Bogota and Medellin

  10. Play Tejo, Colombia’s national sport

If you like taking tours or would like a local guide to take you around, there are amazing Colombia tours and experiences to check out. Definitely plan ahead and make your booking ahead of time to ensure your unforgettable Colombian experience is secured.

Places To Stay In Colombia

Whether you are looking for luxury hotels in the big cities or quaint homestays in small towns, Colombia really has something for everyone. Bigger and popular cities like Bogota, Medellin, and Cali offer more accommodation choices and options than smaller towns.

Our biggest tip is when traveling during popular holidays and peak season, book your accommodations ahead of time. For us, we use booking.com to reserve our stays, not only in Colombia but throughout our worldly travels.

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