How to plan a trip to Colombia

Colombia is a fascinating country where you can travel through spectacular coastal landscapes on the Caribbean Sea and mountain landscapes in the Eje Cafetero or in the Cocora Valley. You can also soak up its culture and history in cities such as Cartagena, Medellin and Bogota, and enjoy the delicious local cuisine. We know you’re looking forward to the adventure, but first of all, it’s important to get the facts straight, so you can plan your trip to Colombia in the best possible way.

At Passporter we have travelled to Colombia on a few occasions and we want to share our experience through numerous tips that will help you with all the preparations and that will inform you about the necessary documentation to travel, the best time to avoid the rains or how to get to the country and move around the area. We’ll also tell you what the official currency is, what language is spoken, what type of plug is used and all those little details that it’s best to bear in mind before you travel.

1. Prepare your travel documents for Colombia

Step one, prepare your travel documents for Colombia. While citizens of many Latin American and European Union countries do not need to apply for a visa for short tourist stays of up to 90 days, all other countries will need to do so through the embassy, consulate or by filling out an online form.

• Visa-free travellers: A visa is not required for short tourist stays of up to 90 days. It is advisable to check the specific policy for each nationality, as in some cases, this stay can be extended up to 180 days while in the country. You will need to present a valid passport, a return ticket and in some cases, proof of financial solvency or a letter of invitation may be required.
• If your nationality requires a visa to enter Colombia, you will need to apply through the Colombian embassies or consulates in your country, or through their online form. The process can take a couple of weeks, so we recommend you do it in advance. Some visa categories allow multiple entries and can be valid for up to one year, although the maximum stay generally allowed is 180 days per year, which can be divided into periods of up to 90 days per entry. The fee is €40 for Europeans and Cubans and €82 for all other nationalities.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Choose the date to plan your trip to Colombia

Colombia has a great diversity of landscapes and points of interest that change throughout the seasons. However, we recommend to travel during the dry season, from December to March and July to August. These months offer a more stable climate and less rainfall, ideal for exploring both the Caribbean beaches and the Andean mountains. However, the disadvantage of travelling during these months is that as it is high season, tourist destinations can be more crowded and prices for accommodation and flights can increase.

When planning your trip you should also take into account local festivals and celebrations, either to experience them or to avoid them. During these days, cities get crowded and although the atmosphere is unparalleled, you’ll also find it harder to find accommodation.

3. Find out how to get to Colombia

The main gateway to Colombia is through El Dorado International Airport in Bogota, however, there are also many other airports that receive frequent international flights such as Jose Maria Cordova International Airport in Medellin, Rafael Nuñez International Airport in Cartagena de Indias or Alfonso Bonilla Aragon International Airport in Palmira among many others.

It’s also possible to arrive by car from neighbouring countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru via the Pan-American Route or the Ruta del Sol, or by bus, an economical but slower option. The country’s main bus companies are Expreso Brasilia and Flota Magdalena.

If you plan to tour the country, our recommendation is to land in Bogota or Medellin, where flights are more frequent and cheaper, and get around with internal flights to make the best use of your time.

Once at your destination, public transport and taxis are cheap and will get you where you need to go. In cities, city buses cost between COP1,300 and COP2,300 and colectivos are a common option for short journeys, departing from terminals or main squares and costing up to USD10. Some cities such as Medellin also have metro and trams for around COP2,650 per trip.

And in rural areas, the most common means of transport are motorbike taxis, Willys jeeps and ‘chivas’ – rural buses. If you prefer, you can also hire organised excursions that will take care of the transport.

When taking a taxi it is important to check that it is an official taxi. To be sure, you should book through your hotel or the airport. And bear in mind that you’ll have to negotiate the price before you get in.

4. Find the accommodation that matches your expectations to enjoy Colombia

Colombia offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all tastes and budgets. From boutique hotels in the main cities to hostels and eco-lodges in rural areas. Here are some recommendations to help you find the best accommodation:

• Search in advance: You’ll be able to choose from more options and cheaper prices if you search in advance, especially during high season. With the Passporter App you will be able to make your hotel bookings directly through Booking in a convenient way and you will always have your accommodation information at hand.
• Think about transport: When deciding where to stay, think about how you’re going to get around. In cities it may be more cost-effective to stay close to the city centre to save on transport, and in rural areas, if you don’t have your own vehicle, it’s best to stay in towns and villages so you can access public transport.
• Take advantage of accommodation facilities: in some areas, such as the Caribbean, hotels take care of everything – transport, food, activities. It’s advisable to shop around and find out about hotel options.

5. Where and what to eat in Colombia?

Colombian cuisine is rich and varied, and reflects a mix of indigenous, African and Spanish influences. Common ingredients include corn, beans, rice, plantain, cassava and a variety of meats, which combine to make hearty, flavourful dishes. We fell in love with the country’s gastronomy, and although we’ve prepared the most typical dishes here, we encourage you to try it all.

1. Bandeja Paisa: an iconic dish that includes rice, beans, ground beef, chorizo, chicharron, fried egg, ripe plantain, arepa and avocado.
2. Ajiaco: a typical Bogota soup made with chicken, three types of potatoes, corn and guasca, accompanied with capers, cream and avocado.
3. Sancocho: is a thick broth with meat (chicken, fish or beef), plantain, yucca, potatoes, corn and other vegetables, usually accompanied by rice and avocado.
4. Arepas: corn tortillas that can be filled with cheese, meat, egg or butter. They are common food at every meal.
5. Empanadas: corn dough stuffed with meat, potatoes or chicken, usually deep-fried, and often served with chilli.

Although Colombia is known worldwide for its high-quality coffee, they also have other typical drinks such as aguapanela con queso, a combination of panela water with chunks of cheese. This accompaniment is typical at breakfast and reflects the mix of sweet and savoury flavours in Colombian cuisine. In addition, fresh juices of exotic fruits such as lulo, passion fruit and guanabana are also common, refreshing and very popular.

6. Choose the activities you want to do in Colombia

Colombia is a fascinating country that captivates everyone who visits. You’ll have to spend weeks exploring every corner, so it’s advisable to focus on one area on each visit so you don’t get overwhelmed and can enjoy it to the fullest.

Here is a list of the main tourist destinations in the country, and in this post you can read more about it: Things to do on a trip to Colombia.

1. Bogota: is the capital of the country, with essential visits to La Candelaria, the Gold Museum, Monserrate Hill and Bolivar Square. Find out more about Bogota in this post Things to do in Bogota Colombia
2. Cartagena de Indias: walled city and World Heritage Site. Here you can stroll around Getsemani and visit the nearby beaches mentioned in this post: Things to do in Cartagena de Indias
3. Medellin: the city of eternal spring. Here you can tour the Comuna 13, visit the Museum of Antioquia and the Arvi Park as we discuss here: Things to do in Medellín Colombia
4. Tayrona National Natural Park: located near Santa Marta, this stunning natural area offers paradisiacal beaches and hiking trails. Tayrona National Natural Park Travel Guide.
5. Eje Cafetero: is an area renowned for its landscapes and coffee farms where you can also visit Salento, the Cocora Valley and the thermal baths of Santa Rosa de Cabal. We tell you about it in this post: Things to do on a trip to Eje Cafetero of Colombia.
6. San Agustín: archaeological park with pre-Columbian statues and tombs.
7. Tatacoa Desert: offers an arid landscape with unique rock formations and astronomical observatories.
8. Guatape: a colourful village known for the famous Peñon de Guatape.
9. Islands of San Andres and Providencia: these are paradisiacal destinations with white-sand beaches and water activities. Things to do in San Andres Island Colombia

7. Organise a trip with friends to Colombia

Colombia is the perfect destination to explore with friends and we are sure you will have a great time as the country offers all kinds of activities and landscapes to discover in company. However, we’re also aware that travelling in a group can sometimes lead to arguments over what to do, budget and schedules.

Conflicts are normal when there are many of you travelling, so we recommend you choose your companions wisely and discuss all the details of the trip before embarking on the adventure, so there are no surprises. In this post we help you prepare a trip with friends: Group travel: The best way to travel with your group of friends.

Another tool that will be a great help during your trip is the Passporter App, where you can create a collaborative itinerary and design your trip together. This way, everyone’s interests will be taken into account and no one will feel excluded.

8. Tips for planning a trip to Colombia

• The currency of Colombia is the Colombian peso (COP).
• Although many establishments accept credit cards, it’s a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in rural areas.
• In Colombia, the A and B plug type is used, with a voltage of 110V and a frequency of 60Hz. Be sure to bring an adapter if your devices have different specifications.
• The official language is Spanish. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases can enhance your travel experience, especially outside of the big cities.
• It’s advisable to book flights and accommodation in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the peak tourist season (December-January and Easter).
• During peak season, activities and excursions can fill up quickly, so consider booking in advance.
• Find out about local festivals or special events that may coincide with your visit, such as Carnival in Barranquilla or the Flower Fair in Medellin.
• If you decide to rent a car, remember to always check local traffic regulations and road conditions, especially in rural areas.
• As in any tourist destination, it’s wise to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places and on public transport. Avoid displaying valuables.
• The climate in Colombia can vary significantly depending on region and altitude. Wear clothing suitable for warmer climates on the coast and cooler climates in the mountainous areas.
• If you wish to have mobile internet during your stay we recommend getting a Holafly eSIM with unlimited data.
• Protect yourself against medical emergencies: travel insured. Choose a good travel insurance, such as Mondo.

9. How to prepare what to see on your trip to Colombia

Download the Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travellers’ experiences, photos and itineraries
• Organise your trip by the categories that suit you best: dates, number of days or type of trip (beach, mountain, restaurants…).
• Add your friends so they can see and modify all the plans and information about the trip.
• Create your own itinerary of your destination with everything you feel like visiting each day.
• Add the stops that most interest you, including your accommodation, restaurants, museums…
• Book your flights, accommodation, transfers and activities through a single app.
• Save all your documents in the app so that you always have everything at hand: reservations, boarding passes, important documentation…
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience with other users. Upload photos of the places you have visited on your trip to the app and inspire other travellers with your experience. You can also share your experience on how to plan your trip to Colombia.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

10. Frequently asked questions about a trip to Colombia