🇨🇴 INSIDE COLOMBIA: A Mini No-BS Guide for Real Travellers

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Colombia Guide

COLOMBIA ESSENTIALS

Colombia isn’t just a destination - it’s a whole vibe. From white-sand Caribbean beaches and salsa-filled cities to misty coffee farms and remote jungle rivers, Colombia is one of Latin America’s most diverse, welcoming, and exciting places to explore. It’s where you can dance ‘til sunrise, nap in a hammock by the sea, then trek to a lost city the very next day.

We made this guide for travellers who like their adventures colourful, curious, and maybe a little chaotic. Whether you’ve got a week or a month, this mini-guide gives you all the juicy details: what to see, where to go, and how to move around without losing your mind (or your bank account).

📱 SIM Cards & Internet

• We recommend Claro

• SIMs available at Claro stores; 40 000 COP for 15GB

• Wi-Fi is strong in cities, patchy in remote areas and national parks.

💵 Currency

• Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)

• Exchange Rates (July 2025):

  1 USD ≈ 3,900 COP

  1 GBP ≈ 4,950 COP

  1 EUR ≈ 4,200 COP

🚌 How to Get Around Colombia

• Domestic flights: Fast and surprisingly cheap. Avianca, LATAM and Viva Air cover all major cities.

• Buses: Comfortable for long journeys (Expreso Brasilia, Bolivariano). Use night buses to save time.

• Colectivos & local vans: Ideal for short intercity routes (e.g. Santa Marta–Palomino).

• Taxis & Apps: Uber in Bogotá & Medellín; InDrive also works in many areas.

🏧 ATMs & Cards

• ATMs widely available in cities and tourist towns (Bancolombia, Davivienda, BBVA).

• Davivienda is without fees for some cards, Servibanca lets you withdraw up to 2 million COP with a fee of 18 000 COP ($4 USD)

• Cards accepted in most restaurants, hotels, and supermarkets.

• Always carry some cash for small shops, colectivos, market stalls, and street food.
  

🌤️ Best time to travel to Colombia

Colombia is a year-round destination thanks to its equatorial climate, but different regions have different rainy seasons:

Dry Season: December to March & July to August — best for beach days, jungle trekking, and festivals.

Rainy Season: April–June & September–November — still travelable, but expect daily showers, especially inland.

Caribbean coast (Cartagena, Tayrona) is driest Dec–April.

Andes regions (Medellín, Bogotá, Salento) are mild year-round but see more rain April–May & Oct–Nov.

🚐 Travel Costs Between Key Destinations

In Colombia, long-distance buses are the go-to option for budget-conscious and independent travellers. Companies like Expreso Brasilia, Bolivariano, and Rápido Ochoa run extensive and reliable routes between major cities and tourist spots. Most buses offer semi-reclining or fully reclining seats, air conditioning, and onboard toilets — some even include snacks or USB ports. You can book tickets online, at terminal counters, or via your accommodation. Prices are fairly fixed, but booking a few days ahead (especially online) usually gets you better seats and less hassle at busy terminals. For longer journeys, consider overnight buses to save both time and accommodation costs.

Key Long‑Distance Routes & Prices in Colombia

Route	Time	USD	EUR	GBP
Bogotá → Medellín (bus)	~8½  hr	$15–30	€14–28	£12–25
Bogotá → Medellín (flight)	1 hr	$30–60	€28–55	£25–50
Bogotá → Cartagena (bus)	~14 hr	$40–55	€37–50	£32–44
Medellín → Cartagena (bus)	~12 hr	$35–45	€32–41	£28–36
Cartagena → Santa Marta (bus)	~4 hr	$18–20	€17–19	£15–17
Bogotá → Salento (via Armenia)	~7 hr total	$15–22	€14–20	£12–18
Salento → Medellín (bus)	~4 hr	$8	€7	£6
Santa Marta → Parque Tayrona (entrance El Zaino)	~1–1.5 hr	$4–6	€3.50–5	£3–4.50

DESTINATIONS YOU CAN’T MISS

📍 CARTAGENA

Colourful, colonial, and Caribbean. This walled city oozes history, music, and heat.

Top Things to Do:

• Wander the old town’s cobbled streets and flower-draped balconies

• San Felipe Castle for sunset

• Sunset drinks on the city walls

• Boat trip to Isla Barú or the Rosario Islands

📍 SANTA MARTA

Gateway to Tayrona, Minca and Palomino. Great base.

Top Things to Do:

• Grab a juice and people-watch on the malecón

• Base yourself here to access Tayrona, Minca, Sierra Nevada or the Lost City Trek

📍 TAYRONA PARK

Jungle meets Caribbean sea. Picture-perfect beaches with a wild side.

Top Things to Do:

• Hike through the park to Cabo San Juan beach

• Sleep in a hammock under the stars

📍 MINCA

A laid-back mountain village above Santa Marta — cooler temps, waterfalls, and coffee farms.

Top Things to Do:

• Visit a local coffee finca

• Hike to Marinka or Pozo Azul waterfalls

• Catch sunset at Los Pinos viewpoint

📍 LOST CITK HIKE/CIUDAD PERDIDA

One of Colombia’s most rewarding multi-day adventures. Hidden in the jungle of the Sierra Nevada, the Lost City can only be reached on a guided 4–5 day trek through lush forest and Indigenous land.

Top Things to Do:

• Hike to the ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida with a certified local operator

• Swim in jungle rivers and waterfalls to cool off between climbs

• Camp in simple shelters, eat hearty meals, and disconnect from the outside world

📍 MEDELLÍN

The ‘City of Eternal Spring’ has reinvented itself with cool cafés, urban art, and cable cars.

Top Things to Do:

• Comuna 13 tour

• Ride the Metrocable

• Day trip to Guatapé and El Peñol rock

• Enjoy the city, cute restaurants and nightlife

📍 SALENTO

Quaint coffee town surrounded by lush green hills and wax palm forests.

Top Things to Do:

• Hike the Cocora Valley (start early!)

• Visit a local coffee farm

• Wander the colourful town plaza and try trout with patacón

• Play Tejo, a local explosive sport

📍 JARDÍN

A hidden gem in Antioquia — think cobbled streets, paisa charm, and birdwatching.

Top Things to Do:

• Ride the wooden cable car for town views

• Spot cock-of-the-rock birds at sunset

• Drink coffee in the leafy central square

📍 BOGOTÁ

Colombia’s capital in the clouds — a blend of big-city buzz, Andean culture, and artsy pockets.

Top Things to Do:

• Gold Museum

• Botero Museum

• Monserrate viewpoint (via funicular or hike)

• Explore La Candelaria’s murals and cafes

📍 VILLA DE LEYVA

Colonial town frozen in time, with the biggest cobblestone plaza in the country.

Top Things to Do:

• Wander the historic centre

• Casa Terracota

• Visit nearby waterfalls and natural rock formations

• Visit Vineyard Umana Dajud

• The Fossil Museum

• Shop in Local boutiques

📍 TATACOA DESERT

Mars-like canyons and star-filled skies in southern Colombia.

Top Things to Do:

• Stargazing at the observatory

• Hike the red and grey desert valleys

• Rent a bike or take a tuk-tuk tour

📍 RIOHACHA/PUNTAS GALLINAS

A lesser-known Caribbean town and the starting point for adventures into La Guajira Desert.

Top Things to Do:

• Shop Wayuu artisan crafts

• Take a tour to Punta Gallinas (Colombia’s northernmost point)

📍PACIFIC COAST (BAHÍA MÁLAGA/NUQUÍ)

Untouched, wild, and biodiverse. Best for off-the-path surf and nature lovers.

Top Things to Do:

• Whale watching (July–Oct)

• Visit thermal springs and jungle beaches

📍LETICIA & THE AMAZON

Leticia is Colombia’s Amazon gateway — a vibrant jungle town right on the border with Brazil and Peru. It's your jumping-off point for boat trips, rainforest hikes, and pink dolphin sightings.

Top Things to Do:

• Cruise the Amazon River and explore its tributaries

• Visit nearby indigenous communities and learn about their traditions

• Spot monkeys, sloths, toucans and caimans on guided nature walks

📍CALI

Salsa capital of Colombia — steamy nights, street food, and rhythm in the bones.

Top Things to Do:

• Take a salsa class or hit a club in San Antonio

• Walk the River Boulevard and visit El Gato del Río

🇨🇴 Heading to Colombia? Read This First

Colombia is big, bold, and buzzing with life — and planning it all can be... a lot. This page helps you get your bearings, but the downloadable guide goes way deeper.

What’s inside:
✅ Price breakdowns for flights, buses & boats (yes, boats — hello, Pacific coast!)
✅ Where to eat from Cartagena to Medellín to the Amazon
✅ Destination tips — helpful insights for every destination
✅ What to include for trips from 1 to 4 weeks

If you want to do Colombia right (without hours of blog-hopping), grab the guide below and go in prepared.

Download full guide

Colombia Guide

WANT TO VISIT COLOMBIA?

... but feeling a little lost in the planning?

We get it — Colombia is packed with beauty, energy and options (maybe too many?). Between coastlines, canyons, cities and selva, it can be hard to know where to even start.

This guide is here to help you map it out — but if you're thinking, “actually... I'd love someone to sort it all for me,” we've got you covered. Our small group trip through Colombia is curated for curious travellers who want the real thing without the stress.

We handle all the tricky bits — transport, routes, hidden gems — so you can focus on dancing, hiking, swimming, and sipping. Want in?

If that sounds more your pace, just reach out:

hello@atawtravels.com

+351 915 145 090 (we’re on WhatsApp!)

• FAQ – Travelling in Colombia

  What type of luggage should I bring to Colombia?

  A backpack or soft duffel bag (ideally around 40L) is your best bet. Some places — like jungle lodges, boat access towns, or remote coastal areas — are tricky with rolling suitcases. Think bumpy roads, shared minivans, motorbike taxis, and narrow trails. Hand-luggage size makes life easier and can save you money on domestic flights.

  Is Colombia safe to travel to?

  Yes — Colombia is safe for travellers, especially in popular spots like Medellín, Salento, Bogotá, Cartagena, and the coffee region. But, like anywhere, it’s smart to stay alert: avoid walking alone at night, don’t flash valuables, and ask locals or hostel staff about neighbourhoods to avoid. Pickpocketing can happen in crowded places, especially in cities.

  Can I drink the tap water in Colombia?

  In major cities like Bogotá and Medellín, yes — tap water is safe and clean. But in smaller towns or coastal areas like the Pacific, you’re better off asking at your accommodation. When in doubt, stick to bottled or filtered water (or bring a bottle with a built-in filter to stay eco-friendly).

  What should I pack for a trip to Colombia?

  Colombia has almost every climate — so pack layers. Here’s what we recommend:

  • Light clothes for hot days (especially in the Caribbean or jungle)

  • A warm layer for chilly mountain towns (Bogotá, Salento, etc.)

  • Rain jacket (essential in the cloud forest or jungle)

  • Swimwear

  • Sunscreen & mosquito repellent

  • Comfy shoes or trainers

  • Daypack for hikes or boat trips

  Want the full checklist? Check out our Colombia packing guide.

  Do I need a visa to enter Colombia?

  Most travellers from the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not need a visa for Colombia. You'll get a 90-day tourist stamp on arrival. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date.

  What’s the best SIM card in Colombia?

  Claro and Tigo offer the best coverage. You can grab a local SIM at the airport or in any town — expect to pay around 30,000–50,000 COP (~$8–13 USD) for a package with several gigabytes of data. Make sure your phone is unlocked before you go.

  What’s the best way to get around Colombia?

  • Buses (Expreso Brasilia, Bolivariano) cover long-distance routes and are cheap but can be slow.

  • Flights (Avianca, LATAM, Satena) are affordable for covering big distances fast — like Bogotá to the Pacific Coast or the Amazon.

  • Colectivos (shared minivans or jeeps) are common in rural areas.

  • Uber works in bigger cities like Medellín and Bogotá (even if technically a legal grey zone).

  • Always agree on prices before getting into a local taxi.

  Can I use drones in Colombia?

  Yes, but with caution. You don’t need a permit for recreational use, but you can’t fly near airports, national parks, or crowds — and local communities may not be comfortable with drones. Always ask first, especially in Indigenous areas or remote towns.

  Is Wi-Fi reliable in Colombia?

  In cities and tourist towns — yes. You’ll get decent Wi-Fi in most hostels, cafés, and hotels. In rural places like the Amazon or Pacific Coast, expect patchy or non-existent signal. Download offline maps and music before heading off-grid.

  How much cash should I carry?

  Colombia is mostly cash-based in rural areas, but cities and tourist towns often accept cards. Keep a mix of both. ATMs are easy to find but can charge withdrawal fees (use Bancolombia or Davivienda if possible). Always have some small bills for colectivos, markets, and snacks.

  What’s the electricity situation in Colombia?

  Voltage is 110V (same as North America), with plug types A and B. Travellers from the UK or EU will need an adapter. Power cuts are rare but can happen in jungle regions, so a power bank is handy.

  What’s the food like in Colombia?

  It’s hearty, varied, and different depending on the region. Expect dishes like arepas, bandeja paisa (meat platter), fresh tropical fruit, empanadas, coconut rice, and soups like ajiaco. Vegetarian options are becoming more common in cities and hostels.

  Should I tip in Colombia?

  Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. Some restaurants include a 10% service charge — if not, leaving that much is standard. Tour guides and drivers also appreciate a tip for great service.n text goes here