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We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us

Colombia has a little bit of everything to offer tourists:

History lovers will enjoy trekking to the Lost City or seeing the ancient statues in San Agustin.

Beach lovers will love the many beautiful beaches along the Caribbean Coast, like those near Cartagena or Palomino, or the wild and virgin Pacific Coast.

Big city lovers will dig the sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis of Bogota or the innovative and cutting edge city of Medellin.

Nature lovers will enjoy the sprawling canyon of Chicamocha, the snowcapped Andean mountains, or the many natural wonders throughout the country.

Colombia has an incredible history, warm and friendly people, a vibrant culture full of music, art, and dancing, good food and exotic fruits, and so much more.

In the following guide to Colombia, I will be covering some of the most common questions about Colombia, general itinerary advice, and cover the highlights of this incredible country.

Is it Safe to Travel to Colombia?

This is always the big question for anyone considering traveling to Colombia for the first time… Just the name Colombia conjures about bad news about kidnappings, drug kingpins, civil strife, paramilitary forces, guerrilla fighters, and so much more.

That history was certainly real, and it wasn’t even that long ago, but thankfully things have changed dramatically over the past 10 years or more, and Colombia is a perfectly reasonable place to travel to.

There’s really no reason to worry about kidnapping, narcos, or guerillas in today’s Colombia. Now does that mean it’s totally safe? No, you should still exercise common-sense precautions when it comes to day to day safety and security.

Colombia is much like the rest of Latin America in that you should exercise precautions about valuables and be aware of the possibility of robberies or theft.

It’s not likely to happen if you exercise precaution and a little street smarts, but there always exists the possibility of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

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Location

Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador and Panama

Transportation

One of the most important transverse routes passes through the Cordillera Central, linking Bogotá with Cali (in the Cauca valley) and Buenaventura, the major Pacific port. Perhaps in no other country has air transport played so major a role as in Colombia.

Languages Spoken

Spanish is the main language spoken in Colombia. Two creole languages are spoken in Colombia: Palenquero and Vlax Romani.Palenquero is Spanish-based creole language and the only Spanish-based language spoken in Latin America.

Currency

You are better off using your ATM card in Colombia, as you will get a much better exchange rate. The US dollar is the only foreign currency worth trying to change in Colombia; expect dismal rates for euros, pounds sterling, Australian dollars etc.

Visas

Fee for tourist visa is currently $82 USD. After you receive your approved electronic visa in the email, you will have 15 days to make the payment either online or at the nearest Consulate General of Colombia. You can also pay the fee at the visa office in Bogota after entering Colombia.

Electricity

Electricity -- Electric outlets accept U.S.-type plugs. Electricity in Colombia runs at 110 volts, so transformers are not necessary for tourists from the U.S. If you are planning to use anything with a three-prong plug, bring an adapter, as some establishments only have two-prong outlets.

Vaccinations

Do I Need Vaccines for Colombia? ... The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Colombia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

Emergency Calls

To call an ambulance or the police anywhere in Colombia you should dial 123. As English is not widely used in the country it is advisable to speak slowly and learn some emergency Spanish words in advance.

When to visit
Best time to visit the destination

December through March is considered to be the best season to visit Colombia because this tends to be the driest time. This is also the high season for travelers, both Colombians and foreigners, so prices can soar in super touristy areas like Cartagena.  But honestly, Colombia is a year-round travel destination thanks to its position near the equator. Even during rainy seasons, the rains aren’t usually enough to severely impact your trip. For instance, the normal in Medellin during the rainy season is a heavy but short deluge in the afternoons. 

What to do?
Don’t miss to challenge your world

Visit Cartagena

Let’s start with the most obvious places, Cartagena, since it is Colombia’s #1 tourist destination and for pretty good reason. This old, walled city draws visitors through its colorful corridors, past exotic Colombian fruit vendors and sucks you in. 

While Cartagena isn’t my favorite big city in Colombia, it is hard to deny the appeal of this special place. Cartagena also makes a popular jumping-off point for some of the incredible beaches in the area like the famous Playa Blanca in Baru.

Visit Tayrona National Park

Tayrona National Natural Park is probably the crown jewel of Colombia’s national park system, an ecological paradise where palm-tree-lined white sand beaches tuck up against crystalline blue waters.

Thanks to its status as a national park, the area has been largely protected of development, giving visitors a feel for what Colombia’s Caribbean Coast looks like in a natural state. It is a place where you can truly disconnect and relax in an idyllic, tropical paradise. Be sure to head to the famously beautiful Cabo San Juan within the park.

You ask, we answer
FAQs about Colombia

Is it safe to travel to Colombia in 2019?

The quick answer: yes—Colombia is absolutely safe for travel in 2019. Like anywhere else in the world, there are areas that are fine and areas that aren't. But overall, Colombia is a traveler-friendly destination and very safe for visitors.

Yes, pour yourself a fresh glass of water straight from the tap in Bogota, Cartagena, Cali, Medellin, and drink it down. It is perfectly safe.

* The dry or “hot” seasons normally occurs December – January & July – August. ... * The rainy or “wet” seasons normally take place from April – May & October – November. Colombians refer to this as their Winter season.

Cartagena Safer than Cities in The U.S

In fact, Cartagena is officially the safest city in Colombia. ... The main tourist locations (like Bocagrande, The Old City, and Getsemani) are perfectly safe for vacationers

How to Travel Around Colombia With $1000. Colombia isn't the cheapest country in the world to travel in, but it's by no means the most expensive either – it's perfectly possible to enjoy a long and fulfilling Colombia adventure on a basic travel budget.

On most restaurant bills in Colombia, there is a 10% voluntary (propina voluntaria). While you are not required to pay it, nearly everybody does. The staff members typically share the tip money. If you had exceptional service, you can decide to leave an extra tip in cash.

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