PROBYTRAVEL
Colombia

Things to Do in Colombia

From Andean peaks to Caribbean shores, discover South America's most diverse corner.

  • CapitalBogotá
  • CurrencyColombian Peso (COP)
  • LanguageSpanish
  • Time zoneUTC-5
  • Emergency123

Why visit Colombia?

Colombia is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, offering an incredible transition from the high-altitude Andes to the tropical Caribbean and Pacific coasts. This geographical diversity means travelers can explore preserved colonial towns like Villa de Leyva, hike through the towering wax palms of the Cocora Valley, and experience the cultural transformation of major urban hubs like Medellín and Bogotá within a single trip.

Navigating Colombia requires an understanding of its microclimates and regional variations. While the Caribbean coast remains hot and humid year-round, high-altitude Bogotá requires warm layers, and the Coffee Triangle offers mild, spring-like weather. Planning an itinerary requires prioritizing specific zones rather than attempting to cover the entire country overland, as rugged mountain terrain can make bus travel times surprisingly long.

The Cocora Valley

Walk among the world's tallest wax palm trees in the green rolling hills of the Quindío department.

Cartagena's Walled City

Explore the historic Spanish colonial fortifications and colorful architecture of the Caribbean coast.

Tayrona National Park

Hike through coastal rainforests to reach pristine golden-sand beaches framed by massive granite boulders.

Medellín's Comuna 13

Witness urban transformation first-hand through street art, outdoor escalators, and local community projects.

Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá

Descend into an underground Roman Catholic church carved entirely within the tunnels of an active salt mine.

San Agustín Archaeological Park

Discover mysterious pre-Columbian megalithic statues and tombs scattered across the Andean hillsides.

Popular regions

Andean Highlands

Andean Highlands

Home to Bogotá and Medellín, characterized by dramatic mountain ranges, historic colonial towns, and cooler climates.

Caribbean Coast

Caribbean Coast

A hot, culturally vibrant region stretching from colonial Cartagena to the wilderness of Tayrona National Park and the desert of La Guajira.

The Coffee Triangle

The Coffee Triangle

A lush, green landscape of rolling hills, coffee plantations, and traditional towns like Salento and Filandia.

Pacific Coast

Pacific Coast

A rugged, remote region accessible mostly by plane, famous for eco-tourism, whale watching, and dense jungle meeting the ocean.

When to visit Colombia

Based on average conditions in Colombia.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temperature20°20°20°20°19°19°18°19°19°19°19°20°
Rain8d9d13d17d17d14d12d11d13d18d17d11d
CrowdsHighMedMedMedLowMedHighHighLowLowMedHigh
  • Cold
  • Comfortable / dry / low crowds
  • Cool–hot / typical / moderate
  • Very hot / wetter / high crowds

Plan your trip to Colombia

1-Week Taster

Bogotá & Cartagena

Fly between Bogotá and Cartagena to balance highland history with coastal colonial charm in a short time frame.

2-Week Explorer

The Classic Loop

Explore Bogotá, fly to the Coffee Triangle (Salento), take a bus to Medellín, and end on the Caribbean coast near Tayrona.

3-Week Deep Dive

The Grand Tour

Add the white city of Popayán, the archaeological ruins of San Agustín, and the remote deserts of La Guajira to the classic loop.

Adventure Track

Lost City Trek

Dedicate 4 days to trekking through the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta to reach the ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida.

Getting around Colombia

Domestic Flights

Domestic airlines like Avianca, LATAM, and Wingo connect major cities quickly, saving days of mountain driving.

Long-Distance Buses

Affordable and comfortable for medium distances, though mountain routes are winding and can take longer than scheduled.

Metro & Cable Cars

Medellín features an exceptionally clean and efficient integrated metro system, including Metrocable lines reaching hillside neighborhoods.

Costs, food & practical info

Costs

  • Backpacker

    $30 - $45 USD/day

    Covers dorm beds, local set lunches (almuerzo ejecutivo), and public bus transportation.

  • Mid-range

    $70 - $120 USD/day

    Includes private rooms in boutique guesthouses, domestic flights, and dining at mid-tier restaurants.

  • Luxury

    $200+ USD/day

    Covers five-star colonial hotels, private guided excursions, and fine dining experiences.

Cash remains essential in Colombia, especially outside major cities and for paying taxi drivers, street vendors, and national park entry fees. Credit cards are widely accepted in upscale hotels and restaurants.

Food & drinks

  • Bandeja Paisa18,000 - 35,000 COP
  • Arepa con Queso3,000 - 7,000 COP
  • Ajiaco Bogotano15,000 - 28,000 COP
  • Limonada de Coco8,000 - 15,000 COP
  • Fresh Ceviche (coastal)20,000 - 45,000 COP

Practical

  • Safety Precautions

    Exercise caution in major cities; avoid using your phone on the street ("no dar papaya") and use registered ride-hailing apps like Cabify or Uber rather than hailing street taxis at night.

  • Altitude Sickness

    Bogotá sits at 2,640 meters (8,660 feet). Take it easy on your first two days, drink plenty of water, and limit alcohol intake to ease acclimatization.

  • Vaccinations

    A Yellow Fever vaccine is highly recommended, and occasionally required, if visiting national parks like Tayrona or the Amazon region.

  • Tipping Culture

    A voluntary 10% service charge (propina voluntaria) is usually added to restaurant bills; check the receipt first before adding any extra cash.

Insight in one click

Frequently asked questions about visiting Colombia

How many days do I need in Colombia? +

To see the main highlights without rushing, we recommend at least 10 to 14 days. This allows you to visit Bogotá, Medellín, the Coffee Triangle, and the Caribbean coast comfortably.

What is the best time of year to visit Colombia? +

The driest months are generally December to March and July to August. However, Colombia's equatorial location means temperatures stay relatively constant year-round, varying primarily by altitude rather than season.

Do I need a visa to visit Colombia? +

Citizens of the US, Canada, EU, UK, and Australia do not require a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days, though you must fill out the Check-Mig pre-travel registration form online before arrival.

Is Colombia safe for tourists? +

While security has vastly improved over recent decades, petty crime remains common in urban areas. Stick to tourist neighborhoods, use ride-hailing apps rather than street taxis, and keep valuables out of sight.

How do I get around Colombia? +

For long distances, domestic flights are highly recommended due to the mountainous terrain. For shorter inter-city travel, comfortable long-distance buses are widely available and budget-friendly.

Can I drink tap water in Colombia? +

Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities like Bogotá and Medellín. However, in smaller towns, rural areas, and coastal regions like Cartagena or Santa Marta, stick to bottled or filtered water.