Colombia Travel Guide
From the shimmering waters of Cartagena de Indias to the urban streets of Bogota, there is so much to discover and learn about Colombia. Like many big cities, the capital city of Bogota, is a melting pot of people from all over the country. The best three words I would use to describe it are diverse, mountainous and big. I experienced a little bit of culture shock after visiting the charming, colonial coastal city of Cartagena de Indias first.
I’ll be also honest, one of the biggest concerns that came up when I decided to visit was with regards to safety. I have a number of friends who either live in or frequently travel to Colombia, and they all assured me that I would be ok. I am happy to report that I did not feel unsafe once during the trip. That doesn’t mean though that I wasn’t vigilante in paying attention to my surroundings. Or that I also made sure to not wear any (or not at all) any jewelry that appeared valuable. My best advice if you have similar concerns about spending time in Colombia, would be simply to not draw attention to yourself.
Know Before You Go
But, what exactly do you need to know before you go to Colombia? I never like to travel to a destination “blind,” so I compiled a list of helpful information I learned throughout my stay to share with you!
If you’re flying into Colombia, there are several airport options to fly into. The biggest one is, of course, El Dorado – Bogota International Airport, located in the capital city of Bogota. If you choose to visit any other cities, chances are you will connect through Bogota. There are also airports located in Cartagena de Indias, Medellin, Cali and Barranquilla if you are beginning your journey in one of those cities.
The Nitty Gritty
So, what else do you need to know before visiting Colombia? There are a lot of considerations to make before you decide to travel internationally. Whether it’s your first time or 100th time outside of your respective country, it is important to know what to expect as you prepare to travel to your chosen destination. Although Colombia is considered an easy country to plan for and visit, it’s always important to consider the following. Keep in mind, this list is not all inclusive, but things I thought about when planning my trip.
Language
The main language spoken in Colombia is Spanish. However, English is the primary language spoken in San Andres, Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands. In addition to Spanish, there are several other languages spoken. These specifically come from Indigenous languages that are spoken throughout the Americas. Despite only knowing small, conversational Spanish, I didn’t find it as difficult to communicate as I thought I would. It was definitely a lot easier when I was in Bogota to find more English speakers than while I was on the coast in Cartagena de Indias.
Visa Requirements
Determining whether or not you need a visa to visit Colombia depends on where you are from, how you are traveling there, and what travel documents you are carrying with you. I found this website to be very helpful.
Currency
Easily one of the most important things to know before visiting Colombia is to know about its currency. It’s official currency is The Colombian Peso. The value of it is a 1-to-.00020 ratio with the U.S. dollar. I always find it beneficial to have cash or coins on me for any small purchases or emergencies and recommend carrying some with you. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, so you won’t need to bring a too much cash with you. Keep in mind too, that if you use American Express, my tip is always to have a backup credit card. There are still a few places that don’t accept it.
Where To Stay?
The most important question when planning any trip! There are countless choices depending on what type of amenities and experience you prefer. There are many modern hotels in cities like Bogota, Cartagena de Indias, Medellin, and Cali. Wherever you choose to stay though, make sure to do your research! Read reviews, understand its location and proximity to attractions, and confirm availability and price.
No matter where you stay though, remember to soak everything in around you. It’s the memories that matter at the end of the day. You made it to Colombia!
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