Things to Do in Colombia

About Colombia

Colombia sits where the Caribbean meets the Pacific, mountains cradle colonial towns, and coffee grows on steep slopes that most countries would call cliffs. García Márquez called it magical realism, but spend a week here and you'll realize he was just reporting what he saw. Hummingbirds fill the cloud forests. Salsa plays on cobblestone streets at all hours. The Andes catch sunrise in shades of gold that seem digitally enhanced—they aren't. Teyuna sits hidden in jungle mist. The colorful houses of Guatapé reflect in still lakes. Both are real places you can visit, not metaphors. The energy here is old and new at once. Strangers share arepas and become friends. Artists paint murals that turn tragedy into something you can't stop looking at. Pre-Columbian history lives in every valley, not just in museums. The people are warm. The sun is intense. That first part matters more than the second.

Travel Tips

Transportation: TransMilenio BRT in Bogotá costs 2,950 COP ($0.71) with integrated feeders. Metro in Medellín charges 2,700 COP ($0.65) with cable car connections included. Uber operates in major cities with rides at 8,000-20,000 COP ($1.93-4.83). Intercity buses comfortable and affordable at 50,000-80,000 COP ($12.08-19.33) Bogotá to Cartagena. Domestic flights competitive with bus prices. Taxis use meters in cities starting at 4,200 COP ($1.01). Walking is safe in central tourist areas during daylight.

Money: Colombian peso (COP) widely used with reliable ATMs from Bancolombia and Davivienda. Credit cards accepted at most businesses. Budget $25-50 daily. PSE electronic payments common for large purchases. Tipping 10% voluntary but appreciated. US dollars useful in Caribbean coast tourist areas. Nequi and Daviplata mobile payments growing. Small bills essential for public transport and street vendors. Currency exchange available at banks and casas de cambio with competitive rates.

Cultural Respect: Warm greetings with handshakes and cheek kisses expected. Colombian friendliness is genuine - reciprocate warmth. Family relationships central to social structure. Business meetings often start with personal conversation. Punctuality appreciated but flexibility common. Regional accents vary significantly across country. Avoid drug-related topics completely. Religious festivals important community events. Coffee culture sacred - never refuse offered tinto. Dress well as appearance matters socially. Respect for formal titles in professional settings.

Food Safety: Almuerzo (lunch special) costs 12,000-18,000 COP ($2.90-4.35) including soup, main, rice, beans. Arepas at street stalls run 2,000-4,000 COP ($0.48-0.97). Colombian coffee at Juan Valdez costs 4,000-6,000 COP ($0.97-1.45). Bandeja paisa at traditional restaurants runs 18,000-25,000 COP ($4.35-6.04). Bottled water costs 2,000-3,000 COP ($0.48-0.73). Tap water safe in major cities. Choose busy restaurants with high turnover. Fresh tropical fruits generally safe. Avoid street food in smaller towns.

When to Visit

Colombia's diverse geography creates distinct regional seasons. The dry season (December-March, July-August) offers the best weather nationwide, with temperatures ranging 75-85°F in lowlands and 60-70°F in highlands. Rainfall drops to 2-4 inches monthly. Expect 30-40% higher prices and crowded attractions during these peak months. The wet season (April-June, September-November) brings afternoon showers and 6-12 inches monthly rainfall, but also 25-30% lower accommodation costs and fewer crowds. For the Caribbean coast, visit December-April when humidity drops and temperatures hover around 82-86°F. The coffee region shines during dry months with perfect hiking weather (65-75°F). Amazon visits work year-round, though June-September offers slightly less rain. Major festivals include Barranquilla Carnival (February/March), Flower Festival in Medellín (August), and Cali Fair (December 25-30). Budget travelers should target shoulder seasons (May-June, September-October) for optimal weather-cost balance. Adventure seekers can embrace wet season's dramatic landscapes and waterfalls at their most spectacular, while beach lovers should strictly stick to December-April for Caribbean perfection.