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: Use domestic flights for long distances (Avianca, LATAM) as road travel between cities takes 8-12 hours. In cities, ride official yellow taxis or Uber. For rural areas, hire reputable tour companies—never venture into remote regions alone due to safety concerns.

Money: Carry Colombian pesos in cash; many places don't accept cards. ATMs are widely available in cities but scarce in rural areas. Tipping is 10% at restaurants if service charge isn't included. Negotiate prices at markets—starting has are typically 30-50% higher.

Cultural Respect: Greet with handshakes or air kisses (cheek-to-cheek). Dress conservatively when visiting churches. Don't photograph people without permission, especially indigenous communities. Avoid discussing drugs, violence, or making comparisons to Pablo Escobar—focus on Colombia's rich culture instead.

Food Safety: Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in rural areas. Street food is generally safe in busy areas with high turnover. Try local specialties like bandeja paisa, arepas, and fresh tropical fruits. Avoid raw vegetables in smaller towns; cooked meals are your safest bet.

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.