Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Colombia
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $24-82 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in Colombia
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared bathrooms
Food & Dining
$8-20 per day
Street food, local markets, menu del día at neighborhood restaurants, occasional self-catering
Transportation
$3-12 per day
Public buses, colectivos, metro systems, walking, occasional short taxi rides
Activities
$5-25 per day
Free walking tours, public beaches, hiking, occasional museum entries, budget group tours
Currency: COP Colombian Peso (though USD is widely accepted in tourist areas)
Budget/Backpacker Activities in Colombia
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local markets and neighborhood restaurants instead of tourist zones (typically 50-70% cheaper)
Use public transportation like buses and metro systems instead of taxis (usually 70-80% savings)
Stay in smaller cities and towns rather than major tourist destinations (generally 30-50% lower accommodation costs)
Book domestic flights well in advance or travel overland by bus (can save 40-60% on transportation)
Take advantage of free activities like hiking, public beaches, and walking tours (saves $20-50 per day)
Buy snacks and drinks at local shops instead of tourist areas (typically 60-80% cheaper)
Travel during shoulder season for accommodation discounts (usually 20-40% lower rates)
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Taking taxis everywhere instead of using public transport (can triple transportation costs)
Eating only in tourist areas and hotel restaurants (typically doubles food expenses)
Booking accommodation without comparing locations (staying in premium zones can cost 100-200% more)
Not researching free activities and overpaying for basic tours (can add $30-80 unnecessary daily costs)