Colombia is South America’s phoenix from the flames and is a country of startling contrasts. Although the nation’s past issues and the ugly Escobar era gained a lot of the previous media about Colombia, today’s Colombia has swept aside these premonitions and stereotypes. Turning over a new leaf has led to Colombia being one of the most popular destinations in Latin America travel.
From dense Amazonian jungle, stunning tropical Caribbean beaches and islands to snow-capped Andean mountains, beautiful coffee landscapes and reincarnated cities of Medellin and Bogota; Colombia has so much to offer. Sitting at the top of South America, Colombia is the only country in the region with both a Pacific and Caribbean coastline to enjoy and straddling the equator it’s one of the world’s most verdant and diverse countries in the world. Those who throw away their misconceptions about Colombia will find that it contains all of South America’s allure, charm and more.
As spectacular as the landscapes and diversity of Colombia, it is the change of the country’s fate that is truly impressive. Out to prove that there is more to Colombia than its stereotype image that is held around the world; Colombians are understandably optimistic and proud of their country. The flair, resilience and enthusiasm shown for Colombia today, adds to the flavor and experience that you will encounter in this spectacular country.
Discover Ancient civilizations
The Colombian hospitality is one that is difficult to find anywhere else in the region and the world, ensuring that you leave with a different perception of the country than the one you arrived with. As varied as its landscapes the bright culture of Colombia is contagious. From the ancient civilizations of the Tayrona to the legend of El Dorado and the City of Gold, Colombia’s history is shrouded in mystique and wonder which will entice you to explore deeper into the country’s past.
Now let’s talk about the fresh Caribbean seafood, simmering Andean stews and soups to delicious and some of the world’s best quality exotic fruit juices; Colombia will satisfy every one of your senses. With spectacular landscapes and a diverse culture seeking to change the world’s perception, Colombia is a true gem to feel welcome and explore this gateway to South America. Traveling to Colombia you will experience immaculate beauty of the country and its people, you will leave wanting to return back for…
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explore the highlights
Bogota
Colombia’s capital is surrounded by cool Andean peaks and, to give you an impression of its size, it consists of approximately 1,000 neighborhoods, each adding a different angle to this lively metropolis. The city is located in the center of the country at 8,660ft (2,640m) above sea level. With people coming from all corners of the country, this capital city is as diverse as the entire country.
Medellin
Once the home of Pablo Escobar, Medellin also known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ has become the Silicon Valley of South America and is a jewel in the crown of Colombia. Nowadays this thriving city is one of the safest cities in Latin America offering mountain and valley views, Medellin has a friendlier and provincial town feel to it rather than a bustling metropolis.
Cartagena de Indias
The magic of Cartagena lies at the foundation of its fortifications, warmth of its people, wealth of its architecture and endless cultural expressions of a fierce and courageous people. Gorgeous cobblestone alleys with elegant balconies, colorful flowers, massive churches and eye-catching terraces. The city is perfect to stroll around and soak up the relaxing and sensual atmosphere.
The Coffee Triangle
Exploring family-run coffee plantations, staying at gorgeous colonial-style fincas and relaxing surrounded by the region’s lush rolling hills makes Colombia’s Coffee Triangle a highlight destination in South America. The region will easily seduce you with its visually stunning and expansive views of plantations and rolling hillsides.
Villa de Leyva
Cobblestone streets, Spanish-style villas, and small-town pace give Villa de Leyva a charming, frozen-in-time feel. Villa de Leyva and surrounding countryside are among the safest places in Colombia to wander off the beaten track to explore the multiple waterfalls, a nearby desert, adventure-sport opportunities, and even a couple of vineyards.
Santa Marta & Tayrona
Unrivaled architectural heritage, Santa Marta is the perfect starting point to visit Tayrona National Park or visiting the “Lost City”. There is a small beach and boulevard, Santander Park and Bolivar Square are pleasant places to stroll around. Santa Marta’s climate is hot, but the sea breeze makes it pleasant to sip from a fresh fruit juice or cocktail in one of the open-air cafes.
San Agustin & Neiva
Neiva serves as a hub for travelers headed to San Agustin, declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1995, San Agustín preserves the relics of a pre-Colombian culture that thrived in the area for more than 7 centuries. Visitors to the Archaeological Park can stroll back through the centuries marveling at the huge life-sized statues symbolizing fertility, maternity, and the alter ego as well as realistic and sacred animals.
destination map
| Title | Address | Description |
|---|---|---|
Bogota | Bogotá, Colombia | Colombia’s capital is surrounded by cool Andean peaks and, to give you an impression of its size, it consists of approximately 1,000 neighborhoods, each adding a different angle to this lively metropolis. The city is located in the center of the country at 8,660ft (2,640m) above sea level. With people coming from all corners of the country, this capital city is as diverse as the entire country. Read more… |
Medellin | Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia | Once the home of Pablo Escobar, Medellin also known as the ‘City of Eternal Spring’ has become the Silicon Valley of South America and is a jewel in the crown of Colombia. Nowadays this thriving city is one of the safest cities in Latin America offering mountain and valley views, Medellin has a friendlier and provincial town feel to it rather than a bustling metropolis. Read more… |
Cartagena de Indias | Cartagena, Provincia de Cartagena, Bolívar, Colombia | The magic of Cartagena lies at the foundation of its fortifications, warmth of its people, wealth of its architecture and endless cultural expressions of a fierce and courageous people. Gorgeous cobblestone alleys with elegant balconies, colorful flowers, massive churches and eye-catching terraces. The city is perfect to stroll around and soak up the relaxing and sensual atmosphere. Read more… |
The Coffee Triangle | Eje Cafetero, Colombia | Exploring family-run coffee plantations, staying at gorgeous colonial-style fincas and relaxing surrounded by the region’s lush rolling hills makes Colombia’s Coffee Triangle a highlight destination in South America. The region will easily seduce you with its visually stunning and expansive views of plantations and rolling hillsides. Read more… |
Villa de Leyva | Villa de Leyva, Boyacá, Colombia | Cobblestone streets, Spanish-style villas, and small-town pace give Villa de Leyva a charming, frozen-in-time feel. Villa de Leyva and surrounding countryside are among the safest places in Colombia to wander off the beaten track to explore the multiple waterfalls, a nearby desert, adventure-sport opportunities, and even a couple of vineyards. Read more… |
Santa Marta & Tayrona | playa de Cañaveral, Santa Marta, Magdalena, Colombia | Unrivaled architectural heritage, Santa Marta is the perfect starting point to visit Tayrona National Park or visiting the “Lost City”. There is a small beach and boulevard, Santander Park and Bolivar Square are pleasant places to stroll around. Santa Marta’s climate is hot, but the sea breeze makes it pleasant to sip from a fresh fruit juice or cocktail in one of the open-air cafes. Read more… |
San Agustin & Neiva | Neiva-San Agustín, Neiva, Huila, Colombia | Neiva serves as a hub for travelers headed to San Agustin, declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1995, San Agustín preserves the relics of a pre-Colombian culture that thrived in the area for more than 7 centuries. Visitors to the Archaeological Park can stroll back through the centuries marveling at the huge life-sized statues symbolizing fertility, maternity, and the alter ego as well as realistic and sacred animals.Read more… |
Depending on your client’s preferences, we can help you determine the best experiences tailored for your clients. From where to visit, when to go, what to do and how to get there safely, our travel experts will help you create an experience your clients will love.
at a glance:
SEASONS & PEAKS
Spring (Sept-Nov) – Best Weather. Great time to go.
Summer (Dec-Feb) – Hot & Sticky – Avoid the North Side, flooding.
Autumn (Mar-Apr) – Fewer Crowds – Great time to go. See Wineries!
Winter (Jun-Aug) – Icy and Snowy – Ski lodges are open.
High season: Late Nov-Feb & July – Peak Pricing
Shoulder season: Sept-Nov & Mar-May
Low season: June & August – Low Pricing
Best times to
visit Colombia
Due to Colombia’s proximity to the Equator, the temperature varies according to altitude rather than the season. In the high altitudes of the Andes, days are cool and the nights can dip to the near freezing mark with the dry season falling between December and March and July and August. In the lowlands of Colombia, the climate is tropical and humid with very little difference between the daytime and nighttime temperatures. Rainfall in Colombia is heaviest on the west coast and in the Andean region with the rainy and dry seasons alternating in three-month cycles. Bogota’s heaviest precipitation takes place between April and June as well as October and December. The northern areas have one long rainy season running from May through to October. The country can be divided into three distinctive climatic regions:
The Tierra Caliente is the tropical zone and covers roughly about 82.5% of Colombia with the land from sea level to about 3,500ft (1,067m) falling into this category. The annual average temperature is 75-81°F (23-27°C) will the sea level destinations having a mean maximum of 100°F (37°C).
Between 3,500ft. (1,067m) and 6,500ft. (1,981m) marks the temperate zone of Colombia with average temperatures reaching about 64°F (17°F).
The Tierra Fria or cold country can be found between 6,500ft. (1,981m) and 10,000ft. (3,048m) with yearly temperatures averaging a little over 55°F (12°C). Bogota, lies at 8,525ft (2,598m) with an annual mean temperature of 57°F (13°C).
regional weather:
Brazil generally has a temperate climate all year round meaning there is no bad time to visit Brazil! The summer runs from December to February with Rio’s beaches and the beautiful northeast becoming busy due to the high temperatures (above 80°F/27˚C). Throughout the rest of the year temperatures are generally in the mid-70s ˚F (low 20s ˚C) to low 80s ˚F (mid-20s ˚C).
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Colombia Info
Capital City: Bogota
Currency: Colombian Peso
Language: Spanish
Unlike in other Latin-American countries, the US Dollar is not widely accepted in Colombia, except in a few high-end establishments but you can convert your currency at hotels, casas de cambio (money-exchange houses), most banks, and at the airport. It is worth noting that changing large notes can be problematic outside of large cities. Using moneychangers on the street is not recommended. There are plenty of ATMs in Colombia, with at least one even in small towns. Traveler’s checks aren’t recommended as although they can be exchanged at some banks, few businesses accept them. We recommend visiting the website XE Currency Converter to get current exchange rates.
We recommend visiting the website XE Currency Converter to get current exchange rates.
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practical information
HEALTH & SAFETY
Few countries in Latin America or elsewhere have done more to turn around their own image than Colombia which today is far safer and more accessible than it has been in decades. Colombia is now safer on average than all the country’s immediate neighbors although that is not to say that there are no problems. Street crime still exists, particularly in poor neighborhoods of the big cities as it does anywhere else in the world so vigilance and common sense are required when you’re in the urban centers of Colombia. Remember you’re foreign and so will stick out already. Keep a close eye on your belongings and don’t wear lots of eye catching jewelry or flash expensive cameras, laptops or iPhones around. When out and about exploring Colombia, take only as much cash as you need for the outing, and leave the rest (as well as your passport) in a safe in your hotel. Always carry a photocopy of your passport with you – the main page and the page with your entry stamp.
VACCINATIONS
Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required to visit Colombia. We do recommend visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to make sure everything is up to date.
VISA
Nationals of the USA and the EU do not require a visa to enter Colombia and are granted a 90 day travel visa upon arrival. Citizens of other countries may require a visa to enter Colombia and it is generally advised that they contact the Colombian embassy in their home country for information. The Wikipedia Visa Policy of Colombia is a great starting point to begin exploring whether or not any particular nationality might need to obtain a tourist visa to visit Peru.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity in Colombia runs at 110 Volts, so transformers are not necessary for tourists from the USA. If you are planning to use anything with a three-prong plug, bring an adapter, as some establishments only have two-prong outlets. If you’d like to learn more about the types of plugs in Colombia, check out the website What Plug Info – Colombia..
FAMILY TRAVEL IN COLOMBIA
Traveling to Colombia with children is relatively easy and is a great place for family travel. Colombians are in general very open-minded and welcoming when it comes to kids. Although everyone in the family will love the paradise beaches of Colombia’s Caribbean coastline, the country offers so much more. Its bustling cities accommodate for a range of all tastes and ages with the Gold Museum in Bogota will light up the inner-explorer as you seek out the mysteries of El Dorado. In less urbanized areas you and the whole family can enjoy a number of activities from horseback riding through the Coffee Triangle and the outskirts of Villa de Leyva to, spotting wildlife in the Tayrona National Park and exploring the ancient wonders of the San Agustin Archaeological Park. Colombia’s natural diversity, culture and friendly locals will ensure that you and your family have an unforgettable experience.
GETTING AROUND COLOMBIA
Colombia is South America’s fourth-largest country. While buses are both reliable and numerous for intercity travel, the increase in domestic airlines (about half a dozen domestic airlines) means that air travel is only slightly more expensive than traveling by bus and is much faster and more comfortable. People therefore prefer to take an internal flight or two in order to save time, avoid lengthy journeys by road and to enjoy seeing Colombia’s diverse landscapes from above. In the Coffee Triangle, the most common mode of transport is the Willy Jeep, with two rows of seats in the covered interior. These tend to be inexpensive, but the ride can be bumpy.
Sample itineraries in Colombia
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our countries
With eight local offices in Latin America, we have the perfect base to help you build the perfect trip for your clients. Unrivaled experience with a wide selection of bed & breakfasts, small posadas, unique boutique hotels and world class luxurious lodging.