How to Prepare for Your Trip to Colombia

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

IMPULSE TRAVEL TEAM

We are a team of storytellers here to bring you the best Colombia has to offer. On our blog, we answer your most frequent questions and uncover our countries mysteries, culture, and highlights for you.

Are you dreaming of vibrant cities, lush landscapes, and unforgettable experiences? A trip to Colombia awaits! To help you prepare for your adventure, we've compiled essential tips and insights to ensure a smooth and rewarding journey. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, thrilling adventures, or simply a relaxing getaway, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to make the most of your time in Colombia.

If you want help with your trip, you can fill out our vacation formwith your general details and we will get our hands to work on your perfect travel.

So, without further ado, let's start looking at the 10 Key Tips for Preparing Your Trip to Colombia

1. Check if you need a visa

This shouldn’t be a problem for most travelers. The majority of visitors from Europe and the US are granted a 3-month tourist visa. However, you should make sure that you can prove that you’ll be leaving the country after this period (i.e., have plane tickets) in case you are asked. If you plan on staying longer, you can apply for a visa extension at the Ministry of Foreign Relationships or the Office of Migración Colombia. They have an office in most major cities. Find out the exact visa requirements for your country here. The page is in Spanish but it should be fairly easy to navigate through it as you only have to type in your home country, your type of passport (ordinary in most cases), and the reason for your trip.

2. Vaccinations and Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a must for any international trip, and for a trip to Colombia it's a good idea to arrange it before you come to the country.

It's also a good idea to check with your doctor about recommended Colombia vaccinations. Ultimately, it's up to you, but some national parks do recommend getting vaccinated for yellow fever in certain areas, like Caño Cristales, the Amazon, and the Eastern Plains region. If you're flying out of El Dorado Airport in Bogotá, you can get the yellow fever vaccine for free at the Vaccination Point on the second floor next to the DIAN offices. It's recommended to get the vaccine 10 days before traveling to these regions, have your full vaccination card with you as well, and know your allergies before accessing this vaccine.

Impulse Travel Tip: See if your insurance company can provide the coverage documents in Spanish. This will save you a lot of hassle if you need to use your insurance.

COVID vaccine is no longer required to enter Colombia.

3. Learn some basic Spanish and Colombian slang words

Most people probably know “Hello”, “Goodbye” and “Thanks” in the language of the country that they are traveling to. In Colombia, knowing a little more Spanish will help you get around and receive some extra generosity and look for better bargaining dialogues. Colombians are very friendly and ready to help. If you can tell them in broken Spanish where you want to go, they’ll get you there. Don't be shy and let yourself go once you arrive here, while some people in the city could be more direct and cold like in any other part of the world, the majority of Colombians are joyful and warm, they'll go the extra mile for you to get you where you need and even offer some of their generosity when purchasing vegetables or fruits in the local markets asking for the "ñapa" (freebie). The communication of the language will help you break the ice with the locals and put into practice some local dialect customs such as asking for something for free ("regalado"), saying sorry ("que pena") every time you ask for something, and call "vecino/a (neighbor) to basically every person that is not your neighbor and that you are greeting on the street. Anyway, away from the tourist hotspots, English won’t be very helpful, so make sure to brush up on your Spanish knowledge a bit. There are several apps like Duolingo and Memrise that help you learn the basics in a playful way.

Impulse Travel Tip: Travel with a notebook and write down new words and phrases each day of your trip. This will help you connect more with the destination and engage with locals about their country!

Fruit stalls are everywhere in Colombia so you don't want to miss out on trying as many as you can with your Spanish skills!

4. When to go to Colombia

If you're looking to travel in Colombia, the best time is from December to February. The weather is warm and dry in most places during this time. June to August are drier months, when you'll get to enjoy clearer skies and less rain. Just a heads-up, though: don't completely trust your weather app, as the climate in the tropics varies swiftly, and you can always get caught in the rain. Fortunately, you won't miss good cafés just because it's raining. If you're traveling during the holidays or summer, it's probably best to avoid the weekends if you want to visit tourist sites. There'll be a lot of people around, and you'll probably end up waiting in line for two hours to visit Monserrate, for example.

The best time to travel also depends on what you want to do during your stay. Some regions can be visited year-round, but here's a little help on when to go to more complex regions:

Pacific Coast (whale watching): July – October. Check and book this trip on our webpage here! Another interesting season to visit the Pacific Coast is from late October to December when the sighting, nesting, and release of sea turtles takes place.
Caribbean and Atlantic Coasts: Avoid the rainy season between May and June as well as in October. We love the Caribbean and we have some of the most incredible single experiences you can book through our website here.
Amazon: Wet season for the first half of the year, dry season between July and September. The dry season allows more activities such as hiking through the rainforest and enjoying the banks and beaches of the rivers with tranquil waters for a nice swim in the jungle. The rain season allows deeper exploration of the flooded jungle on canoe trips teeming with wildlife. Explore our Remote Amazon Jungle, the Path of the Anaconda, or the Gateway to the Amazon trips on our site if you are interested in traveling to the lungs of the earth.
Caño Cristales: One of the most famous sights in Colombia is the Rainbow River. This natural spectacle is only visible between June and November, so we highly recommend that you book the trip in advance as the demand is high and the capacity of the destination as well as the flight frequency is pretty low. You can book the 3-day trip on our webpage and inquire about longer trips!

The river bed of Caño Cristales becomes colorful due to the flowering of the aquatic plants Macarenia Clavigera during the rain season.

5. What to see or where to go in Colombia

Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world. From the Caribbean beaches in the north to the tropical rainforest in the south, there's so much to see that it can be tough to plan your travel route.

Just a quick travel tip: There's no need to feel pressured to see everything at once! It's a good idea to focus on one or two regions so you can really get to know them and have a more authentic experience.

This amazing biodiversity isn't just about the stunning landscapes. It's also about the indigenous communities who have lived here for millennia and cared for this land. You can see their deep understanding of nature's delicate balance in their traditions and cultural practices. From the Tayrona people who built amazing cities into the Sierra Nevada mountains to the U'wa people who are very protective of their sacred headwaters, indigenous communities have played a big part in how Colombia relates to the environment. It's important to recognize and respect this rich heritage to get the most out of your Colombian experience. When people think about Colombia, they think about natural richness, and they're not wrong. We have six different geographical regions, and they're all worth visiting and exploring with ease to discover and understand the incredible secrets of every main region in Colombia. The Tourism Office recently published a YouTube series about Colombia's six geographical and tourist regions. Check it out!

But there's more. The result of all these different threads—the indigenous heritage, the Spanish, the Africans—is a vibrant and distinct Colombian culture. This beautiful blend is evident in the charming towns scattered across the country, particularly within the "Red de Pueblos Patrimonio" (Heritage Towns Network). Here, colonial architecture goes hand-in-hand with vibrant indigenous crafts, and traditional festivals showcase a delightful mix of influences. Exploring these towns lets you experience the soul of Colombia – a place where history whispers through cobblestone streets and ancient traditions live on in every corner. If you want to learn more about these Heritage Towns, check out the official website of the network and enjoy reading and watching the incredible history of these 17 towns!

Depending on how much time you will be spending in Colombia, you should select a few places that you definitely want to visit. You can then connect them by adding stops in between. Get some inspiration for places and activities that belong to every authentic Colombian experience in our “Ultimate Bucket list for Colombia”.

Also worth mentioning: Colombia's got so many different travel regions that you don't necessarily have to travel from north to south to get a feel for the country. Each major region has its own unique charm. You can find coffee plantations outside the big cities like Bogotá, Cali, or Medellín without going to the Coffee Triangle in Armenia or Pereira. You can also explore specialty coffee areas like Minca, the Sierra Nevada, or the Department of Huila, which is known for producing the best quality coffee in the country. Another example is the Cocora Valley. It's the most popular place to see our national tree, the wax palm. But there are many other places you can go and walk under these giants that amazed the explorer Alexander von Humboldt in 1801. Places like Tochecito, Sasaima, Sevilla, La Unión, Salamina, La Maria, and more. You can reduce the impact of tourism on local communities and the environment by visiting places off the beaten path. This lets you spend more time in each place, exploring it more deeply. You'll not only find hidden gems that tourists and even many locals often miss but also experience Colombian life in the most local and authentic way possible. However, Colombia has so many unique sites that you'll need to travel between cities to visit Los Nevados National Park and hike in Tayrona National Park on the same trip. This inter-city travel is a great way to experience different landscapes, people, and cultures. But you know, you can't visit the whole country at once, so you'll just have to leave something for later!

6. Pack for all climates

Most people who are travelling to Colombia first stop off in Bogotá. As the fourth highest capital in the world, the city is affected by the unpredictable mountain climate. The Andean sun can give you a sunburn in the morning and then, just two hours later, you could be caught in a sudden downpour.

There's so much more to Bogotá than just the city itself. In Colombia, you can experience snowy mountains and, after a few hours of traveling, unwind on the beach in the sun. Obviously, what you need to pack depends on where you're going, but it's a good idea to be prepared for many different weather conditions. Once you start getting to know Colombia and talking with Colombians about our unpredictable weather, you'll notice that there are only two main climates: "Tierra fria o tierra caliente," which basically means cold or warm land. Your packing list should include a pair of long trousers, some shorts, and walking sandals (it's okay to walk with sandals on the streets in the warm lands, but it's better to wear shoes in the cold lands so you don't look out of place). "Gringo," pack your flip-flops for the beach, a jacket for the highlands, and a light raincoat that won't take up too much space in your luggage just in case you face some rain or go wandering in the paramo landscape someday. Also, if you plan to go dancing or explore Colombia's famous rumba, pack some dresses and shirts so you blend in with the locals because when we go out dancing, we like to look and feel good!

7. Cash is King in Colombia

While most big supermarket chains and restaurants accept credit cards, there are also many small stores and tasty empanada and fruit juice stands that don't. It's a good idea to either get some cash at an ATM or bring some major currency (euro or US dollar) and exchange it in an official store. If you're withdrawing cash at an ATM, make sure you know what fees your bank at home and the Colombian banks might charge. And don't forget to give your bank a heads-up that you'll be traveling so they don't block your card overseas.

8. Stay safe with the necessary precautions

When traveling in the urban areas, inform yourself with the locals, the hotel staff, or your local friends about the area you are staying at and basic need services such as banks, supermarkets, restaurants, pubs, public transportation, and places you don't need to see like shady neighborhoods. It's very important you know your surroundings well and keep inside the safe zones when walking around the city. In tourist sites and on public transport stay close to your belongings and don't take your cell phone or camera out if you don't need them strictly, enjoy the moment and stay present, our cities are full of life and magic so you don't want to miss out on that street magician instead of watching someone do a bad trick on Tik Tok. For example, the buses in Bogotá are often so crowded that it’s easy to slip a phone or wallet out of a pocket without its owner noticing. Learn more about “how not to give papaya” in our designated blog post about traveling safely in Colombia.

Impulse Travel Tip: When venturing into rural areas, pre-booking your accommodations and tours with Impulse Travel can provide a safer and more enriching experience.

When embarking on an adventure through Colombia's rural and remote areas, embrace the tranquility and beauty of these lesser-explored destinations while ensuring a seamless and enjoyable journey. One of the key strategies for a smooth travel experience is to plan by booking your accommodations and tours in advance. This not only provides you with peace of mind but also allows you to avoid the hassle of scrambling for last-minute arrangements. By securing your lodging beforehand, you can rest assured that you'll have a comfortable retreat waiting for you after a day of exploration. Furthermore, booking tours in advance offers numerous benefits, including the opportunity to explore with knowledgeable guides who can enrich your experience with their insights into local culture, history, and natural wonders. These guided tours often provide a structured and safe way to discover the hidden gems of Colombia's countryside, ensuring that you make the most of your time while minimizing any uncertainties. You can fill out our contact form on the footer of our home page and ask for any help that you need!

9. The rumba or the party

Prepare to be swept away by Colombia's vibrant rumba scene as you plan your journey to this dynamic destination. From the pulsating rhythms of salsa to the infectious beats of reggaeton, Colombia's party culture is an essential part of the travel experience. Dive into the bustling nightlife of cities like Bogota, Cartagena, Medellín and Cali, where dance clubs ignite with energy and passion. Experience the exhilaration of Colombia's legendary festivals, from the colorful Carnaval de Barranquilla to the electrifying Feria de Cali or the traditional Festival Petronio Alvarez where homage is paid to the Afro-Colombian culture of our Pacific Coast. Embrace the warmth of Colombian hospitality as you dance, laugh, and celebrate alongside locals, creating memories to last a lifetime. If you love music and would like to live and experience the soul of the Caribbean rhythms go check out our most amazing travel series Sounds of Colombia.

Partying in Cartagena

10. The Colombian food

Has there been any discussion about the food? Get ready to experience a whole new level of flavor and visuals. Worm ice cream? Absolutely! Coca leaf cookies? Fruit beers from far-flung locales? Is there such a thing as delicious chocolate made with the highest quality cocoa? And what about potato soups from the Andes and fish soups from the Caribbean? We've got it all. Colombian cuisine is a rich tapestry of flavors, shaped by the country's cultural heritage and diverse culinary influences. When you're preparing for your trip to Colombia, you've got to give your taste buds a treat with all the delicious dishes you'll be trying out. From savory arepas stuffed with cheese and grilled meats to hearty bandeja paisa or sancocho, you'll have plenty of options to cure that "guayabo" (hangover) you might have from the night before. But it's not just about the food. It's about the endless possibilities of dining, from delicious local delicacies to fine dining in immersive and sensorial experiences in multiple high-end restaurants.

Impulse Travel Tip: Want to discover all the secrets of our cities and navigate them like a local? Fill out our City Guides form and you'll get Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena's ultimate city guides!

Arepas (grilled corn dough) in its many forms!