Travel Tips for Americans that are Going to Colombia
Over the past two decades Colombia has undergone a dramatic transformation, now standing as one of the most beautiful and inviting countries to visit in South America. For Americans, it’s growing in popularity, showcasing incredible forests, gorgeous beaches, rich cities, and vibrant history. Just like any other international trip, Colombia requires a bit of preparation beforehand. This guide aims to assist travelers from America with tips that will help them make the most out of their adventure to Colombia.
Organizing Your Journey
First, make sure you do some research before your trip. Decide what it is you want to do and see. Colombia offers a wide range of options, from the fresh and cold high altitude of Bogota, where you can find beautiful colonial buildings and various museums, to Medellin, an equator region which is regarded as the city of ‘the eternal spring’ where there is plenty of innovation and a moderate climate. The Caribbean coastline along with colorful buildings impress travelers in the city of Cartagena. And rolling hills along with breathtaking beauty of coffee farms make Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero) a masterpiece. American citizens can travel to Colombia without a visa as long as their stay is less than 90 days, all they need is a passport that is valid for six months.
Timing is important. Colombia’s position near the equator means that it doesn’t have drastic seasons, but it does have wet and dry periods. The time between December to March and July to August are drier and better suited for outdoor activities. April and October can be rainy, but it does result in greener, more beautiful views and fewer people. There are a number of direct flights from Miami, Houston, and New York to Bogotá, Medellín, or Cartagena. Make sure to book those flights early, as prices rise steeply around Christmas and Semana Santa (Holy Week) time.
Safety Tips
While the reputation for Colombia’s safety has greatly improved, some caution is still required. Violent crime has decreased, while tourist places are safer and usually have police present. Petty crimes like pickpocketing or bag-snatching are still prevalent in areas full of people like La Candelaria district of Bogotá or old town of Cartagena. A money belt is recommended, and try not to display cash or expensive equipment. Put your phone away in public when you’re not using it.
Avoid remote locations during the night. In cities, choose reputable ridesharing services such as Uber or Cabify instead of flagging down street taxis, which can sometimes overcharge or take the long way around. The U.S. Department of State has Colombia marked at Level 2 (“exercise increased caution”) rating, with some rural areas bordering Venezuela and the Pacific coast rated at Level 4 (“do not travel”) due to persistent guerrilla warfare or drug trafficking. For a lot of tourists these regions shouldn’t be a problem as long as they visit popular places only. Always remember to check travel warnings first before going off the beaten track.
Money Matters
The local currency of Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). Cash is the most common form of payment in smaller towns and any local markets. ATMs can be found all over cities, but make sure to go into banks and malls to avoid skimming scams. Always inform your bank about your travel arrangements to avoid card blocks, and take along some pesos plus a backup credit card. Most places do not accept U.S. dollars so it is important to change money at specific casas de cambio instead of on the street where there might be scams.
It’s not required to tip, but you may do so if you would like to. In restaurants a 10% service charge is included in the bill. If not it is normal to leave a little tip. For guides or drivers, you can show appreciation by giving the USD equivalent of $5 -10 per day. In some market places such as Paloquemao in Bogotá, or Bazurto in Cartagena, people are more flexible when it comes to negotiating prices than in stores, but it is still possible.
Communication and Language
Spanish is the primary language spoken in Colombia, and while English is somewhat understood in tourist areas, it is not common. If you learn the basic words such as “gracias” (thank you), “por favor” (please), “¿cuánto cuesta?” (how much?) you will be pleasantly received, and interactions will be much simpler. A known trait of Colombians is that they are very friendly and forgiving, so if all else fails, you can always try to communicate using gestures. Since Wi-Fi connection is far below average outside of urban areas, it is best to download a translation app like Google Translate to use offline.
Cellular service works well in cities. Verizon and AT&T sell international plans, but if you’re looking for something cheaper, a local SIM card from Claro or Movistar works perfectly as well. Around $10 will get you a month worth of data, just remember to unlock your phone first.
Health Precautions
Colombia’s tropical weather brings health concerns. First of all, the tap water is not drinkable which means only use bottled or filtered water, even when brushing teeth. Also, street food is good but you might want to consider only vendors that have long lines. It’s a good indicator the food they sell is fresh. In some regions such as the Amazon or Caribbean coast, diseases like dengue fever or Zika that are carried by mosquitoes can be a threat. If you need to travel to the jungle regions, then it might be wise to think about taking antimalarial medication after consulting with your physician first. You also should pack some DEET repellent and long sleeves for sunset hours.
Bogotá (8,660 feet over sea level) can cause altitude sickness. When you arrive, remember to take your time, drink lots of water, or drink a local remedy coca tea if you feel dizzy. It’s advisable to get an immunization for yellow fever before going to parks like Tayrona or the Amazon and you might even need proof to get in some areas. In addition to the standard vaccines from the CDC (MMR, tetanus), customers are also recommended to receive hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines.
Getting Around
Traveling in Colombia can be an interesting experience because of its geography. Flights from Bogotá to Cartagena on Avianca or LATAM airlines take only 90 minutes, and they are quite affordable. Overland travel relies on buses: from local chivas to luxury coaches with Wi-Fi. There are shared jeeps called “Willys” which offer shared rides to farms around the Coffee Region. You can also rent a car, but crazy traffic, bumpy country roads, and reckless driving, do not make it appealing. If you want a lot of flexibility, then hire a driver.
Traveling within cities is more convenient and cheap with public trasportation like the TransMilenio in Bogotá or the Medellín train. Even better option is going places on foot; just make sure to watch out for uneven sidewalks and bad drivers.
Cultural Etiquette
Colombians will welcome you with open arms, if you treat them nicely. A friendly “Buenos días” or “Buenas tardes” can be used for greetings, and can lead to great interactions. When visiting rural areas or churches modest clothing is necessary, however on the coast you can wear shorts and flip-flops. Be prepared to operate on “Colombian time” which is generally 15 to 30 minutes behind schedule. However if you are a guest try to be on time, you will appreciate Colombian hospitality.
Food is a communal thing. It is commonplace to share a bandeja paisa (a platter of beans, rice, and meat). In a country that values its coffee, rejecting a cup might raise eyebrows. Do bring small presents such as candies and flowers if you visit someone’s house.
Must-See Highlights
Be sure to take advantage of wonders like paths of Tayrona National Park for hiking, clubs of Cali for salsa dancing or Guatapé near Medellin for taking a stroll around the vibrant colorful streets. The Ciudad Perdida trek competes with Machu Picchu, but is quieter and has fewer tourists. It does take a few days of endurance hiking though. If you are a fan of history, do not skip the Gold Museum in Bogotá or the fortress walls in Cartagena. They are breathtaking.
Packing Essentials
Be clever when packing you do not want to bring too much. Breathable clothing is ideal for the Colombian coast, and it is advisable to have some warmer clothing for the cold nights of Bogotá. Rain showers can happen at any moment, so pack a rain jacket too. Colombia has a strong sun, so do not forget to take a hat, sunscreen. Sturdy shoes are needed for the cobblestones or trails. A portable charger is also a good idea while traveling as your devices will run out of battery after a long day of sightseeing.
Conclusion
Colombia is a curious traveler’s dream, and an open-minded person will certainly reap the rewards. It is where every stranger transforms into a friend over a tinto (black coffee). Each corner is filled with exuberant life. To Americans, it is surprisingly cheap as well – $50-100 USD covers mid-range comfort for accommodations on a daily basis. Make an effort to learn the cultural practices, be conscious of your surroundings and immerse yourself completely. You will come back with engaging stories instead of just souvenirs.