Solo Travel in Colombia

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Coffee GatG, Cultural GatG, Nature GatG, Party GatG

Colombia is such an amazing country to explore. I lived here for 1.5 years and it's one of my favourite countries in South America. If you are planning to solo travel Colombia, I've put together a Colombia solo female travel guide including the best places to visit in Colombia South America, the best places to stay in Colombia for solos, the best tours in Colombia and how to get around. Find out how to get from the airports when you solo travel to Colombia, the best places to go in Colombia for solos, and a recommended Colombia travel itinerary. 

Read the full article for everything you need for solo female travel Colombia. All recommendations are from myself and our solo community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. Plus, if you book through any links in this article, I donate money to projects helping vulnerable girls about the globe. Thank you for helping to make a difference to their lives. 

Contents

• Places to Visit in Colombia
• Colombia Tours
• Where to Stay in Colombia
• Travelling Around Colombia
• Colombia Itinerary
• Colombia Travel Guide
• What To Pack For Colombia
• Best Time to Visit Colombia
• Travel Insurance For Colombia
• Learn Spanish in Colombia
• Airports in Colombia
• Travelling Onwards
• Frequently Asked Questions about Colombia
• Map of Colombia
• Plan a Trip to Colombia 

Solo Travel To Colombia

Colombia is one of my favourite countries to explore. It is a country very much overlooked by female travellers but the majority of Colombia is surprisingly safe for women. That's why I've given it 3 out of 5 stars for Colombia solo travel. Being part of Latin America, it is still a very machismo society but the only place you may feel uncomfortable here is on the Caribbean coast where you may get a cat call from the local men. 

If you're wondering how to dress in Colombia, spend time in the big cities and you’ll be surprised by the tight Colombian clothing that women wear especially in Medellin. This is one city where as a tourist in Colombia you can wear what you want without worrying about attracting the wrong type of attention.

Is Colombia safe for solo female travellers? There is crime in Colombia so only take out as much money as you need and use ATMs during the day especially in Cali. Flashing jewellery or your phone or camera is not wise so be careful with your valuables and only carry the minimal items with you.

Is Colombia safe to travel alone at night? You need to be careful in the evenings and try to avoid night buses across the border with Ecuador. Take day buses if you can. If you are backpacking alone in Colombia you're guaranteed to find others to team up with, especially in Medellin which is on the backpack route Colombia, along with San Gil, Bogota and Salento. 

There is still trouble between the government and the Farc Rebels in the north, so check the latest updates for areas and routes to avoid. If you learn some Spanish phrases and stay clear of the comunas (the poorer areas), Colombia will capture your heart. Find out more about Learning Colombian Spanish here. 

Colombia is a wonderful country to explore independently but if you are unsure of visiting Colombia alone, or the things to see in Colombia and the best things to do in Colombia solo, you may feel more comfortable in a group tour for your Colombia trip. Below are the best places in Colombia for solo travel Colombia. 

Places To Visit in Colombia

Although stereotyped with drug cartels and violence, Colombia’s reputation is gradually changing to one of entrepreneurship, transformation and hope. Admittedly, parts of the country are still out of bounds for tourists but Colombia has come a long way in the last decade and is now a place of magical realism with coffee plantations, Caribbean cities and mountain landscapes.

* Before you travel, check what paperwork or visas are required for Colombia. 

Things To Do in Bogota Colombia

Is Bogota safe? Bogota is the capital of the country and although it does have its street crime, it also has a large student population making areas such as La Candelaria perfectly safe for a woman travelling alone to enjoy a coffee and listen to live music. As one of the safe places to visit in Colombia, it is also one of the most colourful areas with impressive street art and walls dedicated to graffiti. Take the street graffiti art tour to learn more about the city’s art.

There is not that much to do here so three to five days is enough to see all that the city has to offer. Once you’ve spent a few hours wandering around the Gold Museum and the Botero Museum, join one of the city’s tours.

Bogota does have great nightlife, although it’s more expensive than you would expect for Colombia and is a fair taxi ride away from La Candelaria. Team up with others to sample the bars and latin clubs of Zona T, Zona Rosa and Parque 93.

Two hours outside of Bogota, you’ll find the Salt Cathedral in Zipaquira, a quaint Colombian town. You have to take two buses to get here so taking a tour is much easier to visit this Colombia must see. If haunted houses are more your style, take the 2 hour bus journey to Tequendama Falls, a 157 meter high waterfall with a spooky abandoned hotel. Raquira is definitely worth a visit. This colourful town has friendly locals and a South American charm and is reachable by minibus from Bogota.

Colombia Coffee Region 

Travel West and you’ll arrive in Colombia’s coffee country; the Coffee Triangle. Colombia is one of the world’s top producers of coffee and although it exports most of its quality beans, taking a finca tour (a coffee farm) in this region – the best place to visit in Colombia for coffee lovers – is the best way to try the best of the local produce. You can even stay overnight in one.

Salento is a cute little town with a country feel with old men wearing cowboy hats and a colourful artisan market that draws in Colombians as well as tourists. This is a great place to hike but choose a company to do so as there have been cases of people getting held up and robbed.

Valle del Cocora (Corcora Valley), has a striking landscape with waterfalls, hummingbirds and giant wax palm trees. To get there take a shared jeep from the town square early morning and allow enough time to catch a jeep back at 3pm. The top of the hill in Salento offers a viewpoint of the town which is safe for solos to visit, even at dusk, and because the town is so small there is no risk of getting lost.

Manizales

Manizales is a university city with a cooler climate and a European feel and the parks here offer beautiful views overlooking the city. Chipre is the highest point in Manizales with a lookout tower to admire the views. Similar to the rest of Colombia in South America, people congregate in the plazas so it is easy to meet others here.

Things to do in Manizales Colombia include visiting the numerous hot springs near the city. Termales Tierra Viva are the most natural pool made of natural stone. If you didn’t visit the Gold Museum in Bogota, there is a smaller one here to explore.

Medellin

Head north from coffee county to Medellin, Colombia’s second largest city and once the most dangerous city in the world. Medellín is the best city in Colombia and is now one of their biggest success stories and famous places in Colombia. It even won the ‘Most Innovative City Award' in 2013 for its turnaround from its Narcos past.  

Situated in a valley surrounded by the Andes Mountains, Medellin Colombia is smaller and more contained than Bogota, and is known as the City of Eternal Spring because of its year-round warm Colombia temperature (27’c). Nearly everywhere you go in the city has amazing views and the city is vibrant with a latin culture with Al Fresco dining and locals socialising in the many parks. 

For a great view of the city, take the Metrocable, a clever transport system designed to reach the suburban areas of the city. Take the second cable car to Parque Arvi, a natural reserve where you can go horse riding but make sure you hire a guide here instead of exploring on your own. 

Other things to do in Medellin include seeing Plaza Botero with the famous over-sized sculptures, and the Botanical Gardens, an area of 40 acres of tranquility in the city. For the adventurous, paragliding gives you a bird’s eye view of the city and is one of the cheapest places in South America to experience it.

Medellin Colombia is safe if you don’t have your valuables on show and don’t venture into the pueblos alone. Pueblito Paisa is a cute mock up of a Colombian Pueblo with fantastic views of the city so you won’t miss out on visiting one of the more authentic areas. Although the outdoor escalators of comuna 13 are in a poorer area, if you visit with others you’ll be able to explore this fascinating re-generated area of street art in safety.

Medellin is one of the best places to party and the area of Parque Lleras is one of the safest places in Colombia at night and is a great place to meet others, especially as the park is a hive of activity with locals and tourists hanging out before hitting the bars.

From Medellin you can easily get to other places in Antioquia. Just 45 minutes away is Santa Fe, a historic town with colonial architecture and a romantic charm, and the tiny town of Amaga has the friendliest locals you’re ever likely to meet.

Guatape is one of the most beautiful areas in Colombia and popular tourist attractions in Colombia. A two hour bus ride from Medellin will take you to Penol Rock where you can climb to the top for amazing views of the lake below.

Cartagena

When you’re ready for a different vibe, solo travel Cartagena Colombia on the Caribbean coast. Cartagena is a colourful old colonial town with cobbled streets. You’ll find street performers and other travellers and tourists enjoying the friendly vibe at Plaza Trinidad, the square where everyone hangs out. At night you can watch the sunset over the walled city, the heart of Cartagena  (the walls are more than 400 years old).

One of the things to do in Cartagena Colombia if you are here on a Tuesday night, is to head to the Tuesday night language exchange at Latin Explosion to meet others, learn about life in Colombia and learn some Spanish. You’ll find many tours here from chiva tours (one of the fun things to do in Colombia South America), to Colombian culture and history, and boat trips to the Rosario Islands and Playa Blanca.

Cartagena is one of the best cities to visit in Colombia but it does get incredibly hot and at times the humidity can be overbearing. As pretty at it is here, it is also very touristy so be prepared to barter with the vendors trying to charge you tourist prices.

If you are backpacking Colombia and wondering where to go in Colombia to party and meet others, Taganga is the place to be. Especially if you want to learn to scuba dive too. You’e guaranteed to find company in this party town by the beachside.

Santa Marta is only an hour away and not only has a nicer beach than Cartagena but also a nicer vibe. There’s not that much to see so you may want to just stay a couple of nights and take a day trip to Minca for the waterfalls.

When you're exploring Colombia, Tayrona National Park (Parque Tarona), is one of the most beautiful sights in Colombia. For the adventurous solo, the Lost City Trek is a four day strenuous challenge through jungle to an ancient ruined city built by the Tayrona Indians.

Pacific Coast of Colombia

Most people avoid the Pacific Coast when going to Colombia alone. This is where the ocean meets the jungle, as it doesn’t have the tourism infrastructure of the Caribbean side. But if you’re looking for a more rustic travelling experience and have the time and patience to explore this region, you’re be able to escape the crowds.

Choose the sleepy town of Bahia Solano for deserted beaches and whale watching, Nuquí for its cultural and ethnic diversity, El Valle for surfing, and Parque Utria – a national park for rainforest beauty. Escape to this side of Colombia and you’re guaranteed to be travelling solo.

Things To Do in Cali Colombia

If you love dancing you’ll love Cali. This city does have its crime problems so as women traveling alone be careful at night and also when taking money out of ATMs. Situated in a valley with the Cauca River, Cali is the salsa epicentre of Colombia, so don’t be surprised if you’re invited to a salsa club or two, as salsa is in the Caleños' blood.

It is also known for its shopping so after a night of being spun around the dance floor, some retail therapy is a respite from the city’s heat.

Cristo Rey is Cali’s version of Rio’s Christ the Redeemer, where you can catch a great view of the city but team up with others for this route or choose Estatua instead, a safer area for a vista. The city was once populated by many indigenous tribes and has a rich cultural history.

For the adventurous, just 1.5 hours from Cali is Calima Lake, a great place to windsurf. Or head to Pance for some birdwatching and trekking, just 30 minutes away from Cali.

Did you know that Colombia has a desert? Two in fact. La Tatacoa is a 30 minute flight from Bogota and the desert of La Guajira lies in the north of Colombia. Saving the very best for last, the Caribbean islands of San Andrés and Providencia although nearer Nicaragua, are definitely Colombia with a Caribbean feel.

Although San Andres Colombia can get quite touristy, Providencia is lesser-known with empty beaches and golf buggies for getting around the island. Airlines fly from the larger Colombian cities to San Andres.

One of the unique things to do in Colombia is visit Cano Cristales, known as the ‘River of Five Colors by Colombia tourism.’  But it is one of the Colombia attractions that is difficult to reach and you are not permitted to enter the area by yourself. The nearest town is La Macarena where you can book a tour to see this beautiful red and multi-coloured river.

The town of San Agustin in Huila is one of the Colombia destinations that is growing in popularity. Many come here to see San Agustin Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing megalithic sculptures, monuments and burial mounds within its boundaries.

Other places to visit in Colombia are: Santa Elena for tropical flowers, Popayán for colonial architecture, the Rio Claro Valley for cave tubing, Raquira for colourful pottery, Barranquilla Colombia for its party and carnival atmosphere and Jardin – one of the most beautiful towns in the country.

As Colombia moves into the future, it is no longer about Pablo Escobar and the days of the cartels. Travel to Colombia and the only risk is wanting to stay.

Colombia Tours

G Adventures Colombia

If you feel more comfortable in a group for either part of your trip or the whole duration, G Adventures is a responsible tour company which mainly caters towards budget travellers. Most tours Colombia have an average of 10 people and there is no upper age limit.

Once you book your trip you pay extra for any excursions you want to do when you’re there. Their adventure Colombia tours start from a 7 days Lost City Trekking tour to an epic 60 day Colombia, Andes & Galapagos Tour. If you only have 9 days in Colombia, their Colombia Express allows you to tour Colombia from Bogota to Cartagena. I have personally used G Adventures and recommend them as a solo female friendly company. 

* Click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

Intrepid Travel Colombia

Intrepid Travel is similar to G Adventures with an average of 12 people on each of their group tours to Colombia. Over 50% of people using their trips are solo travellers. They tend to use hotels instead of hostels and have a more comfortable style of accommodation hence the trips can appear a bit more costly than G Adventures. They have various Colombia tour packages such as an Intrepid Colombia 8 day coffee tour, or experience Colonial Colombia on a 9 day group tour from £828. Read our Intrepid Travel Reviews or click here for the full itineraries, prices, and start dates

TruTravels Colombia

For the backpacker solo, TruTravels offers a 12 day trip to Colombia. Explore the culture old and new as you travel to Medellin, Santa Marta, Buritaca, Cartagena and Isla Grande. The trip is a combination of adventure, culture, beaches and partying. Learn about Colombia’s notorious past, see colonial old towns and get lost in a jungle, all whilst sampling the country’s famous coffee. Trips have a maximum of 20 people with most travellers between the ages of 18 and mid 30’s. Prices start from £1695 based on a twin share.

* Check prices & availability for TruTravels tour

Bogota Graffiti Tours – This original graffiti tour is just great. The tour takes 2.5 hours and leads you around some of the city on foot learning about its street art scene. It's a free tour with a Colombia tour guide, and you give a donation at the end depending on how good you found the tour. 

Bogota Bike Tours – Offers group cycling around the city, an ideal way to meet others and explore Bogota safely at the same time.

Andes Eco Tours – Offers sustainable tours in Bogota, the capital of Colombia.

Expotur – If you decide to do the Lost City Trek this travel tours company is well recommended for the 4 day trek. It leaves from Santa Marta.

Real City Tours – Explore Medellin on a city walking tour with a local guide who gives amazing insight into the city. They also offer barrio and exotic Colombian food tours too so you can try the typical Colombian cuisine. 

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated activities in Colombia and top things to do in Colombia. Choose from a Piedra del Penol and Guatape tour, a snorkelling trip around the Rosario Islands, or a tour to the Salt Cathedral in Bogota. There are several to choose from including all the main Colombia tourist attractions and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. * Check all tours and prices here

Where To Stay in Colombia

Accommodation here is a fraction of the cost that you may be used to in the UK or USA. There are no shortage of places to stay and you’ll find plenty of accommodation on Booking.com such as hostels, boutique Colombia hotels, luxury hotels, apartments and all inclusive resorts on the islands. There’s even a chocolate hotel in Cartagena. 

Book a room in a penthouse and other accommodation through Airbnb where you can stay with a local and save $20 off your first stay with this link. 

All of the accommodation below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community. From the best hotels in Colombia for solos to recommended hostels in Colombia, the accommodation below comes with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. For all other Colombia hotels and properties, click on the link below. 

• To book, check prices or availability for all accommodation in Colombia

Bogota – Republica Hostel Bogota

If you want to be close to the bars and restaurants, the Republica Hostel is situated near the famous T Zone so you’re close to all the action. The interior is very contemporary and although some of the rooms may be small, they have great views and comfy beds. The front desk is open 24 hours and there’s a terrace and a lounge so you can meet others over a cocktail in the bar.

Breakfast is included too! Although it isn't close to the historical centre, it is close to the metro bus so you can easily get around the city. There isn’t any heating so wrap up if you visit during the colder months. Choose from a bed in a 4 bed, 5 bed or 8 bed dormitory room, or opt for a double room with your own private bathroom.

• Prices from £7 per night for a bed in an 8-bed dormitory
• To book, check prices or availability for Republica Hostel Bogota

Bogota – Hotel Casa de la Vega

Hotel Casa de la Vega is one of the hotels in Colombia Bogota that is located in the centre of the historical area. This colonial-style Colombia hotel with an inner courtyard is perfect for those seeking an authentic Colombian stay. You’re close to the Candelaria where you can find musicians within walking distance.

The staff speak English and make their guests feel really welcome. Because of the layout of the hotel you may need ear plugs but all rooms come with a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer (plus free toiletries). Choose from a standard double room or suite with a garden or mountain view.

• Prices from £40 per night for a standard double room
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Casa de la Vega

Cartagena – One Day Hostel

This hostel is in a great location just a short walk from the waterfront. The staff are friendly and helpful and there is a 24 hour reception which is good if you are arriving late in Cartagena. The beds are comfortable and there is air conditioning in the rooms which is a welcome break from the humidity.

The Wifi is good and breakfast is included in the price. What more could you need? Choose from a 4, 6 or 8 bed dorm room or a double room.

• Prices from £10 per night for a bed in a 6-bed dormitory
• To book, check prices or availability for One Day Hostel

Cartagena – Hotel Boutique La Artilleria

If you want to treat yourself and stay in one of the beautifully-designed hotels in Colombia Cartagena, this property is beautiful and has a rooftop swimming pool with views of the gorgeous city of Cartagena. There's a gorgeous sun terrace and each room has its own TV and toiletries in the bathroom. The staff speak English too. 

It is only a few hundred yards from the Castle and the Gold Museum and you can walk to the historic centre from here. Choose from a double room, a superior double room or a junior suite.

• Prices from £60 per night for a double room on the first floor
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Boutique La Artilleria

Medellin – Purple Monkey Hostel

Situated in the popular area of El Poblado, the Purple Monkey is a cool, arty hostel where you are guaranteed to meet other travellers and those backpacking Colombia. The rooms are clean with coffee machines and there is plenty of hot water.

You can sun yourself on the terrace or just make new friends in the bar or common areas. Some of the staff speak English and can book any tours you want to do or arrange an airport shuttle. If you are looking for somewhere sociable to stay, Purple Monkey is a great choice. Choose from a 4, 6 or 12 bed dorm room.

• Prices from £10 per night for a bed in the largest dormitory
• To book, check prices or availability for Purple Monkey Hostel

Medellin – Diez Hotel Categoria

This hotel has everything that you need for a luxurious stay. Designed using natural elements, the rooms are stunning with large windows and lots of light and decorated with local handicrafts. You don’t even have to leave the hotel as there are restaurants and bars in the lobby. The spa has views of the city and you’ll find a sauna, hot tub and Turkish steam bath to relax in.

There’s a wide choice for the breakfast buffet which is included and the hotel is just steps away from Parque Lleras, one of the liveliest areas in Medellin. Choose from a standard double room, twin room or suite. I have personally stayed in this hotel and recommend it as one of the best hotels in Medellin. 

• Prices from £71 per night for a standard double room
• To book, check prices or availability for Diez Hotel

Travelling Around Colombia

If you are travelling in Colombia on a budget, the best way to get around Colombia is by bus travel which takes you to the major cities. Some of the regions are mountainous so if you are prone to travel sickness it may be worth taking a flight instead. Some bus routes are not recommended at night such as Popayan to Pasto, and Cali/Bogota to Ecuador so do your research before you take a bus and either travel during the day or by plane instead.

Viva Colombia flies internally to various airports in the country (charging more for baggage). This can work out just slightly cheaper than taking a bus and reduce traveling in Colombia from a 12 hour bus journey to just one hour or less. 

Medellin has a good public transport system with a metro service and Bogota is also connected by good bus routes. If you are going to the islands flights operate to the Caribbean island of San Andres. The Pacific coast is more challenging to get to with a lack of transportation and some areas only accessible by boat and plane.

* To hire a car we recommend pre-booking car hire with Avis so you can collect your car when you arrive at the airport.

Colombia Itinerary 

With Viva Colombia flying internally, you no longer need to worry about long bus journeys. A week here is too short unless you just want to see Bogota and Medellin and Cali and fly between the two cities. Two to three weeks is perfect for exploring the cities, the coffee region and the Caribbean coast. Whether you are looking for a Colombia itinerary 7 days or a Colombia itinerary 2 weeks, below are recommended examples of a Colombia travel itinerary.

Colombia Itinerary 1 week: Bogota – 4 nights, Medellin 3 nights (visit Guatape for 1 day).

Colombia Itinerary 10 days: Bogota – 4 nights, Medellin – 3 nights, Cartagena – 3 nights.

Colombia 2 week itinerary: Bogota – 4 nights, Medellin – 3 nights, Manizales – 2 nights, Cartagena – 3 nights, Tayrona National Park – 1 night.

Colombia Itinerary 3 weeks: Bogota 3 nights, Desierto de la Tatacoa – 1 night, Medellin – 4 nights, Salento – 2 nights, Manizales – 3 nights, Cartagena – 3 nights, Santa Marta – 3 nights, Tayrona National Park – 1 night.

Colombia Itinerary 1 month: Bogota, Desierto de la Tatacoa or San Gil, Bogota, Cali, Manizales, Medellin, Guatape, Cartagena (day trip to Playa Blanca), Santa Marta, Minca, Tayrona National Park, Lost City 4 day trek, fly to Pacific Coast or San Andres.

Colombia Travel Guide

If you need a guide book for your travels we recommend both Lonely Planet, and Rough Guides. Covering where to go and when to travel to Colombia, things not to miss, itineraries, getting around, festivals and events, history, and maps, they are the most comprehensive guides on the market. If you prefer other brands click here for all Colombia guide books.

Lonely Planet Colombia

If you are planning on travelling to Colombia for the first time, the Lonely Planet Colombia guide covers topics such as: where to visit in Colombia, highlights and Colombia sightseeing, itineraries, cultural insights including history, people and politics. They also include essential information, how to avoid the crowds and unsafe areas as well as insider Colombia travel tips so you can make the most of your time in Colombia. They’re your travel Bible.

* Check prices on Amazon

 

What To Pack For Colombia

If you’re unsure what to pack for your Colombia vacations, we have created a guide of our favourite solo travel products to help you decide what to pack. One of our favourite travel accessories for Colombia are these pickpocket proof pants.

Is Colombia safe for solo female travellers? We’re not saying that you will get pickpocketed but it’s always a good idea to be preventive rather than reactive. If you are planning on traveling to Colombia alone then it’s a good idea not to have your purse on display. Find out why we love these below and click on the link to discover all of our favourite travel products:

* Click here for all of our recommended travel accessories for solos

Pickpocket Proof Pants

Not only do these cargo trousers look stylish and come in a variety of shades, they are ideal for stashing away your money and valuables too. Manufactured with pickpockets in mind, they are the safest trousers on the market. They have a skirt, shirt and dress too. We think they are an essential part of any solo’s wardrobe for Latin America.

Buy from Clothing Arts 

 

Best Time To Visit Colombia

Depending where you go in Colombia the climate can differ. If you stay in the semi-desert it will be a dry heat compared to the Caribbean coast which is very humid. Medellin has Spring temperatures year-round whereas Manizales can be cooler as well as Bogota which gets cold in the winter months.

Colombia’s peak season is December to March so prices may be higher during these months. If you are travelling around the whole country then pack summer clothes and take something warmer for different regions. The best time to travel to the capital for weather is December and January.

This chart shows the average weather in Bogota Colombia (from January to December). Find out the weather for other areas here (go to ‘All destinations’ at the bottom and choose your destination).

Travel Insurance For Colombia

Colombia is a wonderful country to explore but it does have its crime. If you are planning Colombia solo female travel, travel insurance is definitely recommended especially if you are taking your phone or other valuables.

True Traveller and World Nomads are two insurance companies which can cover travel to Colombia. True Traveller is available to UK and European residents, and World Nomads is available to over 100 countries worldwide, including the USA and UK. For digital nomads, Safety Wing is a nomad insurance that covers people from all over the world.

All companies allow you to buy insurance when you are already on the road and offer different plans depending on your needs including additional adventure cover.

* Check insurance prices and cover for True Traveller

N.b. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Learn Spanish in Colombia

Colombians have one of the clearest Spanish accents making it a great country to visit if you want to learn the Colombia language on your Colombian vacation. There are many language schools offering normal and intensive classes to get you started or help to improve your Castellano.

One travel tip is before you arrive in Colombia, I definitely recommend learning Colombian Spanish. It’s a course for learning conversational Spanish for Colombia which teaches you how to speak like Colombians and to help you get the most out of your time in Colombia. And the best thing about it is, it’s taught by someone who learnt the language himself after years of being in Colombia so he’s easy to relate to.

Find out more about the Colombian Spanish course.

Airports in Colombia

Bogota Colombia Airport- Taxis cost approx £8 from El Dorado International Airport for the 15 minute journey. The TransMilenio (the bus) costs £1 to Calle 19 or Carrera 10 and runs every 5 minutes until approximately 10pm.

Cali – From Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport buses run every 20 minutes. The 40 minute journey takes 40 minutes and costs £15. Check Expreso Palmira for schedules. Taxis cost £15 and take only 20 minutes.

Cartagena – From Rafael Núñez International Airport you can take a taxi into Cartagena for £8. The journey is only 10 minutes. The bus company TransCaribe take 30 minutes and cost only £2. Check here for schedules. From Santa Marta Airport, taxis cost £14 and take 20 minutes.

Medellin – There are two airports in Medellin but most flights leave from José María Córdova International Airport which is outside of the city. As you leave the airport go to the right-hand side to find minibuses into the city. The buses cost approx £3 and take 45 minutes.

Ask for the bus to San Diego where the bus drops you at the side of the road near the shopping mall and taxis are waiting for you to take you to your address. Taxis leave from outside the airport and cost approximately £15 into the El Poblado area. 

Getting to Medellin Airport – To get to the airport you can either take a taxi from your accommodation for £17 or take a shared taxi which is only £5.00. For a shared taxi go to Centro Comercial San Diego to the Falabella building which is near the petrol station.

From here you can take a white taxi which fills up once it has 4 passengers. You do share the ride but the fare is split making it cheaper than getting one on your own.

* Feel more confident on your Colombia vacation with someone waiting for you at the airport when you pre-book a transfer with Hoppa, a reliable service for solo females.

Travelling Onwards (check visas before you travel)

Colombia To Panama – There is no overland border so either fly with Viva Colombia or take the 3/4 day sailing trip, stopping off at the stunning San Blas islands with the indigenous Kuna tribe. A great way of combining a border crossing with a sailing adventure.

Colombia To Ecuador – From Popayan there are direct buses to Ipiales, the border town which takes 8 hours and usually stops in Pasto, or cross via Tulcan and Ipiales. Avoid crossing into Ecuador at night and travel during the day.

Colombia To Brazil – Spend 4-5 days crossing the Amazon from Leticia to Manaus by riverboat for US $65 (payable in Colombian pesos). Boats depart Wednesdays and Saturdays or there is a faster service which takes 36 hours departing Saturdays and Sundays for US $150 (in local currency). Check here for the boat information. 

Colombia To Peru – Similar to crossing into Brazil, take the riverboat from Leticia to Iquitos in Peru along the Amazon. If you don’t have 3 days to cross on the slow boat (Cabin = US $80 including 3 meals a day) which leaves daily except for Thursdays, there is a fast boat for just 12 hours for a few dollars more. This departs Santa Rosa (same as the slow boat) every day except for Saturdays and Mondays.

Colombia To Venezuela – Not recommended to visit at this time due to political unrest.

Where can I go from here?

• Panama – 1 hour
• Ecuador – 1.5 hours
• Peru – 3 hours

Questions About Colombia

• Is there drinking water in Colombia? In most cities you can drink the tap water. Choose bottled water in smaller towns or take your own water filter with you.
• Is tipping in Colombia expected? No, a service charge is included. In a supermarket, it is polite to tip the people who are packing your bags.
• Fixed price or barter? Fixed price.
• Any ATMs? Yes, but they don’t all work with international cards. Salento only has one ATM so be prepared and have extra cash with you.
• Which side of the road do they drive? The right hand side.
• Good for vegetarians? The staple Colombian diet is rice, beans, meat and Colombian arepas but more and more vegetarian places are popping up in the cities.
• Any seven wonders of the world? No.

Map of Colombia

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