Frequently asked questions about Colombia

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Colombia, as well as a valid passport. For more information on visa requirements, please contact us.

Colombia, located on the equator, is characterized by stable weather all year round, so you can visit the country at any time. Most regions have a hot tropical climate. Temperatures vary according to altitude and season. The dry season usually lasts from December through March and can be the most active period for tourism. The rainy season usually lasts from May through July or August. However, the weather can vary from region to region and rain is possible outside of these periods. The lowland areas are warm while the higher elevations, especially at night, can be cool.

Bogotá, located 2,500 meters above sea level, is one of the coolest cities in the country. Daytime temperatures here are usually around 18°C, so it is recommended to wear pants and a t-shirt, and bring a sweater or jacket in case it gets cold at night. Rain is a frequent occurrence here, so an umbrella or raincoat can be useful.

Colombia has five major cities: Barranquilla, Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena and Medellín, each with more than one million inhabitants. The country also has several medium-sized cities.

Although tipping is not legally required, it is a common practice in restaurants and with tour guides. It is customary to tip between 5% and 15% of the bill. Colombians express gratitude for any tip. Tipping cab drivers is not compulsory, but rounding up to 500 or 1000 pesos will be appreciated.

In Colombia, you will find English speakers in the more touristy places, especially in Cartagena. On the islands of San Andres and Providencia, many locals speak fluent English, as these islands were formerly English colonies. In other regions, English speakers can be found in hotels, hostels and tourist sites, but are less likely to be found on the streets. When traveling by cab, public transportation or walking through the markets, you may need to use a phrasebook and refresh your Spanish language skills.

Credit cards are widely accepted in restaurants, hotels, stores and travel companies. However, many small stores and eateries may not accept cards, and of course, street vendors and roadside kiosks operate with cash only.

Colombia uses 110-volt electricity, like in the United States. If you are traveling from another country, you will need an adapter. Plugs in Colombia either have two flat prongs or two flat prongs and an extra round grounding prong.

Colombia offers a variety of culinary options, but vegetarian and vegan food may be limited outside of major cities. Restaurants specializing in plant-based cuisine can be found in larger cities such as Bogotá and Medellín, but these options are less common in more remote regions. Local cuisine is rich in fish, vegetables, and exotic fruits that are available year-round. If you have any allergies, be sure to let them know so that hotels and tour operators can accommodate your specialties. In major cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Santa Marta and Cartagena, you can drink tap water, but bottled water is recommended in some areas.

Colombia offers quality medical care, including professional doctors and modern hospitals. Travel to Colombia may require immunizations against yellow fever, hepatitis A and B, as well as tetanus and diphtheria. If you plan to visit Amazonas, bring your yellow fever vaccination certificate with you. Antimalarial pills are not required. The most common problem for travelers is diarrhea; in this case, it is recommended to eat bananas and dry crackers and drink plenty of water. If you experience symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches and loss of appetite, it may be due to Dengue fever. In such a case, it is important to carry a good quality mosquito repellent.

Colombia has no public postal service, so mail can take a long time to arrive. It usually takes a month for postcards and letters to arrive, if at all. Colombia's phone code is 0057, and calls to your home country can be expensive. If the cost of calls doesn't suit you, wait until your accommodation has Wi-Fi and use messengers such as Facebook, WhatsApp or email to communicate. Most hotels provide free internet access.

Colombia is located in South America and borders Ecuador, Brazil, and Peru, as well as Panama and the Caribbean Sea to the north.

The optimal time to stay in Colombia is about ten days. This will allow you to enjoy a visit to popular destinations such as Medellin, as well as explore the lesser known areas of the Andes. During this time, you will also have the opportunity to rest and relax.

With access to both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Colombia offers some of the best beaches in South America. You'll find options to suit all tastes, whether it's family-friendly beaches with clear waters or romantic secluded islands. Recommended beaches include:

- Playa Manzanillo, Providencia

- Cerro Pilon de Azucar, Cape La Vela.

- Playa Blanca, Cartagena.

- Palomino Beaches, Palomino

- Bahia Concha, Santa Marta

- El Cabo San Juan, Parque Tayrona

The diversity of climate in Colombia is due to changes in altitude. In the Andean-covered western part of the country, every 1,000 meter increase in altitude results in a 3.5°F decrease in temperature. Therefore, the highlands are always cooler than the lowlands.

Colombia's climate is divided into three main zones: the hot zone (tierra caliente), which extends from sea level to 900 meters, the temperate zone (tierra templada) from 900 to 1980 meters, and the cold zone (tierra fría) from 1980 to about 3500 meters. Above this level are the páramos (heathlands) and snow zones. These climatic zones, known as thermal floors or pisos térmicos, not only determine the climate but also influence the country's vegetation and fauna. Colombia is famous for having one of the highest levels of biodiversity in the world.

Due to its location close to the equator, Colombia does not have distinct four seasons. There are two main periods: the rainy season (April-May and October-November) and the dry season (December-January and July-August). These periods can vary from region to region. Colombia is also affected by the El Niño and La Niña climate phenomena. El Niño brings warmer and drier weather, while La Niña brings cooler and wetter weather.

Colombia is the perfect destination for a family vacation, offering magical towns nestled in verdant hills and plenty of fun activities for all ages. Families can enjoy the beauty of the colorful villages in the Cocora Valley, which inspired the animated film Encanto. In Colombia, you can go horseback riding through the beautiful countryside with the kids or explore street art at cultural centers. At the end of your trip, don't forget to attend a cooking class where you can learn the art of Colombian cooking with your kids.

Colombia is a great destination for older travelers due to its luxurious beach resorts and picturesque provincial towns. These places are ideal for both cultural excursions and outdoor activities. Cities like Cartagena and Bogota offer rich historical heritage and architectural marvels that preserve the traditions of past eras. Older travelers can enjoy local coffee at famous plantations or cruise the Colombian islands on a luxury yacht.

Colombia is perfect for romantic getaways and honeymoons. With its gorgeous Caribbean beaches and rainforest retreats, this destination promises an unforgettable vacation. The towns offer beautiful views of pre-Columbian architecture, while local markets offer unique culinary experiences. Couples can also enjoy romantic sunset cruises or go on excursions to national parks to spot wildlife in spectacular scenery.