Explore what Colombia travel has to offer
Whether you’re seeking a vibrant Latin American city break oozing with charm and greenery like Medellín, a visit to a small village filled with Spanish colonial architecture, an Andean experience in the dynamic high mountain capital city of Bogotá. Or maybe you want to experience fun fiestas and incredible music (Colombia is known as “the land of a thousand rhythms,” after all), unique wildlife encounters, untouched jungles, a tranquil coffee region surrounded by lush mountains, or glittering beaches where you can submerge yourself in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Cartagena—Colombia has it all. Despite having a complex, storied history, Colombia has reinvented itself as a forward-thinking, charismatic, peaceful country. Discover Colombia travel with us through its delicious food, charming locals, infectious music, and incredible biodiversity.
Where to go in Colombia
Cradled by the snow-capped Andes and brimming with art and style, Colombia’s capital city of Bogotá sits at 8,500 feet in elevation and is the country’s epicenter of cultural cool—with seven million people who call it home. Whether you’re looking to gallery hop, steep yourself in history, or savor a sophisticated meal, a few days in Bogotá is just what culture lovers ordered. The city is lush and green and very walkable.
Perched on the Caribbean coast and hugged by centuries-old stone walls, colorful Cartagena is Colombia’s glittering star. Upon arrival, you’ll feel the rush from the salty, humid air. The city offers a combination of impeccably preserved history—such as 16th-century aqueducts and 17th-century monasteries (some converted into hotels!), alongside stylish, modern culture. Easily explored on foot or by bike, check out the Crayola-colored colonial homes and churches that line the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Shedding its gritty past, Medellín has emerged as a dynamic —and safe—artistic hub. The vibrant Colombian city is full of beautiful buildings (many with magnificent rooftop pools and bars), lush green streets, sprawling parks and plazas, and the Andes Mountains along its outer edges. With its blissful temperate climate, Medellín is known as the City of Eternal Spring. Nestled in a narrow valley, it offers an outstanding nightlife scene, clamored-for restaurants, and a riveting history of transformation to a cosmopolitan hub brimming with sophistication and style.
Colombia’s coffee-growing region is a must for everyone, not just espresso enthusiasts. In 2011, the region was officially inaugurated into UNESCO’s prestigious list of World Heritage sites for its centennial tradition of coffee growing. It is an exceptional example of a sustainable and productive cultural landscape. Spend some time learning how the coffee farmers live, and what life in the small colonial towns is like while being surrounded by lush mountains, and incredible biodiversity—including birdwatching. The region is carved with trails for hiking and biking, making it a great choice for active travelers, too.
Our Favourite Colombia Accommodations
Discover our favorite accommodations in Colombia and find the perfect place to rest your head during your Colombia vacation.
When to go to Colombia?
Colombia’s temperate, tropical climate makes visiting this country any time of year wonderful. Thanks to the location close to the equator, Colombia lacks traditional ‘seasons’ and has nearly constant sunlight and warm temperatures (it’s the perfect place for flowers, coffee, and fruit to be cultivated). In Colombia, it’s the elevation that determines the weather.
While Colombia is a year-round destination, it’s best to avoid the rainy season during the northern hemisphere’s spring and fall seasons (March-May and Sep-Nov). From December to mid-March the skies are bluer and it’s a bit drier. Note: December and January can get crowded as that’s the height of the local and international holiday season.
Is Colombia safe?
Yes—Colombia is safe to travel to. Like anywhere, you just have to use common sense and caution. Despite having a complex, tumultuous history, Colombia has reinvented itself as a forward-thinking, charismatic, peaceful country. In 2016 the government signed a peace process with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Colombia’s largest rebel group, which essentially brought an end to the Colombian civil conflict.
In this ever-changing travel landscape, we recommend that you stay on top of the latest travel advisories for Colombia travel through the U.S. Department of State —Bureau of Consular Affairs travel advice and advisory for Colombia here.
What are the travel restrictions in Colombia?
Colombia is a great destination for social distancing, with many restaurants, bars, and coffee shops set in the open air with great patios and outdoor dining. The weather everywhere (except for Bogota where it can get cool in the evenings) is perfect to be outdoors all day long.
Before traveling, verify if specific restrictions or requirements are still in effect. Review the travel health notice for COVID-19 and International Travel from the World Health Organization here: http://www.who.int
COVID-19 preventative measures and restrictions are still in effect in some destinations.
These could include:
- curfews, movement restrictions, or lockdowns
- mandatory mask use
- required proof of vaccination or a COVID-19 test result to access public and private services and space
Discover Colombia
Our favorite Colombia travel itineraries’
Looking for a Colombia travel itinerary? Check out three of our favorite itineraries for Colombia travel that include Medellín, Cartagena, the Coffee Region, and Bogotá.
Kim Green