Colombia
Rising from the ashes of a turbulent and violent history, Colombia now stands as a country filled with vibrant cities, colourful culture, and warm-hearted locals eager to show you their enchanting homeland.
When most people think of Colombia, they generally think of cocaine, drug cartels, civil war and coffee.
With TV shows such as Netflix's Narcos romanticising Colombia's violent past, it's easy to see how people have an inaccurate perception of the country as it is today and often overlook it as a potential travel destination.
It's true that Colombia was once one of the most dangerous countries in the world, but this was a long time ago, and things have changed a lot!
Since then, Colombia has not only cleaned up its streets and transformed its cities but has also emerged as one of South America's most popular and sought-after travel destinations. From the vibrant colonial streets of Cartagena to the seemingly endless picturesque landscapes throughout Colombia's best coffee regions, people are discovering Colombia and seeing it in a whole new light.
It captured our hearts in more ways than one and is one of our top picks for anyone wanting to find adventure in South America.
Quick Facts
Language
Primarily Spanish with very limited English
Plug Type
Type A & B / 110 V / 60 Hz
Currency
Colombian Peso (COP) 10 USD = 38,000 COP
Climate
Year round tropical warm weather, cooler highlands
Visa
90 Day Visa On Arrival for 99 Countries
Largest Airport
El Dorado International Airport (BOG)
Wifi
Fast 50 Mbps in larger cities, 15 Mbps elsewhere
Cost
Affordable $1,420 / mo
Is Colombia Worth Visiting?
Colombia is one of those countries that truly has everything and is guaranteed to offer something to everyone, from pristine Caribbean beaches that effortlessly blend into lush rainforests to quaint country towns filled with horseriding cowboys, cities that are alive with music and people dancing every minute of the day, and forgotten cities lost deep in the jungle, just waiting to be discovered.
Colombia has more to offer than you'll ever be able to explore. The real question isn't: Is Colombia worth visiting? Rather, what will you see on this visit, and what will you save for the next?
Best Time to Visit Colombia?
Due to its geographical location along the equator, Colombia has a very temperate climate and is generally warm to hot all year round. However, a few factors can cause variations in its mostly consistent temperament depending on where you go.
The majority of Colombia lies at a low elevation, such as the Amazon Basin and the coastal regions where temperatures range from around 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F), with high humidity levels year-round.
But the Colombian highlands, particularly cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Manizales, experience a cooler climate due to their higher elevation.
Medellín, known as the "City of Eternal Spring", has average temperatures from around 16°C (61°F) to 22°C (72°F) from January through to December, with Bogotá coming in slightly cooler than this at 14°C (57°F) to 19°C (66°F).
Colombia only experiences two seasons throughout the year: dry and wet.
The dry seasons generally run from December to March and July to August. During the dry season, the country experiences far less rainfall, which can be a great time for outdoor activities and travel.
The wet seasons fall between April to June and September to November. During this time, there is increased rainfall, which can vary in intensity and duration.
No matter where you go, it is always best to check the weather forecasts for your specific location and factor in what you want to do there.
Is Colombia Safe to Travel?
Colombia has a notorious history of violence and conflict, which has made many people rightly concerned about travelling there. But in recent years, Colombia has made massive strides in rectifying the problem and trying to change its image. Medellín, once known as the most dangerous city in the world, has become a metropolis for tourism and has some of the kindest people we have met.
We spent nearly two months in Colombia and didn't experience a single issue. We met some of the most incredibly friendly people who invited us into their lives and were more than happy to speak about their history and the progress that their country has made, which they have witnessed firsthand.
But even with all the progress they have made, it is important to stick to the main tourist destinations and listen to your inner voice. There are still areas in the larger cities that you should not visit alone. Whilst this is normally the case in most major cities, it is especially true in Colombia. However, these areas can be easily avoided with proper planning and seeking advice about where to stay.
Colombia is a vibrant and beautiful country and is, without a doubt, one of our favourite destinations in South America. It's not a place that should be avoided out of fear of their history and exaggerated safety concerns.