Travel Guide to Colombia
A comprehensive guide to exploring Colombia – from the Caribbean colonial jewel of Cartagena and the salsa capital of Cali to the coffee region's stunning landscapes, Medellín's remarkable transformation, Tayrona's jungle and beaches, Bogotá's museums and street art, the Cocora Valley's towering wax palms, vibrant San Andrés island, charming Villa de Leyva, hotel costs in Colombian Pesos, visa information, healthcare details, and essential travel insurance including coverage for this increasingly safe and welcoming South American destination.
- What there is to do in Colombia
- Cultural experiences & natural wonders
- Seasonal attractions & adventure activities
- Quick profiles of major cities
- Hotel cost ranges
- Visa & entry requirements
- Healthcare costs & detailed insurance breakdown
Safety Ratings and Resources
to Colombia due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping. Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.
Violent crime is common in many areas in Colombia. This includes murder, assault, and robbery. In some places, organized crime is rampant. This includes extortion, robbery, and kidnapping.
There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity, in Colombia. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.
Terrorists and criminal organizations in Colombia may attack with little or no warning and target:
- U.S. government facilities
- Local government facilities
- Tourist areas and attractions
- Transportation centers
- Shopping malls and markets
- Military and police facilities
- Hotels
- Clubs
- Restaurants
- Airports
Political demonstrations are common throughout Colombia and can:
- Shut down roads and highways without notice or estimated reopening timelines.
- Lead to road closures that reduce access to public transportation.
- Interrupt travel within and between cities.
- Become violent and result in deaths and injuries.
Due to the risks, U.S. government employees working in Colombia are prohibited from:
- Going to Colombia’s land borders with neighboring countries without special authorization.
- Using motorcycles.
- Using street taxis or any public transportation that is not prearranged.
Do Not Travel to:
- Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.
- The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, conflict between armed groups, and the risk of detention.
Big improvements, but robbery, drug-related crime, and occasional violence make solo women vulnerable at night and on rural roads.
View Women's Travel Safety Guide →Marriage equality and protections; crime and gang violence still affect queer communities.
View LGBTQ+ Travel Safety Guide →
Colombia has emerged as one of South America's most dynamic and welcoming destinations, offering an incredible blend of Caribbean beaches, coffee plantation culture, colonial architecture, vibrant street art, salsa dancing, and mountain adventures. Once known for drug-related violence, Colombia has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past two decades, with most tourist areas now safe, welcoming, and eager to showcase their natural and cultural riches. From the romantic walled city of Cartagena and the coffee-covered mountains of the Eje Cafetero, to the innovative transformation of Medellín, the jungle meeting beaches of Tayrona, the museums and street art of Bogotá, and the salsa capital of Cali, Colombia packs extraordinary diversity into a single country.
Major Cities in Japan
Bogotá
Bogotá is Colombia's capital and largest city, sitting at 2,640m elevation in the Andes. It's a vibrant cultural hub known for world-class museums, street art, traditional cuisine, and Monserrate sanctuary overlooking the city from a mountain peak.
- Gold Museum (Museo del Oro) – world's largest collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts
- Monserrate – mountain sanctuary at 3,152m with panoramic city views and cable car access
- La Candelaria – historic colonial neighborhood with colorful streets, galleries, and street art
- Zona Rosa – upscale neighborhood with restaurants, bars, and shopping
- Street food scene – arepas, empanadas, tamales, and fresh tropical fruits
- Paloquemao market – traditional market with flowers, fruits, and local products
- Modern art scene – graffiti and murals throughout the city, especially in RAW district
Medellín
Medellín, the 'City of Eternal Spring,' has undergone a remarkable transformation from a dangerous past to an innovative and culturally rich destination. Located in a perfect-climate valley at 1,495m elevation, it's known for cable car systems, Comuna 13 street art, and thriving tech and creative scenes.
- Comuna 13 – steep hillside neighborhood famous for vibrant street art and transformation story
- Cable car system (Metrocable) – innovative public transport with stunning views over the city
- Plaza Botero – museum dedicated to artist Fernando Botero's sculptures and paintings
- Flower Festival (Feria de las Flores) – annual celebration in August with parades and flowers
- Innovative neighborhoods – Parque Arvi accessible by cable car, trendy Laureles district
- Street art tours – guided walks through neighborhoods with world-class graffiti art
- Perpetual spring weather – perfect year-round climate in a tropical valley setting
Cartagena
Cartagena is Colombia's Caribbean crown jewel, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a beautifully preserved walled colonial city. This romantic destination combines Spanish colonial architecture, Caribbean culture, colorful buildings, beach access, and a vibrant nightlife.
- Walled Old City – UNESCO site with colorful colonial buildings, narrow streets, and plazas
- Castillo San Felipe de Barajas – massive fortress protecting the city
- Caribbean beaches – nearby Playa Blanca and Rosario Islands with white sand and turquoise water
- Colorful streets – iconic photogenic neighborhoods with bougainvillea-covered walls
- Street food and seafood – fresh ceviche, patacones, and Caribbean cuisine
- Nightlife – bars, clubs, and live music throughout the old city
- Day trips – Rosario Islands for snorkeling, Playa Blanca for beach relaxation
Cali
Cali is the 'Salsa Capital of the World,' a vibrant city known for its infectious rhythm, Afro-Colombian culture, colorful neighborhoods, and some of the best salsa dancing and nightlife in Latin America. The city pulses with energy and music.
- Salsa dancing – world-class dancers, salsa clubs (salsatecas) open late into the night
- Afro-Colombian culture – strong African heritage reflected in music, food, and festivals
- Cristo Rey viewpoint – cable car up a hill for panoramic city views
- San Antonio neighborhood – bohemian area with colonial architecture, galleries, and cafes
- Street food – empanadas, patacones, fresh tropical juices, and seafood
- Music scene – live salsa bands, concerts, and cultural performances
- Festival season – December holidays and July Feria de Cali with parades and celebrations
Santa Marta & Tayrona National Park
Santa Marta is Colombia's oldest city and gateway to the Caribbean coast and Tayrona National Park. This coastal town serves as a base for jungle and beach adventures, combining Caribbean culture with access to pristine nature.
- Tayrona National Park – pristine beaches with jungle meeting the Caribbean Sea
- Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) trek – 4-6 day trek through jungle to pre-Columbian ruins
- Caribbean beaches – turquoise water, white sand, and palm trees
- Sierra Nevada mountains – high-altitude snow-capped peaks visible from tropical coast
- Seafood and Caribbean cuisine – fresh fish, coconut rice, and tropical fruits
- Indigenous communities – Tayrona, Kogi, and Arhuaco peoples living in Sierra Nevada
- Birdwatching and wildlife – jungle canopy full of tropical birds, sloths, and monkeys
Salento & Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero)
The Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero) in western Colombia is a UNESCO World Heritage site producing some of the world's finest coffee. Salento is a charming colonial town serving as the heart of coffee tourism, with lush green valleys, coffee plantations, and mountain scenery.
- Coffee tours – visit working coffee plantations and learn processing from seed to cup
- Cocora Valley – famous for towering wax palm trees (up to 60m tall), the world's tallest palms
- Salento town – well-preserved colonial architecture with colorful buildings and balconies
- Mountain hiking – trails through coffee plantations with stunning valley views
- Thermal springs and waterfalls – natural hot springs and cascades throughout the region
- Horseback riding – rides through coffee plantations and mountain landscapes
- Authentic coffee culture – coffee ceremonies, farm stays, and learning directly from farmers
San Andrés Island
San Andrés is a Caribbean island off Colombia's coast, offering pristine beaches, excellent diving, and a laid-back island atmosphere. The island has Caribbean culture, unique creole traditions, and world-class snorkeling and diving sites.
- Turquoise Caribbean waters – pristine beaches with white sand and clear water
- Diving and snorkeling – world-class coral reefs and abundant marine life
- Creole culture – unique Caribbean island culture with Spanish and African influences
- Beach hopping – multiple beaches including Big Beach, Sound Bay, and Spratt Bight
- Water sports – parasailing, jet skis, and boat tours
- Duty-free shopping – island has special duty-free status
- Relaxed island atmosphere – casual dining, beach bars, and laid-back nightlife
Villa de Leyva
Villa de Leyva is a charming colonial mountain village frozen in time, featuring a massive main plaza, cobblestone streets, and surrounding attractions. This UNESCO site combines colonial architecture with access to outdoor activities and local culture.
- Colonial plaza – one of Colombia's largest plazas, perfect for evening strolls
- Cobblestone streets – preserved colonial architecture with whitewashed buildings
- Astronomical Observatory – telescope viewing of stars and planets
- Nearby attractions – fossil museum, natural bridges, and waterfalls within short drives
- Local restaurants – excellent Colombian cuisine in colonial settings
- Art galleries and cafes – thriving creative community with local artists
- Mountain location – cool climate and peaceful mountain village atmosphere
Hotel Costs in Japan
Budget Accommodations
- Hostel dorm beds: COP 30,000–COP 60,000 per night (roughly US$7–15)
- Private rooms in hostels: COP 70,000–COP 150,000 per night (US$17–37)
- Budget hotels: COP 80,000–COP 180,000 per night (US$20–45)
- Guesthouses and simple hotels: COP 100,000–COP 220,000 per night (US$25–55)
Mid-Range Accommodations
- Standard hotels: Single rooms around COP 150,000–COP 350,000 per night (US$37–87); double rooms around COP 200,000–COP 450,000 (US$50–112)
- Mid-range hotels in Bogotá/Cartagena/Medellín: COP 250,000–COP 500,000 per night (US$62–125)
- Boutique hotels in colonial areas: COP 300,000–COP 600,000 per night (US$75–150)
- Comfortable hotels with good amenities and breakfast included
Luxury Accommodations
- High-end city hotels in Bogotá/Cartagena: Deluxe rooms at roughly COP 600,000–COP 1,500,000 per night (US$150–375); suites can run COP 1,500,000–COP 3,500,000+ (US$375–875+)
- Coffee Region luxury lodges: COP 1,800,000–COP 5,000,000+ per night (US$450–1,250+), often all-inclusive with coffee tours and meals
- Cartagena beachfront luxury: COP 1,200,000–COP 3,000,000+ per night (US$300–750+)
- Santa Marta/Tayrona luxury lodges: COP 1,500,000–COP 4,000,000+ per night (US$375–1,000+), often all-inclusive with activities
High season (December-January and July-August) sees higher prices, especially in Cartagena, Medellín, and the Coffee Region. Prices increase 30-50% during these periods. Mid-season (March-May, September-October) offers better value with pleasant weather. Low season (May-June) has lower prices but rainy weather. Coffee Region best November-March (dry season). Cartagena good year-round but hot and humid June-October. Book coffee tours and Tayrona visits 2-4 weeks in advance during peak season.
Visa & Entry Requirements
- Most nationalities receive 90-day visa-free entry for tourism.
- Valid passport with 6+ months validity required.
- Proof of onward/return travel may be requested (enforcement varies).
- Yellow fever vaccination recommended for Tayrona, jungle regions, and Caribbean coast.
- No visa fees for most nationalities.
Additional visa information
- Most nationalities including US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia receive 90-day visa-free entry.
- Passport must have at least 6 months validity remaining.
- Proof of onward travel may be requested by airlines (enforcement varies with immigration).
- Yellow fever vaccination recommended for jungle and Caribbean coast regions.
Healthcare & Medical Information
Healthcare overview
Colombia's healthcare is modern and good quality in major cities (Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena) with private hospitals and clinics meeting international standards. English-speaking doctors are available in major cities. Rural areas and remote regions have limited medical facilities. Healthcare quality decreases significantly outside major urban centers. Evacuation may be necessary from Tayrona and jungle areas for serious medical emergencies. Tropical diseases including dengue, malaria, and yellow fever are health concerns in coastal and jungle regions. Traveler's diarrhea is common. Medical evacuation from remote areas can cost $5,000-$30,000. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage and tropical disease coverage is important.
Typical medical costs
- General practitioner visit: COP 100,000 - COP 300,000 ($25 - $75 USD)
- Emergency room visit: COP 200,000 - COP 1,000,000 ($50 - $250 USD)
- Hospital stay: COP 800,000 - COP 3,000,000 ($200 - $750 USD) per day
- Emergency surgery: COP 1,500,000 - COP 5,000,000 ($375 - $1,250 USD)
- CT scan: COP 300,000 - COP 600,000 ($75 - $150 USD)
- Air ambulance service: $5,000 - $30,000 USD depending on distance
Travel Insurance Recommendations
While travel insurance is not always required, it's recommended for international travel to protect against unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other travel-related issues.
Common travel issues to consider
- Dengue fever and tropical diseases - most common health claim in coastal and jungle areas.
- Trekking injuries including sprains and exhaustion on Lost City trek.
- Traveler's diarrhea and gastrointestinal illness from food and water.
- Theft and pickpocketing in tourist areas, especially Cartagena and Bogotá.
- Trip interruption from weather delays or health issues affecting plans.
Recommended providers
Consider comparing policies from multiple providers to find coverage that matches your travel needs.
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services
123
US Embassy Bogotá
+57 1 275-2000
Tourist Police
337-4413 (Bogotá)