Imagine this: high Andean mountains, green Amazon rainforests, and beautiful Caribbean shores—all in one country. Thinking about my first trip here still gives me goosebumps. Colombia’s natural beauty is incredible, but what really stands out? The kindness of its people.
In the past, this place was known for having a bad reputation. Is it today? It has become one of the safest places in South America. You will soon find lively cities, secret spots, and tastes that will amaze you. I want to share what I’ve learnt to help you get started without stress.
Main Points
- Colombia has a variety of landscapes, including mountains and coastlines.
- The country has moved past its difficulties to warmly welcome visitors.
- The locals enhance the experience with their warm hospitality.
- Safety has gotten much better in recent years.
- Each region has its own special cultural and food surprises.
Prepare for All Kinds of Weather
The sudden changes in weather here are unexpected. What is the first lesson? Layers will be very helpful for you. I once got off a plane in Cartagena, sweating a lot, but later that week I felt cold in Bogotá’s rain.
Coastal Heat and Andean Rain
The coastal weather is very warm, so lightweight, quick-dry shirts are essential. In the capital city, rain can appear quickly. My small rain jacket helped me every day.
Altitude affects temperatures. Bogotá is located at a high altitude, so even on sunny days, it can feel cool. Always have a fleece with you.
Essentials for Dry and Rainy Seasons
From December to February and from July to August, it is dry. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and hats. April to May and September to November? Make everything waterproof.
- Shoes for hiking in the mountains, sandals for relaxing at the beach.
- Tip: Use ziplock bags to protect electronics when it rains heavily.
- Sunscreen is still important in cities at high altitudes.
For your other equipment, choose lightweight options. Laundry shops are affordable for long stays.
Concentrate on a single area for a more fulfilling experience.
Hurrying through places made me tired—here’s what I discovered. I visited 6 cities in 10 days on my first trip. In the end, I had experienced much but recalled very little. Here’s why taking your time is beneficial.
Sometimes, having less can be better.
Getting between areas here takes more time compared to European rail trips. The mountain roads twist and turn for hours. Flights are useful, but you might miss out on the culture found between locations. My moment of realisation? A week in Medellín taught me more than a quick visit to three regions.
Key Areas to Focus On
Caribbean Coast (more than 3 weeks):
- Discover the beauty of Palomino’s jungle rivers.
- Spend 4 nights in each town to relax like the locals do.
Coffee Region (10 days):
- The wax palm valleys in Salento are a must-see.
- Itinerary example: 3 days in Manizales, 4 days in Salento, and 3 days in Filandia.
Andes (2 weeks):
- Bogotá for 5 nights and Villa de Leyva for 3 nights.
- Visit Usaquén’s Sunday market instead of the crowded Monserrate.
Buses between destinations usually take 4 to 8 hours. Prepare some snacks!
Take Domestic Flights to Save Time
Booking domestic flights here can really make a difference—if you know the right way to do it. I once spent an entire day on a bus when a 1-hour flight would have been enough. I always look at costs and hidden fees before making a choice.
Budget Airlines: Important Details
Viva Air and Avianca lead the market, but their low-priced tickets have hidden catches. What was my biggest mistake? I thought my carry-on was free. Budget airlines have fees for almost everything, including choosing your seat.
Make sure to review the baggage rules. If you need to check a bag, a $30 fare can double. Here’s a helpful tip: Weigh your luggage at home to prevent unexpected fees.
When to Make a Reservation (and When to Steer Clear)
During busy times like December or Semana Santa, it’s best to book 2 to 3 months in advance. Last-minute deals are uncommon, and prices tend to rise sharply. Is it off-peak? You could get a discount about 3 to 4 weeks in advance.
Airports in regions such as Armenia or Santa Marta offer fewer flights. Be sure to plan your connections carefully, as some only operate twice a week.
- A 10-hour bus ride costs $20, while a $50 flight can save you a whole day.
- Use a combination of flying long distances and taking local buses for shorter trips.
- For airport transfers in Bogotá, make sure to use the official taxi stand to steer clear of scams.
Travel with less to avoid extra charges. A 10kg carry-on bag fits well under the seats on most flights. Believe me, it’s the easiest way to travel without any worries.
Learn Basic Spanish—It Can Be Very Helpful
My first try at ordering lunch here resulted in a plate of chicken feet instead of wings—language barriers can be challenging. But here’s the good news: Colombians really appreciate it when you make an effort. Even awkward attempts can lead to new opportunities, whether it’s bargaining at markets or forming lasting friendships.
Essential Phrases (With Pronunciations)
Sometimes, just a few words can make a big difference. These 10 changed my life:
- “¿Cuál es el precio?” (KWAN-toh KWES-tah) – “How much is it?” Don’t pay too much at stalls.
- “¡Qué genial!” (keh CHEH-veh-reh) – “Awesome!” Colombians get excited when they hear their slang.
- “No entiendo” (noh en-TYEN-doh) – “I don’t understand.” Smile, and the locals will take their time.
Here’s a helpful tip: In standard Spanish, the word for “bus” is used, but here, we say “autobús”. Little differences are important.
Train Like a Local
La Candelaria district in Bogotá has many patient shopkeepers. Talking with a coffee vendor taught me more than any class ever could. For organised assistance:
- Join free language exchanges at Poblado Park in Medellín every Thursday.
- Taxi drivers: Ask, “How is the traffic today?” “How is the traffic today?”
- Try listening to Juanes. His clear lyrics can help you learn rhythm and slang.
Get offline packs for Google Translate. Wi-Fi can be unreliable, but it’s very helpful for accessing menus.
Believe me, making mistakes while speaking can lead to great experiences. A butcher in Cartagena even gave me free empanadas after I mispronounced the word for “delicious”. It’s valuable.
Embrace the concept of “Colombian Time”.
Have you ever been the only one at a meeting? I’m excited to share my first week in this country with you. Getting home late meant saying sorry. My coffee date arrived at 3:45, smiling as if she were on time.
Getting Used to Relaxed Timetables
Riding rural buses helped me learn patience. A day trip to a waterfall village began with a scheduled departure at 10 am. At 10:45, the driver arrived at last, enjoying a tinto and talking with the passengers. My frustration faded away as locals shared snacks and stories while we waited.
This adaptable method shows a more profound cultural belief. Relationships are more important than time here. Why hurry when you can savour the moments spent together?
- In urban areas like Bogotá, schedules are more structured, while in coastal towns, things tend to move very slowly.
- Make the most of your time by journaling at Café Devoción in Bogotá or enjoying some people-watching in the plazas of Cartagena.
- Festival alert: Parade times are just estimates—arrive an hour later to see the start.
Punctuality is important.
Some situations require accuracy. Flights, hotel check-outs, and guided tours follow set schedules. What’s my rule? Check appointments two times:
- Ask, “What time is it?” What is the exact time for the booking?
- Send a message the day before using WhatsApp.
What about everything else? Take a deep breath. Lunch can take three hours without causing the world to end. Grab a book, get another juice, and enjoy the relaxed pace of life.
Travel Safely with Taxis and Apps
I understood that getting a taxi here needed some planning when a driver took me on a longer route that made the fare twice as much. Now, I depend on rideshares or set routines to travel safely. Here’s what all visitors need to know.
Choose apps instead of street hails.
Cabify and Uber are the leading services in the city for a good reason. Drivers are checked, routes are monitored, and prices are set. What was my worst experience with a street taxi? A “broken” meter that suddenly worked when I said I would call the tourist police.
Always use apps for rides at night. After a solo ride, I discovered this when the driver wouldn’t stop until I loudly read his license plate to a friend on speakerphone.
How to Stay Safe from Scams
Safety begins before you step inside. Real taxis have yellow plates and display a company logo. I take a picture of the licence and send it to someone—drivers act more responsibly when they know they’re being identified.
Important phrases reduce stress:
- “¿Cuál es el precio ANTES?” “Price BEFORE?” prevents unexpected costs.
- “Ponga el taxímetro” (“Turn on the meter”) stops fake meters.
People in the area follow the saying “dar papaya”—they avoid giving opportunists any chances. At night, I sit behind the driver because it’s easier to get out, and I keep my cash hidden. Having small bills stops the excuse of not having change.
Here’s a final tip: Apps allow you to share your trips as they happen. My host in Medellín showed me to always tap “Share ETA”—it’s like a digital way of staying aware.
Be Wise About Safety
The main principle? Always avoid being an easy target. People in the area refer to this as “no dar papaya,” which means “don’t give papaya.” Avoid showing off valuable items or trust carelessly. I overlooked it once while I was on my phone in a busy market. After a little bump, my phone disappeared.
Identifying Scams Before They Occur
Distraction is the main tool of thieves. Look out for:
- Real police officers wear identification and do not ask for cash.
- Drinks that are “spilt” are often used as a trick to steal bags while people are cleaning up.
- Very helpful strangers: Particularly around ATMs or taxis.
Local Expertise
La Candelaria in Bogotá is safe during the day, but it becomes quiet at night. Stay on bright streets like Carrera 7. El Poblado in Medellín is generally safe, but it’s best not to show off jewellery in Parque Lleras after midnight.
It’s normal to see military personnel in tourist areas—there’s no need to worry. They are there for safety. If you are stopped, request to see official identification before giving any documents.
Equipment That Doesn’t Shout “Tourist”
I always carry a crossbody bag with slash-proof straps from Pacsafe and a decoy wallet filled with expired cards. When using your phone, consider a wrist strap—it makes it more difficult for someone to grab it while you’re taking a selfie.
Keep in mind: giving papaya can lead to problems. Be aware, but keep calm. Most visits go smoothly if you follow these steps.
Let’s move past the Narcos conversation and honour the culture.
Many tourists may not understand how much the stereotypes from Narcos affect the local people. I found this out the hard way when a barista in Bogotá stopped serving after I brought up a certain Netflix series. While the world is familiar with one story, there is so much more to discover in this lively part of South America.
Why That Chapter is Painful
Talking about Pablo Escobar is similar to asking New Yorkers about 9/11 during a dinner party. The pain is profound. More than 30,000 lives were lost during the most difficult years. Many local people lost their family members.
Colombia has transformed itself today. Medellín changed from being the most dangerous city in the world to becoming a centre for innovation. Some travellers still see neighbourhoods as sad museums.
Improved Methods for Connecting
Replace uncomfortable questions with these conversation starters:
- “¿Cuál es tu café preferido?” – The coffee culture here is as good as Italy’s.
- “Recomiéndame un lugar secreto” – A los locales les encanta compartir lugares ocultos.
- “¿A qué equipo apoyas?” Football brings the country together.
To gain a better understanding, check out these options instead of Narcos tours:
- Community projects in Comuna 13, the centre of street art in Medellín.
- Birdwatching in the Amazon – Colombia has more bird species than any other country.
- Literary walks in Cartagena inspired by Gabriel García Márquez
The top places here focus on celebrating life rather than mourning death. It’s time to change the story.
You will fall in love, just as I did.
I didn’t think I would discover a second home in this place. One sunset in Salento changed everything. The valley’s golden light touched the wax palms perfectly, and in that moment, I realised why so many people choose to stay longer.
The natural beauty amazes you, not only in the scenery but also in special moments. It was like when a street vendor showed me how to dance salsa or how each cup of tinto feels like a warm friendship. Nerves for first-timers quickly disappear here.
This country is always with you. The mountains around Medellín embrace the city, Cartagena’s walls tell stories of the past, and people turn into family while sharing arepas. It’s an experience that stays with you, like good coffee—rich, warm, and unforgettable.
Visit for the views. Remain for the spirit. Don’t be surprised if you begin to plan your return before you’ve actually left.
FAQ
What items should I bring for various weather conditions?
Pack light clothing for the warm coastal weather and bring layers for the cool nights in the Andes. A rain jacket is essential during the rainy season.
Is it better to explore one area or visit different places?
By concentrating on one area, such as the Coffee Triangle or the Caribbean coast, you can explore the local culture more thoroughly and at a relaxed pace.
Are domestic flights a good option?
Of course! Budget airlines such as Viva Air and LATAM help reduce travel time on long routes. Make sure to book in advance to get the best prices.
How much Spanish do I need to know?
Simple phrases like “Hello”, “Thank you”, and “How much does it cost?” are useful. People in the area value the effort, even if it’s only a few words.
Why is everything moving so slowly here?
“Colombian Time” refers to a laid-back approach to schedules, but this doesn’t apply to flights and tours. Enjoy the rhythm, but remember to set alarms for important plans.
What is the safest way to travel in cities?
Choose Uber or Cabify for clear pricing. When getting a taxi, look for official logos and make sure it has a meter.
What can I do to not appear as a target?
Stick to the idea of “no dar papaya”—avoid showing off your valuables. Put your phones away and stay alert in busy areas.
Is it okay to ask local people about Pablo Escobar?
Let it go. Many link that time to pain. Try asking about music, food, or football; it leads to more friendly conversations.
