Chat With Our Team
Need help picking the perfect trip or planning something special for your group?
Our travel experts are here to help!
Make an Enquiry
WHY BOOK A TRIP TO COLOMBIA
Such is the mind-boggling diversity of South America, you’ll never find a country that encapsulates everything it has to offer – but Colombia comes close.
Most itineraries begin in Bogatá – the sleepless capital where bright murals provide a backdrop to bustling bars and cafés playing cumbia, salsa and champeta virtually non-stop.
From here, you could go hiking or horse riding in the Coffee Triangle, or rock climbing and paragliding in the rugged Santander region, just east of Medellín. Aside from a turbulent history, the so-called City of Eternal Spring is known for having a progressive culture, international art scene and excellent museums.
Don’t discount the pristine beach-lined Caribbean coast, either. Canoe through mangrove forests in La Boquilla, go diving in the idyllic Rosario Islands, or wander the streets of culture-soaked Cartagena and San Basilio de Palenque, the first free African town in the Americas.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What’s the best time of year to visit Colombia?
December to March is the best time to go to Colombia, as those are the driest months in the country. However, July and August are also good months to visit, particularly for whale watching on the Pacific coast.
-
What’s the climate like in Colombia?
Colombia has a tropical climate along the coast, and cooler in the highlands and the Andes. There is a dry season and a rainy season, with temperatures that vary little throughout the year. Changes in elevation in each destination will have the most impact on temperature.
-
What’s the currency in Colombia?
Colombian peso
-
What language do Colombians speak?
Spanish is the official language and is spoken up by pretty much everyone, although there are also over 60 indigenous languages spoken across Colombia.
-
What is the time difference in Colombia?
The time zone here is Colombia Standard Time (UTC-5), which is the same as New York time. London is 5 hours ahead, while Los Angeles is 3 hours behind.
-
Major Airports in Colombia:
- Bogota El Dorado Airport (BOG)
- Medellín José Maria Córdova Airport (MDE)
- Cartagena Rafael Núñez Airport (CTG)
- Cali Alfonso Bonilla Aragón Airport (CLO)
- Santa Marta-Simón Bolívar International Airport (SMR)
-
What are the best five places to visit in Colombia?
- Bogota – the enigmatic capital and largest city in the country, this sprawling metropolis can’t be missed
- Medellín – a culturally rich city divided into barrios, with an epic nightlife
- Cartagena – beautiful colonial architecture and charming cobblestone streets on Colombia’s Caribbean coast
- Tayrona National Park – pristine sandy beaches juxtaposed with rainforests and incredible biodiversity
- Zona Cafetera – the heart of the country’s coffee region, with spectacular hiking trails in Cocora Valley
-
What are the top Colombian dishes to try?
- Arepa – cornmeal cakes, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, sometimes filled with popular toppings like cheese
- Bandeja Paisa – a platter made up of sausages, ground beef, rice, red beans, a fried pork rind, an arepa, a plantain and an avocado
- Lechona – a whole roasted pig, stuffed with peas, onion, rice and spices
- Sancocho – a hearty Latin American soup, often cooked with chicken in Colombia
- Mondongo – beef tripe stew with a variety of different vegetables
-
How much would a trip to Colombia cost?
Colombia is a fairly cheap destination, so depending on the cost of flights from your destination, you should be able to spend a week in Colombia for between $1,000-1,500. Similarly you can comfortably book a two-week trip for under $3,000.