50 Things To Know Before Visiting Colombia And Colombia Travel Tips

50 Things To Know Before Visiting Colombia And Colombia Travel Tips

This post will be all about things to know before visiting Colombia, Colombia travel tips and all the cool facts about Colombia for first-timers to seasoned travelers, this post will be your go-to guide to get to know more of Colombia and what awaits you from amazing beaches, beautiful landscape and Natural Parks, Festivals to delicious food to try in Colombia.

Things to know before visiting Colombia about budget, best places to visit, how to move around and much more in our Colombia travel tips.

Read here about Colombian food, Colombian drinks, Colombian breakfast, best restaurants in Medellin, best restaurants in Bogota and vegetarian food in Colombia!

WHERE TO STAY IN BOGOTA

There are numerous hotels and B&B that you can choose from especially in La Candelaria area. Accommodation prices can take you around $10-12 USD if you sleep in a dorm. For mid-budget accommodation starts at $40-60 USD and for more than $100 USD you will find luxury accommodation in Bogota.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION

Colombia Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Colombia

1. IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL IN COLOMBIA

Things to know before visiting Colombia if you are traveling from a Western country to Colombia. If you will be vigilant and act accordingly and responsibly you will not have any problem, just use common sense.

Try to be cautious when withdrawing money in the ATM take a look around, avoid walking around at night and take a taxi instead. Colombia isn’t as dangerous anymore as Pablo Escobar times. So yes! It is safe to travel in Colombia.

Read Here Colombia vs Brazil

2. CASH IN COLOMBIA

Things to know before visiting Colombia the official currency of Colombia is called Colombian Peso (COP). And $1=4800 COP. ATMs are available all throughout the country but my advice to you is to us those who are inside the banks. And it is also advisable to withdraw as much as you can because fees for transactions tend to be higher for foreign cars.

The maximum amount that you can withdraw will be around 600-700K COP depending on the bank. You will be able to pay with a credit card in a few restaurants and hotels but cash in king especially when visiting local restaurants and buying to street sellers.

Click here to check the exact change rate.

3. VISA FRIENDLY IN COLOMBIA

Facts about Colombia for citizens of the United States, Germany, the Philippines, the UK, Spain, Japan and many others. Colombia allows visa-free travel both for tourist and business purposes to visitors staying for 90 days or less. There are 101 countries that can enter the country visa free. How amazing is that? Can you imagine all the things you could do with 3 whole months in Colombia?

I’ve spent 9 months traveling around South America and I started my journey in Colombia. Can you imagine what you can do for the whole 3 months that you are allowed to stay in Colombia? Amazing right?

4. WEATHER/ BEST TIME TO VISIT COLOMBIA

You can go to Colombia any time of the year, even if it rains that wouldn’t be a problem especially for travelers that are quite adventurous. The months of December to February are the best time to visit Colombia because is the sunniest. It is perfect for travelers who don’t want to get stuck in the winter breeze but at these months are the peak season so expect the prices to go up. 

October to November is the months ideal for those working with a budget, because its is considered the low season in the country. All in all you shouldn’t have any problem traveling in Colombia because it is ideal to travel all throughout the year.

Click here to know more about the weather in Colombia.

5. HEALTH TRAVEL INSURANCE

Things to know before visiting Colombia we recommend always bringing a travel insurance when traveling abroad just in case you have any problems. You can always have food Poisson, fever or any other kind of disease. Just make sure you are ready since it can be really expensive if you get a big surgery or problem in Colombia.

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance: Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance. You can get for $135 USD your Heymondo Travel Insurance with Heymondo discount code valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review and the comparison Heymondo vs Genki

Facts About Colombia

6. LEARNING SPANISH OR SPEAKING ENGLISH IN COLOMBIA

Things to know before visiting Colombia learning opportunity to learn Spanish. There are a lot of Spanish classes in Colombia offering packages with different services. In most of the tourist areas Colombian people can manage to speak English but it will be really useful to learn some basics in the Spanish language.

7. COLOMBIAN PEOPLE ARE VERY FRIENDLY

Are the Colombian very friendly? Things to know before visiting Colombia that Colombian people are very friendly people. Just a few of them will be able to communicate in English don’t forget their language is Spanish. It will be nice when interacting with Colombian trying to practice a few Spanish words, they will love to hear them.

8. COLOMBIA ISN’T SO CHEAP

Facts about Colombia if you are thinking Central America and South America is cheap for traveling you are right. But Colombia isn’t as cheap as Bolivia and Ecuador but for sure cheaper than Costa Rica.

You will have to pay an entrance fee for Natural Parks, around $3-4 USD for a dish in a local restaurant. We will tell you below the accommodation, food budget and general entrance fees and tour prices in Colombia.

ACCOMMODATION BUDGET TRAVEL IN COLOMBIA

There are numerous hotels and B&B that you can choose from. Accommodation prices can take you around $10-12 USD if you sleep in a dorm.

This accommodation budget in Colombia can be lowered if you choose to pitch a tent this can cost you $3-5 USD. Your budget for accommodation will depend on how luxurious your travel would be.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN COLOMBIA BEFORE YOUR TRIP WITH BOOKING.

FOOD BUDGET TRAVEL IN COLOMBIA

Things to know before visiting Colombia for food budget travel in Colombia local food in a local restaurant will start from $3-5 USD. You can get snacks like street foods for $1 USD. You can buy a combination of street food with a drink for only $2 USD. If you are going to fine dining restaurants expect to pay around $10-15 USD for a dinner. You can find beer for $1 USD in Colombia.

TOUR/ENTRANCE FEES IN COLOMBIA

There are many places to visit in Colombia a few of them require an entrance fee and others are free of charge. If you visit Explora Park in Medellin, the entrance fee is around $9 USD. You can visit Laguna de Guatape for $22 USD, you can enjoy climbing El Peñol the 700 steps to reach the top.

You can visit some Ancient Ruins, National Parks and some beautiful islands that Colombia has to offer. There are also a few spots in Colombia where you can go without paying an entrance fee. Some of them will require a guide and others you can go on your own.

9. WI-FI AND INTERNET IN COLOMBIA

Wi-Fi is everywhere in Colombia and it works great in hotels. Restaurants and convenience stores often have free Wi-Fi in their places. We advise that you get a sim card in Colombia if you need to catch up with some work online. Internet works great in the cities in Colombia: Medellin, Bogota, Cali and even smaller cities you will not have any problem with.

You can get two different sim cards companies in Colombia if you travel as a couple since the coverage can change depending on the company that you choose. It will be challenging to find Wi-Fi while traveling in a few islands, beaches, mountains and desert will be hard to get great connections.

SIM CARD AT BOGOTA AIRPORT

I wouldn’t recommend you to buy a sim card at Bogota airport. If you wish comfort you can buy eSim online and if you aren’t in a hurry just go around phone shops in the city and compare prices to buy the cheapest sim card in Bogota. Read here Colombia sim card for tourist and best Colombia eSim

10. ADAPTER IN COLOMBIA

In our Colombia travel tips you should know they use the American adapter. A few places make it possible to fit your European adapter in the plug. If you are coming from European countries, we recommend you to bring an American adapter to be able to charge everywhere.

11. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IN COLOMBIA

Things to know before visiting Colombia for local transportation in Colombia Taxis and Uber are cheap in Colombia so convenient in the cities for short distances. Public buses around the cities cost around $1 USD. There are cities like Medellin with metro and metro cable and it’s a great experience to move around the city as a tourist for $3-4 USD.

A long-distance bus ride can cost you about $25-30 USD. A bus from Bogota to Medellin will take 8 hours. An even longer journey of around 14 hours is needed to reach the romantic Caribbean coast city of Cartagena.

Air travel is a more expensive option but sometimes flights are similar to bus fares. The flight is great for traveling faster and do not have a lot of baggage since prices are depending on how much luggage you bring.

12. POLICE AND SECURITY GUARDS ARE EVERYWHERE IN COLOMBIA

Police, militarist and security guards are everywhere in Colombia. You will find them in the entrance of the malls. And even in your accommodation place 24 hours don’t worry is safe but you will see them anytime of the day. If you are a foreigner coming from another country, don’t feel weird and shocked if the guard asks you to open your bag.

13. PLAYING TEJO

Playing Tejo is favorite sport and game for Colombians to enjoy, you should definitely try tejo in Colombia. Like any good game, tejo is enjoyed with some good beer. You will find Colombians playing tejo in the parks.

The goal is to successfully throw the pucks (or the tejo) to the metal rings (or bocin) usually 22 meters away with an underhand toss. This sport/game has been played in Colombia since pre-Hispanic times and is popular among Colombia’s working class today.

14. STAYING WITH LOCAL FAMILY IN COLOMBIA

Staying with a local family in Colombia was an amazing experience. You can always learn new things and you will have access to the most authentic local food around. I had the extreme pleasure of staying with a local family at a Pereira horse and pig farm. It was a truly memorable experience and it made me feel like I always have my own family to come home to in Colombia.

15. RIDING A CHIVA (PARTY BUS)

Riding a Chiva in Colombia A popular attraction for both tourists and locals who enjoy partying is the Chiva Party Bus. As the name implies, it’s basically a bus that has been turned into your very own party carriage. These buses are lavishly decorated and come alive with lights and sounds at night. The trip comes complete with booze and makes stops on the best bars and discos in the metro.

16. TAKING SALSA LESSONS IN COLOMBIA

Talking salsa lessons when traveling in Colombia. It’s a well-known fact in Colombia that Colombians love salsa. So what better way to understand the people than to get into salsa as well than learning? In all the salsa-loving cities in Colombia, Cali is the most popular one.

Going to Feria de Cali is the perfect opportunity to try it. An added bonus to the whole experience is being able to dance with the beautiful ladies of Colombia. They’re all very accommodating and love teaching foreigners how to dance!

17. ENJOYING THE NIGHTLIFE IN COLOMBIA

One of the best nightlife experiences I’ve had in South America (aside from Argentina) was in Colombia. Parties start late in the evening and everyone just loves to drink and dance the night away. Plenty of locals go out to bars and foreigners always ask for salsa lessons.

While salsa music is most popular in Cali, reggaetón takes over the streets of Medellin. Whatever your kind of music is, you’ll definitely find an exciting bar where you can just dance and enjoy the rumba (meaning “party”) in Colombia!

Facts About Colombia Food

The food in Colombia maybe isn’t the most popular thing that you will heard about. There are a few delicious dishes that you should try. We will mention our favorite ones.

18. TRY BANDEJA PAISA

Bandeja Paisa is one of the most complete dishes in Colombia and the most popular in Medellin area. If you are visiting Colombia’s Antioquia region you’ll definitely have to try. Bandeja paisa is a plate rich in protein, carbohydrates and flavor. Bandeja paisa with beans, plantain, egg, vegetables, rice and a piece of meat. Prices are around $4-5 USD in local restaurants.

19. EAT AREQUIPE

Arequipe is Known in most countries as Dulce de Leche. If you like sweet arequipe is a caramel-like dessert made by heating sweetened milk. Common as it may seem, a trip to Colombia would not be complete without it. You will find as street food and in local restaurants. Prices is around $2-3 USD.

20. TRY AREPAS DE QUESO

Arepas is the most popular breakfast in Colombia. You can have hot chocolate. A great way to start a day is with a dish of arepas de queso. Arepas can be found all over the country with cheese, egg and different ones. But since everyone in Colombia can’t seem to get enough of them, you’re free to eat arepas de queso all day as a snack!

21. TRY AJIACO BOGOTANO

Ajiaco is my favorite stew in Colombia from Bogota area. Ajiaco is made of chicken and potato soup that locals and tourists just love. This soup is created with 3 different kinds of potatoes and the native herb guascas. Ajiaco comfort food is a good meal when the weather gets cold in Colombia.

22. PAPAS RELLENAS

Papas Rellenas (filled potatoes) is the most popular street food in Colombia. Papas rellenas are made of stuffed potatoes filled with meat, rice or vegetables. It tastes delicious weather eaten hot or cold, especially with ají sauce. You can find everywhere and almost anytime of the day similar to empanadas. Prices are around $1 USD as street food in Colombia.

23. TAMALES

Tamales as other country to visit in any Latin American country will not be complete without having some tamales. Tamales is a simple dish wrapped in banana leaf, with steam corn dough filled with meat, cheese or vegetables. You can eat as snack or for breakfast. Prices are around $2 USD.

24. FRUIT JUICES IN COLOMBIA

You must try fruit juices in Colombia. You will find them everywhere as street food. Prices are around $1-2 USD for a small glass depending on the flavors. Lulo with citrus flavor, Guanabana creamy flavor and one of the most popular. Tomate de arbol means tomato tree and more options. Just try all of them and choose your favorite one!

25. Colombian Coffee

Colombian Coffee is the most popular in the world. You will find many places to visit around Coffee’s Region in Colombia not far from Medellin. The taste is amazing and we recommend you to visit a farm where you will learn about how they pick their coffee where is exported and of course you will try!

Antioquia and Quindio areas are the most popular for this. You will find plenty of shops around this area where you can try the coffee and buy as a souvenir.

More Colombia Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Colombia

26. BUY A TINTO TO STREET SELLERS

You will find street sellers selling Tinto anytime of the day. Don’t get confused Tinto is a small coffee and not wine as maybe you thought. You will see locals drinking a Tinto quick and maybe smoking a cigarette in the middle of their day. You will see them also at night time. Tinto is served hot since the street sellers are keeping hot.

27. Ask for La Ñapa

La Ñapa in Colombia is the remaining of the juice and sometimes street sellers will refill a little bit showing you how friendly people are. You can ask for La Ñapa and maybe they will add a little bit more in your juice. You will see locals how often ask for it. If you do as a foreigner street sellers will smile and give it to you!

28. Don’t Give Papaya

Don’t Give Papaya is the most popular of these Colombian travel tips an expression for Colombian people. which does it mean Don’t Give Papaya? The mean of this expression is don’t give a chance. If you cut a papaya people will eat it means if you give them a change once you cut the papaya the papaya is eaten!

29. MUSIC EVERYWHERE IN COLOMBIA

Things to know before visiting Colombia there is music everywhere in Colombia you will see people dancing and listening to the music at day and night time. It doesn’t matter if you are in the market or in the bus. Colombian people are so happy and love dancing and listening to music. Especially on the Caribbean Coast, Medellin and Cali are the most popular places for party and dancing in Colombia.

30. ROLOS AND PAISAS IN COLOMBIA

Rolos and Paisas in Colombia? Rolos are called people who live in Bogota and Paisas people who live around Medellin area in Antioquia. If you are able to learn some Spanish you will see how different are their accents. Paisas sounds so sweet and Rolos sounds more quiet and maybe easier to understand at the beginning.

31. COLOMBIAN TIME

Have you ever heard about Colombian time? When meeting locals in Colombia you will hear about Colombian time. It means they aren’t usually on time as many other tropical countries in the world like Costa Rica and Philippines. And maybe you will be waiting for a few minutes or who knows. Just make sure you know about this or you will learn in Colombia.

32. TRY GUARO IN COLOMBIA

Things to know before visiting Colombia the most popular drink in Colombia is Guaro also called aguardiente. You will see people are taking shots in the street and in the bars you can mix or taking as a shot. Guaro is a kind of vodka with softer taste. Be careful because Guaro is strong and next day you can have a huge hangover. Guaro is so popular when parties in the streets in Colombia in Festivals.

33. UBER APP VS TAXI IN COLOMBIA

Uber vs Taxis in Colombia. In my opinion Uber is a better option to use in Colombia since you will have a fixed price and you will be avoiding to get that price. There is no overcharge until your final destination. You will find Uber in most of the big cities like Medellin and Bogota. Sometimes taxi drivers in Colombia overcharge and can be so challenging to close the exact price.

34. TRAVEL OFF-SEASON IN COLOMBIA AND AVOID BANK HOLIDAYS

Things to know before visiting Colombia that travel Offseason in Colombia is the best idea. Since you will avoid the crowds and the prices will go down in the most touristic areas. I would recommend you the end of the dry season and the beginning of the rainy season as great options.

You can get occasional rains but it will be easier and more comfortable to travel around Colombia. Avoid weekends and Bank Holidays since you will find places full of people. Colombian people love traveling!

35. NOT EASY EASY BORDER CROSSINGS IN COLOMBIA

Not Easy border crossing in Colombia if you are coming from Panama. You will find the Darien Gap where you will have to order permits and hire a guide. You can also do in a sailor boat as I did 5 days traveling around San Blas Islands in Panama and getting to Cartagena in Colombia. Prices are high for both of them even if you take a plan from Panama will be expensive!

The border crossing with Ecuador is easy to do it and Venezuelan visa can be so challenging for Americans and other nationalities. If you decide to cross to Peru and Brazil you will have to do around the jungle an amazing experience that I would love to try in the future.

36. DIGITAL NOMADS IN COLOMBIA

Things to know before visiting Colombia. There are many Digital Nomads in Colombia. You will find plenty areas like Cartagena, Medellin and Bogota. Prices for renting an apartment can go from $300-500 USD if you are looking for budget options in Bogota and Medellin. Prices in Cartagena are more expensive and cheap apartments can start at $500-600 USD.

Colombia has great internet and easy visa for foreigners. But prices can be a little bit higher than other places like Mexico, Bali and Thailand. If you like relaxing in beaches in Colombia maybe Santa Marta area in the North is a place for you to live a few months.

Festivals in Colombia

37. LA FERIA DE CALI

Feria de Cali also called Cali Fair. Feria de Cali is celebrated during the 25th to the 30th of December, the streets of Cali come to life as parades and dance parties erupt in every corner. Salsa music is big in Cali and you can hear it blaring everywhere during this fair that is also called Feria de la Salsa.

I spent 3 weeks in Cali and it was so much fun! I did my best to learn how to dance salsa but 3 weeks weren´t enough for me ha!

38. CARNIVAL DE BARRANQUILLA

Carnival de Barranquilla is the second most popular in the world and the most popular for sure in Colombia. Another UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in Colombia is Carnival de Barranquilla. The date for Carnival in Barranquilla changes depending on when Ash Wednesday falls.

So if you’re looking for an incredible street party, make sure to book your tickets to Colombia on the right date. Barranquilla Carnival is a four-day celebration filled with Colombian tradition and spectacular color. Locals and tourists really get into this wild costume party of sorts

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN BARRANQUILLA BEFORE YOUR TRIP WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!

39. FERIA DE LAS FLORES

Festival de Las Flores also called Flowers Festival is celebrated in Medellin. Feria de las Flores is a festival celebrating the beauty of Colombia’s flowers and the richness of the country’s heritage. There are music events, fireworks, car parades and orchid competitions.  

Silleteros or the flower vendors are the festival’s highlight as they carry beautiful floral arrangements on their backs – an homage to the abundance and splendor of the Antioquia region.

40. CARNIVAL DE NEGROS Y BLANCOS DE PASTO

Carnival de Negros y Blancos (Black And White) is celebrated in the Narino region is now seen as a celebration of the diversity of Colombia. In fact, it now holds the title of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity as declared by UNESCO in 2009. Carnival de Negros y Blancos is celebrated on the 2nd until the 7th of January. A great way to begin the year indeed!

You will see people walking around, drinking and dancing and painting their faces Black and White that’s why the name of the Festival. It’s so much fun and it’s a good festival to visit after Feria de Cali on the way to Ecuador.

Places To Visit in Colombia

41. HIKING VALLE DE COCORA

Hiking Cocora Valley in Quindio is the perfect nature spot for adventurers. Cocora Valley in Salento offers fresh air and 360-degree views of nature unlike any other you’ve seen before. For this particular hike, you can go from Salento one of the most beautiful towns in Colombia. You will see the palm trees a very picturesque area.

Cocora Valley is home to Los Nevados National Natural Park where you can see Colombia’s natural tree, the Quindío wax palm. Salento is one of the best places for relaxing in Colombia for sure, it has perfect weather, is warm during the day and refreshing at night. Great places for hiking or even going with a mountain bike.

In Tolima you can also hike to Nevado del Tolima. I was hiking a few days around the area, and at the end of the day accommodation was so cheap and they usually have hot springs were you can relax after the hike.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN  SALENTO BEFORE YOUR TRIP WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!

42. CLIMBING EL PEÑON DE GUATAPE

El Peñon de Guatepe is a few hours outside Medellin. El Peñon de Guatepe is an iconic rock hill standing 650 feet high and weighing 10 million tons.  There are 649 steps of staircase to reach El Peñon’s peak where visitors can see a gorgeous view of lakes and islands. El Peñon de Guatape is less than an hour away from Medellin and the bus ride costs around $5 USD.

Guatape town is a beautiful place in itself. Guatepe is a colorful municipality in Anitoquia, Colombia with great outdoor activities both in land and on water. You can go kayaking on the lake, visit Parroquia Nuestra Señora Del Carmen Guatape or check out the beautifully painted houses in Guatape’s streets.

43. TREKKING THE TRAILS TO LOST CITY

Trekking to Lost City is one of the best hikes in South America. It takes 4-5 days trip along the mountains of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta covering 22 kilometers. Just make sure you are bringing proper clothes, insect repellents and a flashlight when taking this journey.

Following this ancient path to a town built long before the arrival of Spanish Conquistadors, sleeping in its villages and meeting the members of the Kogi tribe are truly unforgettable moments that can never be replicated anywhere else.

Tourists are usually stopping in Santa Marta on the way to other places or organize tours for Tayrona National Park and Lost City. Santa Marta is big and I love so much the affordable prices in the local market.

Don’t forget to visit Taganga, another excellent diving area. It is a fisherman’s village only 3 kilometers away. From there, you can also easily access Tayrona National Park.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN  SANTA MARTA BEFORE YOUR TRIP WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!

44. MOST TOURISTIC PLACE CARTAGENA DE INDIAS

Cartagena is the most touristic destination in Colombia. Cartagena Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its century old stone walls, palaces, monasteries and other important marvels of colonial architecture. There are many things to do in Cartagena like Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas, 40 meter high fortress on top of a hill that has stood the test of time since its construction in 1657.

For a less historic and more modern tour, Getsemani is the perfect place in Cartagena to explore. There are numerous restaurants and bars as well as street art and street food in this area. To see the works of Colombia’s most important artists, visit Museo de Arte Moderno. Beautiful place with great nightlife as everywhere in Colombia.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN CARTAGENA BEFORE YOUR TRIP WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!

45. LA GUAJIRA

La Guajira is one of my favorite destinations in Colombia. You can visit Colombia’s La Guajira department the beautiful Flamingo Sanctuary, the 19th century Cathedral Nuestra Senora de Los Remedios. La Guajira is most famous for Cabo de la Vela is a spectacular place for kite surfing.

Pilon de Azucar also offers beautiful landscapes. You can take a trip to Punta Gallinas, a site with a balance of stunning views and adventure rides on dunes that lead to the sea. Costeño Beach is also on the way to La Guajira coming from Barranquilla and Santa Marta..

I did this trip hitchhiking from Santa Marta and it was my favorite place to visit in Colombia. Sleeping in a hammock, hitchhiking during the day and meeting new friends everyday.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN LA GUAJIRA BEFORE YOUR TRIP WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!

46. ADVENTURE IN SAN GIL

If you want to have an adventure San Gil is the right place for this. Head on out to San Gil, the nation’s adventure capital. From paragliding to kayaking to white water rafting. There are also plenty of canyons and caves to explore.

You won’t run out of activities to do here and you’d probably wish you had more time to check all the boxes in the list. There are also plenty of ways to relax in San Gil like chilling in natural pools and visiting Parroquia Catedral de Santa Cruz. Pozo Azul and the Pescaderito area are also quite stunning.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN  SAN GIL BEFORE YOUR TRIP WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!

47. MEDELLIN

Medellin is call the city of Eternal Spring because of its inviting weather. Medellin is a city like no other in the past was popular because of the crime and Pablo Escobar. Medellin’s cable cars are great to get the best views of the city. The nightlife is amazing salsa nights, pub crawls, playhouses, hip-hop and reggae bars, and more.

Medellin boasts of a mix of urban living and nature loving with its eco-árbol, Orquideorama, and Barefoot Park. Don’t miss out on visiting Parque de los Desos (Park of Wishes) that has its own open-air cinema, and Plazoleta de las Esculturas that showcases bronze sculptures by Colombia’s very own Fernando Botero.

Many free things to do in Medellin, probably the most beautiful city in Colombia, especially in Christmas with the lights. The locals are called Paisas in Medellin as we mentioned above!

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48. BOGOTA

Bogota is the nation’s capital, no other place in the country better presents the diverse culture and transformation that has happened to Colombia over the past decades. From fabulous museums like the Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) and Museo Botero del Banco de la Republica to tours of the Salt Cathedral and salt mines, coffee tours and graffiti tours.

Bogota is a great place to eat authentic Colombian food at the many restaurants in the city. Other ways to get to know Bogota is by walking around the historical district of La Candelaria and visiting the city’s largest park, Parque Central Simon Bolivar. With so many sights to see, be sure you spend a few days when planning a trip to Bogota!

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49. BARICHARA

Barichara is last one in our Colombia travel tips located North of Bogota has been reconstructed and transformed to bring out its splendor and unique charm. There are plenty of cathedrals and parks that are perfect for an idyllic getaway. Its cobblestone streets transport you to a different time and make your dream of living a simpler life.

There are many Instagram-worthy spots in Barichara that are perfect for updating your profile picture! Adventure isn’t hard to find as well. There’s paragliding and rafting at San Gil just a few minutes away from Barichara.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN  BARICHARA BEFORE YOUR TRIP WITH BOOKING AND AGODA!

50. VILLA DE LEYVA

Villa de Leyva is a day trip from Bogota that you can’t miss. Villa de Leyva is a town with a wonderful plaza and splendid views of Colombia’s mountains. There are numerous spots that hippies and hipsters alike will enjoy. Located in the Province of Boyaca, Villa de Leyva is less than 3 hours away from Bogota.

Villa de Leyva has an ostrich farm, a dinosaur park and a winery. History is painted in every beautifully preserved building while the city’s white walls also perfectly symbolize the bright future of Villa de Leyva. The town of Villa de Leyva is quiet and it can be cold at night.

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Hope you liked our Colombia Travel Tips blog post and you are ready for visiting Colombia an amazing country with many things to offer. Are we missing more things to know before visiting Colombia? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Travels!