Colombia
4° 35′ 56” N, 74° 4′ 58” W
Capital
Bogota
Language
Spanish
Currency
Colombian peso
Flight time
+/- 11 hours
The country Colombia
Colombia is becoming increasingly popular and for good reason! This beautiful country has a lot to offer. Think white beaches, a green interior, colourful cities and a friendly population. The country has never been safer to travel and is a perfect destination for backpackers, a beach holiday or a group trip.
Read our blogs on Colombia and go prepared for your trip!
Travel advice for Colombia
Colombia was known for cocaine, cartels and civil wars but these days, thankfully, you hear very different stories.
There are currently 3 different colour codes in place namely yellow, orange and red. This means you can't travel to all areas just like that and there are security risks. Don't let this stop you but check before you book the up-to-date travel advice from the Netherlands Worldwide.
Best travel time for Colombia
Colombia has two main seasons, the dry season and the rainy season.
- Dry season: December to March
- Rainy season: April to November
The best travel time is of course the dry season making it the tourist high season. However, don't let that stop you from travelling in the rainy season. You will then be able to expect the occasional heavy downpour but the temperature is still pleasant, prices are lower and you will have fewer tourists. Besides, the climate varies by region.
Read more about the climate at the bottom of this page!
Visa for Colombia
As a Dutch or Belgian you have no visa required for Colombia. Upon arrival at the airport, you will receive a permission slip for up to 90 days.
However, there are some important things to consider.
- Your passport must still be valid for at least 6 months.
- Make sure you have enough free pages in your passport, at least one in each.
For more information, visit Netherlandsworldwide.co.uk Whether the ANWB website.
Vaccinations for Colombia
When planning your trip to Colombia, you should consider the following vaccinations:
- DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and polio)
- Hepatitis A (infectious jaundice)
- Yellow fever
These are not compulsory vaccinations, but are recommended when travelling to Colombia. Take Malaria into account, so bring DEET or other mosquito spray.
Always check the GGD website for the up-to-date vaccination information.
Daily budget for Colombia
Colombia is not incredibly expensive. Within South America, it is often even labelled as one of the cheaper countries. The amounts below are therefore realistic to keep as a daily budget.
| Budget Traveller | €25 - €35 p.p. |
| Traveller | €35 - €55 p.p. |
| Traveller + | €55+ p.p |
Colombia blogs
Colombia
Colombia, a country with enchanting landscapes, vibrant cities and a rich cultural history. This country has something for every traveller, whether you enjoy adventurous treks, historical discoveries, or just relaxing on tropical beaches. Start your journey in vibrant cities such as Bogotá and Medellín, wander the colourful streets of Cartagena and sample authentic Colombian cuisine in local markets.
Why choose Colombia?
Colombia is a land of contrasts. From pristine beaches to snow-capped mountains and from modern skyscrapers to small charming villages. This country has a unique blend of history and culture. Despite a turbulent history of gang violence and drug cartels, you will now find united communities and smiling locals. Find out why this country is an unforgettable destination!
Do you have any questions or would like more information? Send an e-mail to [email protected] or contact us at Instagram.
How to plan your trip to Colombia
Check out our blogs for the best tips to plan your ultimate trip! Our goal is to make planning your trip a little easier and more fun. Therefore, in our blogs we share practical tips on the best time to travel, which places to visit, the best restaurants and which activities you should not miss.
Could you use some help organising your trip? Check out our Travel journal where you can easily keep track of your budget, activities, favourites restaurants and excursions.
Transport in Colombia
In Colombia, there are plenty of options to get from A to B relatively cheaply. Each mode of transport has advantages and disadvantages and we have listed them for you. This allows you to choose the transport option that suits you best.
Plane: For long distances between major cities, air travel can be a convenient and time-saving option. Colombia has several airports connecting different areas. You can get to any medium-sized city by plane. With increasing competition, locals and many tourists, airlines offer cheap tickets. As a result, you might spend more than €50 for a long-distance bus and only €40 for a flight. For instance, you can fly from Bogota to Medellin for as little as €31, so check carefully what the cheapest option is.
Bus: The bus network is extensive and offers an affordable way to travel around the country. There are different types of buses, ranging from luxury coaches to local city buses. Long-distance buses are known as “colectivos” or “expresos” and often offer comfortable seats and air conditioning.
Taxis and Uber: In major cities such as Bogota, Medellín and Cartagena, taxis are widespread and relatively affordable. Uber is also available in some cities and provides a convenient alternative option for transport.
The best time to travel to Colombia
Colombia has a year-round tropical climate and has two main seasons, the dry season and the rainy season.
Dry Season (December-March): In the dry season, there is little rain and you can expect sunny days. It is the ideal time to explore the breathtaking landscapes and beaches. Just keep in mind that these months are very busy and prices are higher.
Tip: If you plan to visit Tayrona National Park, we recommend avoiding December, as it can be very busy due to the holiday season.
Rainy season (April-November): You can expect the occasional heavy downpour during this period, but don't let this stop you. This period is ideal for travelling if you have a smaller budget. Besides, temperatures are still pleasant, prices are usually lower and there are fewer tourists.