---
title: "Colombia: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to Colombia? Check out our trip prep page for tips to help you prepare for your trip.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Carnival-Barranquilla-Colombia.jpg
---

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# Colombia: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![Colombia: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Carnival-Barranquilla-Colombia.jpg)

### About Colombia

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/colombia#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/colombia#packing)
- [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/colombia#language)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/colombia#weather)
- [Fun Facts](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/colombia#funfacts)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/colombia#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/colombia#faq)
- [Other if Needed](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/south-america/colombia#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

While Colombia may be known as the land of coffee and Salsa, the country has far more to offer. The mesmerizing Northern Andes mountain range, the mysterious Amazon rainforest and the pristine Caribbean coast are just some of its natural wonders. It also has a rich history and culture - from ruins of Pre-Colombian civilizations to Spanish colonial towns and bustling modern cities - Colombia has something for everyone.

 

Camping itinerary disclaimer: campsite amenities are very rustic, sleeping accommodations could be a bed or hammock and are assigned on the spot. Camp facilities will have electricity, bathrooms and showers.

 

**Capital City:** Bogota

**Population:** 50 million (2020 est.)

**Currency:** Colombian peso (COP)

**Time Zone:** Central Standard Time CST (GMT -6)

**Emergency Number:** 123

**Outlet:** Types A/B

![Columbia-Umbrella](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Columbia-Umbrella.jpg)

![Woven-Baskets-Cartagena-Colombia](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Woven-Baskets-Cartagena-Colombia.jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active shoes** - Great for exploring city streets and nature trails.We recommend comfy sneakers and a sporty sandal.

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine can be really helpful if you're prone to motion sickness.

**Sunblock with SPF** - The sun shines bright in Colombia, especially on the Caribbean coast. Protect your skin from unwanted damage by loading up on SPF.

**Bug Spray ** - Use bug spray with DEET or Picaridin to avoid bug bites and stay healthy during your trip.

**Bathing Suit ** - Best to be prepared, in case we find ourselves at the beach.

**Day Packs** - Great for long exploration days!

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! You will have access to clean water for refilling at all the hotels.

**Packing Cubes ** - We'll be moving in and out of hotels frequently and these will keep you organized.

**Hand Sanitizer** - Need I say more?

**Travel Adapter** - A universal plug is your best option.

**Portable Chargers** - Stay juiced my people.

**Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate.

**Laundry Soap** - Single packets are perfect for sink washes when you're running low on clean clothes!

**Local Currency** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash only.

**Call Your Bank ** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling.

**Always pack extra underwear!**

#### Speak the Language

**Language:** Spanish. Spoken by more than 99.5% of Colombians 

 

- **Hello** - ¡Hola! (O-la)
- **Goodbye** - ¡Adios! (AH-dee-ohs)
- **Thank you** - Gracias (GRA-see-as)
- **Do you speak English?** - ¿Habla inglés? (Ab-la in-GLAYS)
- **I (don’t) understand** - Yo (no) entiendo (yo no en-tee-EN-doh)
- **How are you?** - ¿Cómo está? (KOH-moh eh-STAH)
- **I’m fine, thank you** - Bien, gracias (bee-EN, GRA-see-as)
- **What’s your name?** -  Cómo te llamas? ((KOH-moh te ya-mas?))
- **My name is…** - Me llamo… (May ya-moh… )
- **Where is...** -  ¿Dónde está… (DON-day es-tah...)

- The bathroom - el baño (el BAH-nyo)

- An ATM - un cajero (un kah-HEH-roh)

 

Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click [**here**](https://translate.google.com/) <https://translate.google.com/> 

![Cartagena-Colombia](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Cartagena-Colombia.jpg)

#### Weather

[MEDELLÍN WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/6d25n75d56/medellin/?unit=us) [CARTAGENA WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/10d39n75d48/cartagena/?unit=us)

#### Fun Facts

- Colombia is the only South American country that has both a Pacific and Caribbean coastline.
- As the equator runs through the country, Colombia doesn’t have four seasons - instead, they have a rainy and dry season which means it’s great to visit year-round!
- It is commonly said that the Colombian accent is the most neutral accent in Spanish, making it easier to understand and learn. Ask any Colombian, they'll take pride in it.
- High in the Andes mountain range, Bogota is the third highest capital in the world (8,660 feet).
- Colombia is the second-largest producer of coffee in the world - if you’re a coffee-lover, it’ll be paradise.
- On that note - a common way locals drink their coffee is with a side of cheese. The wedge of fresh cheese is commonly dipped in the coffee and stirred until a gooey consistency is formed. This is also done with hot chocolate!

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tips for Guides, drivers and restaurants are not included. Tips provide supplemental income, and, while not mandatory, are greatly appreciated. If the local teams have added to the experience, please reward them.

| **Guides** |  | USD $3-4 per person/per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | USD $2 per person/per day |
| **Restaurants (full service)**  |  | 10% of total bill |

 

#### FAQ

**Where can I find information on travel safety?  **Common sense safety rules apply here: Don't wear flashy jewelry, keep your phones and cameras out of sight, only carry enough money for the day, and avoid taking cards or passports out with you. Wear what you would normally wear, but try to wear clothing with hidden pockets to stash your important items.

Check out the US Department of State's [website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/colombia-travel-advisory.html) for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling.

 

**Is Colombia LGBTQ+ friendly? **For LGBTQ+ travel advice and tips, this [LGBTQ+ Colombia Travel Guide](https://trovatrip.com/blog/lgbtq-travel-guide-colombia) has been put together in partnership with [EveryQueer](https://everyqueer.com/) to help you have an amazing trip, while keeping you safe.

 

**Is the water safe to drink? **While it is safe to drink in most Colombian cities, it is better to avoid it to be safe and always drink treated which can be found at all lodging accommodations.

 

**Do I need a Visa?** For Visa information, click [here. ](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Colombia.html#:~:text=All%20U.S.%20citizens%20who%20do,or%20less%20per%20calendar%20year.)Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

**What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here.](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/colombia)

 

**Do you recommend travel insurance?** While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner), or from a provider of your choice.

 

**What does public transportation look like?** You can find taxis everywhere and they are cheap. In larger cities, taxis are metered but smaller towns will have fixed fares. There are subways in the major cities and local buses in towns and cities.

 

**I****s Uber or Lyft available?** Uber is available in major cities including Bogota, Medellin, Cali and Cartagena. There are also other ridesharing apps like Tappsi or Cabify.

 

**What about Wifi? **Wifi should be readily available in most areas. For Travelers participating in the Lost City Trek, you will not have access to Wifi at all.

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

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