Colombia Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Colombia has gone from “maybe one day” to “I need to go right now” on travelers’ lists—and for good reason. It offers colorful colonial towns like Cartagena, hip urban culture in Medellín and Bogotá, Caribbean islands, coffee fincas in the mountains, Pacific jungle, and high-altitude Andean scenery, all in one country. Add in salsa, cumbia, street art, world-class coffee, and warm people, and Colombia becomes an easy destination to fall in love with. For first-time visitors, though, it helps to know a few practical things: cities can be spread out, altitude can affect you, you should be aware of neighborhoods at night, and cash versus card works a bit differently outside major centers. This guide is written to help you plan with confidence, travel safely, and make the most of Colombia’s current travel boom.

Cities, Towns & Attractions Popular with Tourists

Cartagena de Indias: Walled colonial city on the Caribbean, colorful streets, rooftop bars, nearby beaches and islands (Rosario, Barú).
Medellín: “City of Eternal Spring” with pleasant weather, cable cars to hillside neighborhoods, Comuna 13 street art, day trips to Guatapé.
Bogotá: Capital city at altitude—La Candelaria old town, Gold Museum, Monserrate views, restaurants in Zona G and Zona T.
Eje Cafetero (Coffee Region): Salento, Filandia, Cocora Valley with wax palms, coffee farm tours, mountain scenery.
Santa Marta & Tayrona National Natural Park: Caribbean coast, beaches backed by rainforest, popular with backpackers.
San Andrés & Providencia: Caribbean islands with turquoise water (check current access to Providencia).
Villa de Leyva, Barichara, Mompox: Charming colonial towns for slower travel and photography.
Pacific Coast (Nuquí, Bahía Solano): Seasonal whale watching and off-the-beaten-path beaches.

Good to Know

When to go: Colombia is near the equator, so temperatures are stable year-round. The Caribbean coast is drier Dec–Apr; the interior can have two rainy seasons (roughly Apr–May and Oct–Nov).
Altitude: Bogotá sits at about 2,600 m / 8,530 ft—take it easy your first day.
Domestic flights: Because the country is large and mountainous, flying is often the fastest way to go between Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and the coffee region.
Public holidays & weekends: Colombians travel a lot on long weekends—book ahead for popular areas.
Drinking water: Tap water is safe in Bogotá, Medellín, and some big cities, but not everywhere—ask locally.

Currency & Budget

Currency: Colombian Peso (COP).

Exchange rate: In 2025, 1 USD often trades around COP 3,800–4,200, but Colombia’s peso can move with oil prices and politics—check the live rate just before you travel.

Average daily budget (approx.):

Backpacker: 30–55 USD/day – hostels, local buses, menú del día, shared tours.
Midrange: 70–140 USD/day – nice hotels in Medellín/Cartagena (non-peak), internal flights, better restaurants, national park entries.
Luxury: 180–350+ USD/day – boutique hotels in Cartagena’s old town, private transport, high-end dining, island or coffee-hacienda stays.

Tipping: Many restaurants add a 10% service charge (“propina voluntaria”)—you can accept or adjust.

Credit card acceptance: Very good in big cities, malls, good restaurants, and hotels. Smaller tiendas, local buses, street food, and some tour operators prefer cash.

ATMs: Use ATMs inside banks or malls (Bancolombia, Davivienda, BBVA, Banco de Bogotá). Some ATMs have low withdrawal limits or fees—try different banks. A no-foreign-fee card is useful.

Best way to get cash: Withdraw COP from a bank ATM in daylight and keep a small emergency stash of USD/EUR separate. Avoid street money changers unless told by your hotel/guide.

Language & Communication

Official language: Spanish.
English: Spoken in the main tourist areas (Cartagena old town, some Medellín hostels, Bogotá tourist spots), but not everywhere—learn basic Spanish phrases.
Regional accents: Coastal Spanish sounds different from Andean/Bogotá Spanish, but most travelers get used to it quickly.

SIM cards / eSIM

Main operators: Claro, Movistar, Tigo.
Where to buy: Airport kiosks in Bogotá/Medellín/Cartagena, official operator stores, and some convenience shops. Bring your passport—SIMs are usually registered.
Tourist eSIM: Good option if your phone supports it; buy online before arrival and activate right away.
Coverage: Good in cities and popular tourist areas; weaker in jungle/coastal/island zones—download offline maps.

Power Plugs & Voltage

Voltage: 110V, 60 Hz (similar to the U.S.).
Plugs: Type A and B. Travelers from the U.S./Canada usually do not need an adapter. Europeans and others should bring a North American adapter.

Getting Around

Domestic flights: The most efficient way to connect major cities. Several airlines and low-cost carriers operate—book early for weekends and holidays.
Intercity buses: Very common and generally comfortable, but travel times can be long because of mountain roads. Choose reputable companies and day departures when possible.
City transport: Bogotá uses the TransMilenio BRT system; Medellín has a modern metro and cable cars; Cartagena relies more on taxis.
Taxis & ride-hailing: Use official apps (Uber, DiDi, inDriver where allowed) or hotel-called taxis. Avoid hailing random cars at night.
Car rental: Possible, but city traffic and mountain roads can be stressful—most first-time visitors use flights + buses + taxis.

Safety

Overall: Colombia is much safer for tourists than it was in the past, but you still need urban awareness.
Petty crime: The main risk is pickpocketing or phone theft in crowded areas, on public transport, around nightlife zones, and at beaches.
What to do: Keep your phone out of sight, do not walk with expensive jewelry, use a money belt or crossbody bag, and take taxis/ride-hailing at night.
Areas to avoid: Ask your hotel/hostel which neighborhoods or parks are risky after dark—this can change city by city.
Nature trips: For jungle, trekking, or off-the-beaten-path areas, go with licensed local guides who know the current security situation.

Common Tourist Scams & Annoyances

Overcharging taxis: Always confirm the price or use an app. From airports or bus terminals, use official taxi desks.
ATM/card skimming: Use ATMs inside banks and cover the keypad.
Drink spiking: In nightlife areas, never leave your drink unattended and avoid accepting drinks from strangers.
Fake tours / street brokers: Book city tours, Comuna 13 tours, and Tayrona trips with established agencies or through your hotel.
“Distraction” thefts: Someone bumps or splashes something on you while an accomplice takes your bag—move away and check your belongings.

Plan by region, stay street-smart, and make time for both the Caribbean coast and the coffee mountains—Colombia rewards curious travelers.