Embark on a journey through the vibrant tapestry of Colombia! Delight in the colorful rhythms of its music, marvel at the diversity of its landscapes, and embrace the hospitality of its locals. From the colonial charm of Cartagena to the breathtaking coffee plantations of the Zona Cafetera, Colombia promises an unforgettable adventure filled with discovery and authenticity.
Land of diverse landscapes, cultures, and attractions, the South American nation of Colombia is a tourist’s dream. The only country in the region with two ocean coasts, Colombia offers visitors the chance to explore Caribbean beaches, tropical jungles, and snow-capped mountain peaks.
In addition to its stunning terrain, the country is also home to ancient archaeological sites, historic cities, and vibrant cities where a diverse mix of Spanish, African, European, and Middle Eastern influences is reflected in the food, architecture, and fascinating ethnic traditions.
Transportation and Transfers
There is an excellent internal air network that connects the main cities, including those on the Caribbean coast. There are also local helicopter flights. Flights between the mainland and the islands of San Andrés and Providencia operate from most major Colombian cities. The main national airlines are Avianca Latam, Copa Airlines and Satena
Some areas are inaccessible by road, such as the Amazon River border city of Leticia, which must be accessed by air. Other areas have road routes but a flight will be much more convenient and not too expensive; For example, Bogotá to Cartagena is a 1 hour and 25 minute flight, but the bus ride takes 20 hours. Flights are cheapest when purchased well in advance, but are still reasonably priced at short notice.
The departure tax for internal flights varies depending on your airline. Some include it in the ticket, others charge separately up to approximately US$10, but keep in mind that this situation is constantly changing.
Gastronomy
It should be considered that all water is potentially contaminated outside of large cities. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth, or making ice must be boiled or otherwise sterilized. However, bottled water is widely available across the country, even in rural towns, so you can always make sure you have some. Milk may not be pasteurized in places and must be boiled.
Ideal to eat meat and fish well cooked. When buying food from stalls or markets, try to make sure the food hasn’t been sitting there for a while and is kept warm enough to kill germs. Vegetables must be cooked and fruit must be peeled. There is an abundance of fruit available throughout Colombia, including pre-cut fruit bagged and sold on beaches or at stalls in tourist areas. Buying whole fruit in the markets is both cheaper and more hygienic, and will help prevent contamination.
Internet availability
There are internet cafes in most cities. Most hotels and hostels in the larger cities offer free Wi-Fi, and the connection is usually quite good.
Electricity and Standard Plugs
Electrical outlets (outlets) in the Republic of Colombia usually supply electricity between 110 and 120 volts of alternating current. If you’re connecting a 120 volt US or Canadian device, or a multi-voltage compatible device, then an adapter is all you need.
But travel plug adapters don’t change voltage, so the electricity coming through the adapter will still be the same 110-120 volts that the plug is supplying.
If your appliance is from another part of the world and built for only 220 to 240 volt electricity, or a Japanese appliance built for 100 volts, then a travel plug adapter alone will not suffice. The voltage will need to be changed from 110-120 volts at the outlet, to whatever voltage the appliance requires. This is accomplished with a voltage transformer.
What to bring with you:
– Passport valid for at least 6 months, return airfare and hotel reservation or voucher.
Amazonia and Orinocia:
• Comfortable hiking shoes;
• Vaccination against yellow fever (preferably at least 15 days prior to arrival). Optional (recommended) in Leticia (Amazonas) and its surroundings.
• 3 or 4 light trousers (not jeans);
• Cotton shirts or blouses with long and short sleeves, 3 or 4 pieces;
• Windbreaker or sweater;
• Cotton socks, a couple per day;
• Shorts, 2 or 3 pieces;
• T-shirts, 3 or 4 pairs;
• Cotton underwear;
• Hat or cap;
• Plastic water bottle;
• Sunscreen;
• Sunglasses;
• Flashlight with spare batteries;
• Binoculars;
• Waterproof small backpack;
• Protective agent against insects;
• Camera;
• Personal first aid kit;
• Plastic bags for wet clothes.
Insular Region, Caribbean Region and Pacific Coast:
We recommend bringing with you: shorts, T-shirts, swimwear, 2 pairs of hiking shoes (for wet and dry landings (if required)), sports sandals, personal medical kit, good camera with enough memory, sun protection, sunglasses, binoculars, wide-brimmed hat, insect repellent, plastic bags to protect the camera from moisture.
Andes:
In addition to all of the above (for Islands, Caribbean, and Pacific Coast), it’s a good idea to bring a pair of sweaters or jackets. In the Andean region of the country, it is cool in the evenings (up to 5 degrees Celsius).
Recommended personal equipment for trekking tours:
• Backpack (50-60 liters);
• Sleeping bag (-10ºC min);
• Mattress;
• Warm underwear;
• Warm outerwear;
• Warm pants;
• Windbreaker or raincoat (Gore-Tex or similar);
• Trousers for protection from wind and rain (Gore-Tex or similar);
• Hiking shoes;
• Sunglasses and cream;
• Warm hat;
• 1-2 pairs of gloves;
• Socks (2 pairs light/3 pairs warm). The amount depends on the duration of the tour;
• Head flashlight with spare batteries and bulb;
• Change of clothes;
• Plastic bag (for moisture protection);
• Camera with spare batteries;
• Thermos;
• Ski poles (to help with walking).
Recommendations Cano Cristales
There is no exchange office in the municipality of Macarena, you must take cash in Colombian pesos.
The only mobile operator is called CLARO.
Banks in Macarena:
Banco Agrario
Cash desk Bancolombia (During the high season there is no cash at all in the ATM)
There are more alternative places to visit in La Macarena: Cristalitos, Mirador, Caño Piedra, Raudal, Rio Lozada and Laguna del Silencio. You can visit any of them in accordance with the permission of environmental organizations.
Caño Crystales is a natural destination, so the infrastructure of the hotels is rather weak, much less than 5 stars, but the rooms are comfortable, clean and quiet.
Visiting places in Caño Cristales are appointed by environmental organizations, the itinerary is subject to change.
Check-in at the hotel is at 15:00 and check-out at 13:00.
Flight schedule may change depending on the weather and air navigation clearance.
Water (plastic bottles are not allowed)
Do not drink water from the river Caño Cristales.
Don’t forget to have a charged camera with you and enough storage space.
Vegetarians or people with special dietary needs, please inform your agents in advance.
It is important to tell if you suffer from any illness or allergy.
Don’t forget to bring your International Yellow Fever Vaccine Certificate with you.
Sunscreens, repellents or any chemicals are not allowed in the park
Do not smoke in the park
Do not drink alcoholic beverages inside the park.
People react differently to changes in altitude, so we offer these recommendations that you may find helpful:
BANKS AND CURRENCIES
Currency
Colombian Peso (COP; symbol Col $)
The banknotes are in denominations of Col $50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000 and 2,000
The coins are in denominations of Col $1.00, 500, 200, 100 and 50
It is recommended to exchange money at exchange offices and/or hotels. The US dollar is the easiest currency to exchange.
Banking
Banking hours are Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
On the last business day of every month, banks close at 1,200.
Visa and MasterCard credit cards are widely accepted, American Express and Diners Club less so.
There are ATMs in the main cities; some will allow you to withdraw money with Visa, MasterCard or Cirrus.
Non-resident foreigner and Colombian:
International travelers 18 years of age or older and crew members who enter
Colombia, by air or sea, must abide by the following measures:
PCR test with a negative result, no later than 72 hours before, or a antigen test issued in advance, no more than 48 hours, before the date and time of shipment, initially scheduled.
https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/public/preregistro.jsf
Climatology
The climate is very hot and tropical on the coast and in the north, with a rainy season from May to November. Although the temperature varies little throughout the year due to Colombia’s proximity to the equator, it varies according to altitude. It is cooler in the highlands and colder in the mountains, and in the colder times of the year the nights can be freezing. Bogotá is always spring-like, with cold days and cool nights, although when the sun shines the days can get quite hot. The Amazon region generally remains warm and humid throughout the year. The best time of the year to visit is in any of the driest times: December to March or July and August.
Outfit
In general, Colombia requires light clothing suitable for hot climates. However, Bogotá and other high-altitude places get colder at night and even in the shade during the day, particularly in the colder times of the year. You will definitely need at least a warm sweater and pants for this, preferably a jacket.
If you are hiking you will need good boots in the cooler mountainous regions and good walking sandals for the Zona Cafetera. Very light clothing is required for the Amazon basin, but having long sleeves and pants for the evenings to avoid mosquito bites is a good idea. For the rainy season, have something waterproof like a light jacket to fend off downpours.
BOGOTA
2600 meters above sea level
Climate: 10 degrees approx.
CARTAGENA DE INDIAS, MAGIC CITY
Climate: 28 to 32 degrees on average.
Cartagena has a climate of 30C for most of the year and a humidity of 80%. You won’t feel this heat too much thanks to the sea wind we have. The high wind season starts from the beginning of December until the end of April. These months are the best to live the incredible kitesurfing experience.
Pereira – Armenia – Manizales
With an average climate of 18ºC. This area has a variety of climates from temperate in the valley of the Cauca River, up to the páramo climate in the Nevado.
CALI THE ‘CAPITAL OF SALSA’
Tropical climate, temperature during the whole year is 26°C on average.
SAN ANDRES
One of the best beaches in the Caribbean, a sea blue but which is also green and lilac tones, and people full of kindness. Warm humid climate, with temperatures between 27 and 29°C.
Sunday January 1: New Year.
Monday, January 9: Three Kings Day.
Monday March 20: Saint Joseph’s Day
Sunday April 2: Palm Sunday.
Thursday April 6: Holy Thursday.
Friday April 7: Saint Friday.
Sunday April 9: Resurrection Sunday.
Requirements to rent a car
Identification document (in some companies you must be over 21 years old).
Valid driving license.
Credit card with quota available.
Book 2 days in advance.
