Plan
your journey with this essential Colombia travel guide. Discover key
travel information, cultural insights, and practical tips to explore
one of South America’s most vibrant and diverse destinations.
Country: Colombia
Continent / Region: South America
Capital City: Bogotá
Government Type: Presidential Republic
Population: Approx. 52 million
Official Language(s): Spanish
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: ~10% (higher in major cities)
Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT−5
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type A/B – 110V
Adapter Needed: UK travellers require a plug adapter + voltage consideration
Emergency Numbers: 123 (all services)
Travel Time from the UK (London): 11–13 hours (direct to Bogotá)
Best Time/Months to Travel: December–March and July–August
Main International Airports:
- Visa Requirements: Varies by nationality
- Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required
- Visa Duration / Cost: 90 days; free entry (extensions possible)
- Vaccinations Needed: Yellow Fever recommended; Hepatitis A & Typhoid advised
Embassy Information (UK Embassy in Colombia):
Average Daily Costs: £20 / £40 / £100+
Tipping Culture: 10% common (many restaurants add it automatically)
Public Transport Options: Buses, taxis, cable cars (Medellín), domestic flights
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: COP 3,000–3,500 (Bogotá TransMilenio)
Internet / SIM Availability: Good 4G; Claro, Tigo, Movistar
Main Climate Type: Tropical with regional variations (mountains, rainforest, coasts)
Average Temperature: Varies by altitude — Bogotá cool, Cartagena hot
Major Cities: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, Cartagena, Barranquilla
Natural Attractions: Rainforests, Andes mountains, beaches, deserts
Popular Destinations: Cartagena, Medellín, Bogotá, Tayrona National Park, Cocora Valley, San Andrés Island
Main Religions: Predominantly Roman Catholic
Cultural Etiquette / Customs:
Cuisine Highlights: Arepas, bandeja paisa, empanadas, sancocho, fresh tropical fruit, Colombian coffee
Local Festivals:
Famous Landmarks: Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), Monserrate, Tayrona beaches, Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
Overall Safety Rating: Improving; varies by region
Common Scams: Taxi scams, pickpocketing, fake tours
Health Risks: Mosquito-borne illnesses, altitude in Bogotá, heat on the coast
Recommended Clinics: Private clinics in Bogotá, Medellín, Cali
Insurance Recommendation: Highly recommended
Internet Speed: Good 4G in cities; weaker in rural zones
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Cartagena Old Town, Cocora Valley, Medellín cable cars, Bogotá Monserrate, Tayrona National Park
Unique Experiences: Coffee farm tours, Guatapé rock climb, Amazon jungle trips, Comuna 13 murals, island hopping in San Andrés
Hidden Gems: Minca mountains, Barichara village, Caño Cristales “rainbow river”, Tatacoa Desert, Nuquí (Pacific coast)
Popular Areas to Stay: Cartagena Walled City, Medellín El Poblado, Bogotá Zona Rosa, Cali Granada
Average Hotel Prices: £20 / £40 / £120+
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Nightlife Areas: Medellín El Poblado, Bogotá Zona T, Cartagena Getsemaní
Local Drinks: Aguardiente, Colombian rum, fresh fruit juices
Entertainment: Salsa clubs, rooftop bars, live music, beach nightlife
Car Rental: Possible but not recommended in cities
Domestic Flights: Frequent and affordable
Buses: Long-distance coaches connect major cities
Taxi / Rideshare Costs: Uber, InDriver, Cabify widely used
Best Markets: Bogotá Usaquén Market, Medellín El Poblado shops, Cartagena boutiques
Popular Souvenirs: Coffee, emeralds, mochilas (woven bags), artisanal crafts, rum
Local SIM Card Providers: Claro, Movistar, Tigo
Typical Business Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m. (Mon–Sat)
Tap Water Safety: Safe in major cities; bottled water recommended elsewhere
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?
Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world — after Brazil.