• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Albom Adventures

Albom Adventures

Capturing the essence of travel through photography

  • New Zealand
    • Auckland
    • North Island Travel
    • South Island Travel
    • New Zealand Life
  • All Travel
    • Oceania
      • Australia
      • Pacific Islands
    • Americas
      • Central America and Caribbean
      • North America
      • South America
    • Europe
      • Eastern Europe
      • Northern Europe
      • Southern Europe
      • Western Europe
    • Asia and Africa
      • Asia (China and South East Asia)
      • Middle East
      • Africa
    • Worldwide
    • Travel Planning and Tips
    • Travel Anecdotes
  • Cruising
    • Cruising Tips and Cruise Ships
    • Cruise Ports
  • About
    • Media – Work With Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosure Policy for Albom Adventures
    • Contact Albom Adventures

Inspiring travel through photography

You are here: Home / Travel / Americas / South America / Colombia Travel Tips: 10 Cool Things to Know Before You Go

Colombia Travel Tips: 10 Cool Things to Know Before You Go

Last Updated: April 17, 2025 // by Albom Adventures Editorial Team // 10 Comments
We may earn a commission through affiliate links on this site at no extra cost to you.
A city street in old town Cartagena representing a list of Colombia travel tips

If you are heading to South America, don’t miss these Colombia travel tips shared with us by travel writer Mike Jensen. Read more about him below.

Colombia is a country of a dynamic and colourful culture and generally friendly people. With so much to do and so many things to see, you can easily book a month’s worth of travel and still have a lot more discovery to cover.

With a coastline on its edge and mountains along its border, adventurers flock from all over the world to navigate its diverse terrains.

But hit shows like “Narcos” combined with an infamous history involving drug lords and cartels, cast this beautiful country in a negative light.

That version of Colombia has largely disappeared, giving way to a reinvigorated capital of Bogota and a culture defined by its bravery and resilience.

Colombia travel tips

Colorful buildings on a street in Jardin Colombia
Jardín
Photo credit: ©Mike Jensen

If you’re planning on a trip to this South American country, here are ten essential tips to know:

1. Drop your stereotypes about drugs and cocaine

Most residents in Medellin still recall growing up in an environment characterized by drug wars, but those days are long gone. Coca leaves are still chewed on the streets and available for tourists, but Colombia has moved on from its sordid past.

The hero-villain Pablo Escobar is definitely still the most famous person coming from this country. However, Colombia’s culture is a lot more diverse. Modern-day Colombia is made more vibrant and unique by its survival of its brutal past and story of redemption.

2. Safety and security are not an issue

Safety in Colombia has vastly improved throughout the years. A huge part of this is a heightened presence of military personnel at checkpoints and in high-traffic areas in the city. The drug cartels are still present, but they’ve moved their business off the streets.

The FARC is also on the brink of a monumental peace agreement (2016/17), so many factors contributing to the misconception about Colombia’s lack of safety are going away.

This unfair view of Colombia is unfortunate, but the locals are warm and generous. They are a proud people, and they won’t be shy to show you the beauty of their culture. If you want to find bad people in Colombia, you will definitely find them, just as you will in any other country. If you take regular safety precautions when you travel regardless of destination, you’ll find that Colombia is a safe and enjoyable place to travel.

Street art in Medellin
Street art in Medellin.
Photo credit: ©Mike Jensen

3. Be prepared for unpredictable weather

Weather in different parts of Colombia varies greatly. It depends more on the altitude than the time of the year. If you’re travelling from north to south, it will be more likely that you’ll experience all four seasons. Bogota is relatively cool during the day and chilly at night, while Cartagena is known for very humid weather and Medellin for what feels like eternal spring.

4. Aguardiente is the most Colombian staple you should have

There’s no drink more popular in Colombia than aguardiente. Every administrative region in Colombia has a license to produce its own aguardiente, so there’s no one way to describe it. It usually has an alcohol content of 60%, which already gives you an idea of what kinds of experiences go along with it.

There’s no Colombian celebration without aguardiente. You’ll also find these consumed in bars, at home, and on street corners. It’s meant to be drunk straight or as shots and usually ends with an unforgettable “guayabo de aguardiente”, which is Colombian slang for hangover.

Overlooking Valle del Corcora in Salento is a must see when traveling to Colombia
Valle del Corcora.
Photo credit: ©Mike Jensen

5. Head over to a Pueblito for the weekend

Pueblitos are small villages that dot the Colombian countryside, which can be great weekend destinations. While the cities are abuzz with energy, the Pubelitos offer servings of the country’s colonial past and old-world charm. There are many Pubelitos you can visit from any major urban city. All can be accessed by road.

It’s easy to hire a chauffeured car or rent your own to make the trip. The most iconic Pueblito is Guatavita off of Bogota, which offers idyllic views of casitas that best characterize Colombia’s classic countryside.

6. Perk up your days with café tinto

One of the many popular exports of Colombia is coffee beans, and it’s in very high demand even inside the country. Colombia’s coffee beans are so heavily exported that you’ll most likely be served Nescafe in a coffee shop unless you make your way to one of the coffee farms.

The best way to find café tinto, however, is through the throngs of vendors selling café tinto in thermal jugs on every street and town square. These small cups of coffee are very strong and commonly taken black.

Coffee beans roasting in Salento Colombia
Coffee roasting.
Photo credit: ©Mike Jensen

7. Colombia is not as cheap as it once was

Colombia can still be cheaper than travelling in Europe, but don’t expect dirt cheap prices that are common in Southeast Asia. The biggest spending will be on accommodations, especially in popular backpacker or tourist towns. There will be a place for any kind of budget, but you will end up spending a bit more on a standard room in Colombia than you normally would in Asia.

If you will be doing long-distance travelling by bus, these tickets can also be expensive, but they’re comfortable, airconditioned, and sometimes have WiFi. Eating out can also be quite pricey unless you stick to street food, which is a great cuisine on its own.

8. Colombian food is hearty and filling

If you’re travelling to Colombia, forget about your diet. Colombian food is equivalent to comfort food – so engrained in the culture of the people and meant to express warmth and a sense of home. That said, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. Most of the dishes are fried, and there’s a noticeable lack of vegetables. Meals mostly consist of rice and meat with a medley of side dishes that include some vegetables, beans, or fruits.

Street food is a cheap option, but not necessarily a healthy one. The most popular one is the arepa, which is a type of bread made from maize and sometimes stuffed with cheese or meat. Another popular snack is the empanada, deep-fried minced meat in batter. 

Coffee cups on a table at a coffee tasting in Salento, Colombia
Coffee tasting in Salento.
Photo credit: ©Mike Jensen

9. Try to learn key Spanish words

Some people in Colombia know how to speak English, but it’s not a very common language. Sometimes, not even people who work in the tourism industry know how to speak English. Hotel receptionists usually know how to speak English and would be the best people to help you navigate around the city.

Look up common Spanish words for directions, places, and questions. If you do know some Spanish, learning a bit of Colombian slang will also help. If all else fails, be ready to have a translator on your phone to make things go more smoothly. (Download the free Google Translate App from the Apple App Store or from Google Play.)

Metro cable car in Colombia
Metro cable.
Photo credit: ©Mike Jensen

10. Colombia is beautiful

There are so many aspects to Colombia that make this country an unforgettable destination. You will hear music everywhere, locals dancing salsa and rumba regardless of time and place, and it’s difficult not to join in. Landscapes are very diverse – lush jungles, volcanoes, deserts, beaches, plantations, alpine lakes – and outdoorsy folk will have a ball exploring the country. Lastly, Colombians are generous and kind; hanging out with the locals will definitely add a different dimension to your trip.

Getting to Colombia

Getting to Colombia is easy, either via road, plane, private boat, or cruise ship. And once here, how to get around Colombia can be just as simple.

Final thoughts on travelling to Colombia

Colombia has gone through rough times, but the modern-day country has a lot to offer. There is beauty to be seen everywhere, from its kind people to the gorgeous sceneries. Whether you’re visiting for a week, a month, or even a year, there is much adventure to be had, and it’s not unlikely that you will fall in love with this country.

More from South America

Starting with our South American itinerary and our general safety tips for travelling in the region.

Things to Do in Cartagena Colombia Cruise Port

Quebrada de las Conchas: 10 Unique Stops – Salta to Cafayate

Argentina Travel Tips: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

Chilean Cuisine Cooking Class: Culture Through Food

Visit Christ the Redeemer: How to get up Corcovado Mountain, Rio

17 Fascinating Things to Do in Valparaiso

Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires: Artistic or Eerie?

Visiting Iguazu Falls: Intense Experience in Argentina and Brazil

10 Best Beaches in Buzios Brazil, a Stunning Coastal Town

Our South America Boutique Cruise on Azamara Pursuit Review

More
Travel Resources

Which of these Colombia travel tips surprised you?

About the author

Bio photo of Mike Jensen


Mike is addicted to both adventure and travel, so he decided to combine the two to form TheAdventourist. There, he shares his journey from one adrenaline rush to another, always exploring new places as he goes. You can find him sharing his travels on Facebook. 

More from South America

Starting with our South American itinerary and our general safety tips for travelling in the region.

Argentina Travel Tips: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

16 Unique Things to Do in Cordoba Argentina: Cultural Charm

Living in Argentina: Short Stories from a Year-long AFS Student Exchange

10 Best Beaches in Buzios Brazil, a Stunning Coastal Town

Colombia Travel Tips: 10 Cool Things to Know Before You Go

Old Road to Cachi: Our GPS Fail Led to Nowhere, Argentina

Buenos Aires to Colonia del Sacramento Uruguay: An Easy Day Trip

Santos Brazil for Coffee, Beaches and Leaning Buildings

Traditional Argentinian Food You Need to Try

Must-See Rio de Janeiro Landmarks: Safely Explore the Best of Rio

More
Travel Resources
99 shares
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Category: South AmericaTag: Colombia, Travel Tips

About Albom Adventures Editorial Team

Albom Adventures’ editorial team consists of travel bloggers and other travel writers who periodically provide content to this blog. If would like to join our editorial team, please send us an email via the information on our contact page.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Paul Pietrangelo

    May 3, 2021 at 1:27 am

    Hi Rhonda, It’s been some time. Sorry for not being there often. We had so many problems with this new home to the point I want to move. This builder is useless. I lived in Pointe West for over 31 years with less problems and I’m living in this new home for just 4 months with so many problems. The builders of today just want their money and that’s all.
    I miss cruising. Some friends want us to go on a cruise in January. I’d love to but my wife & I are not sure because of all the difficulties and most of all Covid. We have our first shot and will get the second one in August. I’m stay scared. Maybe we’ll cruise in 2023. Enjoy but keep safe.

    Cruisin Paul

    Reply
  2. Becky

    June 14, 2020 at 4:03 pm

    This is interesting, and I learned a lot! I got interested in Colombia when I had a group of pre-teen students visit my school (at the time). I want to go one of these years.

    Reply
  3. Manisha Yadav

    May 6, 2020 at 5:17 am

    Detailed article and beautiful tips. Let us hope travel opens soon.

    Reply
  4. Mandy

    April 30, 2020 at 1:12 pm

    i have a friend that grew up in Colombia that recently went and she was showing me all of her pictures. Essentially everything you said about Colombia she agreed with. Thanks so much for sharing your tips and encouraging travel to this gorgeous destination!

    Reply
  5. L. Diane Wolfe

    April 29, 2020 at 5:26 am

    I’d love to try genuine Columbian coffee.

    Reply
  6. Sandee

    April 29, 2020 at 2:37 am

    Well done as always. I would love to have some coffee. I’ll bet it’s even better there and the Colombian coffee here.

    Have a fabulous day and week, Rhonda. ♥

    Reply
  7. Nancy

    April 29, 2020 at 1:15 am

    Obviously a country with a love for vibrant colors – the first two shots are so vibrant! Great series.

    Reply
  8. Alex J. Cavanaugh

    April 28, 2020 at 11:36 pm

    Think I’ll avoid both drinks and watch what food I eat. Shame they don’t do more vegetables.

    Reply
  9. Alan Blair Bates

    April 28, 2020 at 3:02 pm

    I guess things have changed on the violence end of things but I like what you have to say.

    Reply
  10. Photo Cache

    April 28, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    It is a popular travel destination. I don’t know if I get to visit it someday.

    Worth a Thousand Words

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sidebar

Hello …

We are Rhonda and Jeff Albom. Capturing the essence of travel through photography, we inspire travel to New Zealand and the world by sharing our personal experiences. Based in NZ, we have visited 63 countries on 6 continents.

Despite currenty industry trend, we share our personal experiences and DO NOT use AI to create our content.

Official New Zealand Specialist badge from New Zealand Tourism Board

Join 500K+ helpful travellers at our Facebook group, Explore New Zealand

As an Amazon Associate, Albom Adventures earns from qualifying purchases as well as from other collaborative and affiliate partners.

Copyright © 2025 · Albom Adventures · All Rights Reserved.

Exclusive Member of Mediavine Travel

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT