Being the second most populous nation in South America, Colombia is well-known. It is home to a staggering 10% of the world's biodiversity in addition to having a sizable population. It has developed into one of South America's top tourist destinations throughout time.

Colombia has much to offer every type of tourist, from the numerous museums in Bogota to the stunning beaches along the coastline. Use these travel advice to help you plan the ideal vacation, whether you're traveling to Colombia on a budget or are already planning a trip there.

Crucial Details Regarding Colombia

Quick Look at Colombia: Colombia is among the world's most amazing countries, with white sand beaches, colonial architecture, mountains, jungles, surfing, and lively towns. You will be enamored with the natural and cultural richness as soon as you set foot here.

Colombia's Most Visited Locations

• Cartagena: On Colombia's Caribbean coast, fall in love with this vibrant, energetic historic city.

• Cali: Definitely go to Cali if you enjoy eating. It's the global center for salsa dancing!

• Valle de Cocora: Do you enjoy hiking? The breathtaking beauty of Valle de Cocora will wow you. It's among Colombia's top hiking destinations.

• A coffee lover's paradise is Salento. In the center of Colombia's coffee heartland is the charming tiny hamlet of Salento.

• Colombian currency: Colombian Peso | 2018 Exchange Rate: $0.031 USD = 100 COP

Tipping in Colombia: For hotels, a dollar per bag would be a sufficient gratuity for the porter or bellhop. However, a $1–2 gratuity for housekeeping would be appropriate.

10% voluntary tips are customarily left in restaurants (propina voluntaria). Although it's not necessary, practically everyone pays it. Usually, employees communicate this among themselves. A 5 to 10% gratuity is sufficient for tour guides. Taxi drivers do not anticipate gratuities.

Language and Useful Expressions: Spanish

• Hi there, or hola

• I'm grateful; thanks

• Cerveza = beer

• Delectable = delicioso

• Baño for the bathroom

• To what extent? = How much does it cost?

• Too costly = Extremely costly

• Lack of desire = No quiero

Religion and Culture: Roman Catholicism is the most popular religion in Colombia, but there is no official religion in the country. Up to 1819, the nation was ruled by Spain for around 300 years. Nonetheless, Colombian culture and religion have been profoundly impacted by colonialism.

Traveling about Colombia: Taking a cab is an affordable and practical way to get around the country. Motorcycle taxis and tuk-tuks are available in smaller towns and can facilitate your travel time. Buses are frequently sluggish and packed. Colectivos, which are shared hop-on-hop-off vans that often go in circles, are among the least expensive forms of public transit. For locals, this is the main form of transportation.

The Ideal Time to Go to Colombia

Colombia's Climate

Colombia's closeness to the equator results in year-round consistent temperatures. The nation will have some rainfall, depending on the season.

• Dry season (Andean region): December to March and July to August.

• Rainy season: May through July, October through December in the Andes, September through October in the Caribbean

• December through February, as well as the week leading up to Semana Santa, the Easter holiday, are the busiest travel seasons. Prices are at their highest at this time.

When To Avoid Visiting Colombia

If you're on a tight budget, steer clear of Colombia during the Semana Santa season. Since it's one of the busiest travel seasons, most hotels raise their prices by double. You may also read this: Tips for Surviving in Expensive Countries

Colombia's Principal Festivals

• Carnaval de Barranquilla is the second-biggest carnival festival in the world, and it takes place in the days preceding Lent. The holiday is observed four days ahead of Ash Wednesday.

• First two weeks of August, Festival de las Flores: There will be an abundance of flowers during this celebration, particularly during the "El Defile de Los Silleteros" procession.

• Theater Festival Iberoamericano, before and extending beyond Semana Santa: Expect street performances, plays, concerts, interpretive dances, seminars, and other performing arts events as this is one of the largest performing arts festivals globally.

The Best Activities in Colombia

Climb Up Pico De Loro

One of the best walks in California is to climb Pico de Loro. You have the option of taking a two-day walk or a day trip. Since there is a daily cap on the number of hikers permitted, make sure to come early.

Go to a Coffee Farm

Addicts of coffee, take note! One of Salento's principal exports is coffee. Tour a coffee farm and sip your favorite brew. You may even prepare your own coffee and choose your own beans! How awesome is that?

Take A Stroll Around The Old City

Explore Cartagena's vibrant doorways and lovely plazas. You may either follow the advice in this book to build your own walking tour, or you can join one for free.

Check Out The Totumo Volcano

Play around and enjoy this fake volcano. Take a muddy massage or have a native woman give you a bath. You have the option to choose or to do both. Be ready to roll about in the mud laughing and giggling a lot!

Colombian Foods to Consume

Colombian food, which combines native and European components such as maize, beans, chicken, potatoes, pig, and rice, is flavorful and full of nutrients. Numerous Colombian cuisines are worthy of sampling.

These Are A Few Of Our Favorites

• Arepa: Made from cornmeal and typically eaten with butter or corn, arepas are the most popular dish in the nation.

• Popular soup ajiaco is made with chicken, avocado, corn, capers, three types of potatoes, and sour cream.

• Lechona: A roasted pig filled with rice, onions, peas, and seasonings is frequently served as a delicacy.

• Fritanga: A platter full of grilled meat and fried cow intestines, fritanga is another meal that is heavy on the meat. It is frequently served with arepas, plantains, or manioc.

• All around South America, empanadas are a delicious snack option. The dish's ancestors are from Spain and Portugal. They often have many fillings and are fried.

• Churros: Among Colombian morning foods, churros are highly favored. These are lengthy, deep-fried dough pieces. It is frequently served with hot chocolate, eggs, sausage, and arepas.

Colombia's Average Budget

Colombia's prices are typical compared to other South American nations. While it is more costly than Peru and Ecuador, it is still far less expensive than the majority of other nations.

Important to know: Never be reluctant to bargain. Don't barter too much, though. To the merchant, a modest sum might not seem like much, but it could mean a lot.

How Much a Day in Colombia Should Cost

Traveler on a limited budget: $28 to $30 can be plenty if you keep a careful eye on your expenses.

Mid-range traveler: Set up $40 to $60 per day if you want to treat yourself sometimes and stay in nicer accommodations.