Colombia travel guide
Colombia has moved a long way from its old reputation, and today it is one of South America's most welcoming and varied destinations. You can walk the walled streets of Cartagena, sip coffee among the wax palms of the Coffee Triangle, ride the cable cars of Medellin and dance salsa in Cali. Coastline, mountains and jungle all sit within the same country. The regions suit different tastes. Bogota offers museums and a colonial old quarter high in the Andes, while Medellin and Cali bring music and a warm climate. On the Caribbean, Cartagena, Santa Marta and Barranquilla mix beaches and heritage, and San Andres adds island life. Salento and Villa de Leyva are the choice for small-town charm and countryside. The Andean cities enjoy mild weather year-round, while the Caribbean coast is driest from December to March. Colombia suits adventurous travellers, culture lovers and anyone who enjoys warm hospitality, and you can plan the itinerary city by city with Zippy Trips.
Capital: Bogotá.
Visa for Indian passport holders
E-visa, applied for online before you fly.
Before you go to Colombia
- Currency
- COP $
- Emergency number
- 123
- Plug type
- Type A, B
- Tap water
- Tap water: mostly safe
- Tipping
- Service charge included
- Bargaining
- Not expected
- eSIM
- Available
- Card networks
- Visa, Mastercard, Amex (limited)
- ATM fees
- COP 20,000-30,000 per withdrawal — take the maximum the machine allows
Cities in Colombia
- Bogotá Colombia's high-altitude capital (2,640m) in the Andes. Historic La Candelaria district, world-class Gold Museum and Botero collection,…
- Cartagena UNESCO-listed Caribbean walled city. Colonial Old Town, San Felipe fortress, Getsemaní street art, gateway to Rosario Islands.
- Medellín "City of Eternal Spring" in the Aburrá Valley. Famous for its metro/cable car system, Comuna 13 street-art tour, Poblado nightlife, and…
- Santa Marta Colombia's oldest surviving city (1525) on the Caribbean. Base for Tayrona National Park, Lost City trek (Ciudad Perdida), Minca…
- Cali Salsa capital of the world. Sprawling Pacific-side city with intense nightlife in Juanchito and Granada, Cristo Rey statue, Farallones…
- Salento Charming colonial town in the Coffee Triangle. Gateway to Valle de Cocora — home of 60-metre Quindío wax palms (Colombia's national tree) —…
- San Andrés Caribbean coral island (770 km from mainland), Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. "Sea of Seven Colors" diving, English-Creole culture, duty-free…
- Villa de Leyva Postcard-perfect 16th-century colonial town in Boyacá. Largest cobblestone plaza in South America, weekend getaway from Bogotá, surrounded…
- Barranquilla Caribbean port at the Magdalena River mouth. Famous for February Carnival — UNESCO Intangible Heritage, second-largest in the Americas…
- Bucaramanga "City of Parks" in the Eastern Andes. Gateway to San Gil — adventure-sport capital — and Chicamocha Canyon, one of the world's deepest.
Frequently asked questions about Colombia
- Do Indian citizens need a visa for Colombia?
- E-visa, applied for online before you fly.
- What currency is used in Colombia?
- The currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso ($). ₹1 is about 33 $.
- Can I use cards and ATMs in Colombia?
- Accepted card networks: Visa, Mastercard, Amex (limited). Decline dynamic currency conversion at ATMs and card machines.
- Should I tip in Colombia?
- Tipping in Colombia: service charge included. 10% service often added to bill (propina voluntaria). Tip 5-10% if not included. Round up taxi fares.
- Is tap water safe to drink in Colombia?
- Tap water: mostly safe. Tap water is safe in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and most major cities. Bottled water recommended in smaller towns and rural areas.
- What plug type does Colombia use?
- Colombia uses Type A, B plugs. 110V 60Hz.
- What is the emergency number in Colombia?
- Emergency: 123. Police: 123. Ambulance: 125. Tourist helpline: +57-1-322-4000 (Tourism Police Bogotá), 18000-PROTUR.
- Can I get a SIM or eSIM in Colombia?
- SIM and eSIM available in Colombia.
- What is the capital of Colombia?
- The capital of Colombia is Bogotá. Time there: IST - 10 h 30 min.