What Do You Know About to Colombia?
21 Things You lot Need to Know Before Visiting Colombia
Colombia is a Due south American country with such rich diverseness that instead of our planned one calendar month visit, we stayed here much longer. An involvement in traveling to Colombia grows every year, so nosotros want to share with yous 21 essential things you lot should know before planning a trip and visiting this cute country.
Colombia was the kickoff destination we visited in South America, only we must admit, it stole our hearts. Information technology is probably not a coincidence that many travelers have a very similar feeling.
Cheers to it, Colombia rapidly gained a reputation of existence one of the elevation travel countries on the continent.
Colombia is at the moment on the radar of many international travelers. Therefore we call up you lot should know more well-nigh it before your trip.
Still, the country is unique, y'all can expect to deal with many specific situations, and in a nutshell, information technology is always better to be well-prepared.
Colombia is a very diverse country, and it offers an incredible number of attractions, from white sandy beaches to over 5000 meters high mountain tops.
But before you lot pack your stuff and set off, information technology is also adept to know that customs, rubber, or overall culture are very different from what you know by heart back at domicile.
This is why we've put together this list of things you lot need to know before visiting Republic of colombia. It includes a few random tips nosotros've nerveless during our travels.
Really, at that place were 21 things you should know before traveling to Colombia, just we wrote this postal service on the road, and while editing it afterward at home, we came upward with a few more, and so the math does not lucifer.
Nosotros hope you lot won't heed and will savour this post!
#1 WATCH YOUR STEPS
We've never stumbled that many times when walking on streets as in Republic of colombia. Some parts of the pavement are very often missing, and all of a sudden, there is just a hole, and then spotter your steps, especially in bigger cities.
What is even more important, exist really careful after the dark equally some less visited places still have very poorly lit streets, and it is very piece of cake to autumn.
You might think that cleaved pavements are something yous can get used to after some fourth dimension, but information technology is really quite hard.
Particularly when sightseeing in the city with a camera in paw.
This problem is more in cities such as Bogota or Popayan than in smaller colonial towns, only we recommend y'all to mind your steps all the time.
Cities are not wheelchair and stroller-friendly because usually, yous must surmount a big pace when you want to become from the road to the pavement.
That does not mean Colombia is not a destination for families. All the same, you will very likely find it much more comfortable to carry your child in a baby carrier rather than struggle with a stroller.
Also, practice not expect that vehicles yield at pedestrian crossings; always look around as traffic tin be crazy.
#2 COLOMBIA SAFETY
Colombia surely does not take the all-time reputation when it comes to safety. And it's non just Colombia, only other countries on this continent as well.
That's why information technology is essential to stay safe in South America while traveling.
On the other paw, the situation has been rapidly improving, and we are at present confident that you should be fine when you lot follow all the basic safety rules.
Of course, mishaps happen, but they happen anywhere in the world, not only in Colombia.
The association with drug cartels and violence slowly disappears.
Only of course, even though we could read that safety in Republic of colombia is much improve than information technology used to be, we were a flake concerned earlier our travels to Colombia.
It was our first experience with visiting a South American country, and some of the articles we could read online fabricated united states feel uneasy.
Fortunately, our fears did not fulfill.
In all countries effectually the world, it is useful to know that some areas, either in the city or a country in full general, are ameliorate to avoid.
Still, when y'all employ your mutual sense, travel with someone, follow mostly the backpacker's trail, don't wear shiny jewelry, and don't walk light-headed afterwards dark, you should be fine.
You should always watch your holding (once in Bogota, I left my phone in a jacket I had effectually my waist and was a victim of a sneaky robbery immediately), especially in crowded places and on public ship.
Always have your backpack with you lot, don't store all valuables in i place, and pass everything over without resistance in case of robbery.
To proceed your valuables safe, consider purchasing a money chugalug or anti-theft daypack.
Because we take lots of photos during our travels, it is impossible to go along the photographic camera in the backpack all the fourth dimension.
Nosotros usually use a smaller mirrorless camera when walking effectually the city and use the larger 1 when traveling in the countryside.
Besides, when Martin takes photos, I try to be around, stay cautious, and pay attention to his environment (however silly information technology might seem).
TRAVEL INSURANCE - Elementary & FLEXIBLE
We never get out our domicile without travel insurance which is designed to assist cover your expenses if something goes wrong on your trip.
World Nomads Travel Insurance has been designed by travelers for travelers, to embrace your trip essentials.
Travel smarter and safer!
#3 FORGET YOUR Diet FOR A WHILE
Colombian food is hearty and filling. To put it mildly. In a nutshell, especially at the beginning of our trip, we felt a bit drastic, and it was hard to adapt to this change as this food was completely different from our usual eating habits.
Every meal we found was fried, not fresh, without herbs, or likewise sweet, not exactly what we normally eat.
Also, not every time we travel we can let spending lots of fourth dimension looking for a eatery, that's why we ofttimes concluded upwardly with nutrient nosotros were not 100% satisfied with.
After some fourth dimension, the state of affairs improved.
We learned some Castilian words, nosotros always in restaurants looked for menu del dia which consists of soup, the main course with meat, salad, and juice (for almost 10 000 COP) and for dinner, we usually cooked something on our own.
Later on, nosotros discover some really prissy restaurants and generally, after we traveled more s of Medellin, the state of affairs improved and we looked frontward to eating once more.
The street food usually consists of empanadas (fried pastry with meat and spud filling), which we usually bought when traveling all day on the bus, and arepas (dough made of maize), which we found peculiarly ugly.
Certainly, we do not want to put you lot off.
Information technology is only expert to know that Colombia is not a foodie destination (when traveling on a budget), such as the whole of Southeast Asia, although it is, of course, just our private indicate of view.
#4 COLOMBIAN FRUIT IS DELICIOUS
Although we found food in Colombia a trivial flake wearisome, we must say that fruit is incredibly delicious.
We got addicted to papaya and pineapple, which became our everyday must-have, but we also tried native fruits such as guanabana, guava, lulo, tomato del arbol, and many more.
The best identify where to discover fresh fruit is in local markets.
Luckily, you volition find at least one market with veggies and fruits in every town or urban center.
In our mail service dedicate to long term travel, we mentioned that it is quite of import to maintain a daily routine - for us, buying delicious fruit was a matter we ever looked forward to.
We are not agape to say information technology was one of the reasons why nosotros were able to travel for so long.
Non only in Colombia, but S America overall.
#v Learn SOME Spanish Earlier Yous Become
English is not widely spoken in Republic of colombia. To exist honest, we were unpleasantly surprised that literally, no i speaks English, quite often not fifty-fifty people working in the tourism industry.
Afterwards a first few days when nosotros had a trouble ordering meals in the eatery or figure out how much a motorbus ticket cost, we came to an inevitable decision that information technology is necessary to learn some basic Spanish.
Nosotros recommend you to accept at least a translator on your phone set; otherwise, you won't be able to get any assistance.
In case y'all accept more time to gear up for your trip, either take a Spanish language course or purchase a Spanish textbook.
Once you learn some basics, your trip will surely be more pleasant.
Nosotros traveled in South America for a year, and if there'south one matter we regret, it is a fact we hadn't spoken Spanish fluently equally we missed many opportunities to talk to locals more naturally.
#6 COLOMBIANS ARE VERY FRIENDLY AND HELPFUL
Colombians are very friendly and helpful. We are sure this is something every traveler to Colombia will confirm, and we as well think information technology is 1 of the most of import things to know before visiting the country.
When you ask for whatsoever information or advice, locals will try to help y'all immediately
And when they don't know the answer, they will surely find a friend around who tin can solve your troubles.
Nosotros even experienced a situation when a bus commuter gathered all staff from a double-decker terminal, just because he did not know an answer to our question himself.
If y'all accept a problem or don't know your directions, Colombians will do their all-time to help you out.
#vii Republic of colombia IS NOT A CHEAP COUNTRY (AS IT USED TO Exist)
Colombia is not that cheap when it comes to traveling. Don't expect like prices as in Southeast Asia for sure.
Charabanc tickets are pretty expensive and although the food and accommodation are slightly cheaper than in Europe, traveling in Colombia toll the states more we expected.
It is probably highly individual opinion, merely we can imagine more friendly countries for our bank account as budget travelers.
The entrance fee to San Agustin Archaeological Park is not very budget-friendly, and chance activities in San Gil don't come up cheap either.
Sadly, the quality of services oftentimes does not reflect the price, but it is the aforementioned equally in other countries. Some services are exceptional; some are very poor.
Even though Colombia is non the cheapest country we've ever visited, information technology is by far not the most expensive, and the visit was totally worth it.
Simply put, Colombia is not Brazil or Chilean Patagonia, and it'southward still a very affordable destination, though it'southward not equally cheap as you might expect.
#8 PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS Irksome
Information technology is very likely that y'all will travel around Colombia by public transport. And although it is possible to get by bus to almost all destinations, look tiring journeys, winding and bumpy roads and a lot of sitting.
When traveling by jitney, exist prepared that the journey will be more deadening.
Our average travel speed was less than 40 km/h. The distance you tin can cover per day is limited, and so don't forget to program your itinerary accordingly.
After 4 days in Cartagena, we took a xv-60 minutes motorbus to Medellin. The journeying was long and tiring, and somewhen, we found out that flight tickets were only slightly more expensive and would have saved united states of america a bumpy ride.
#nine WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS GET Decorated
Colombians love to travel, peculiarly in large groups. They as well dearest to celebrate. It seemed to us that every weekend local people determine to take all their family and friends for a trip.
It is an awesome habit, just some places were, thank you to information technology, super-crowded, and accommodation in the about pop destinations booked.
Effort to avoid long weekends, and if you travel on Friday or Saturday, book in advance.
Also, when you program your itinerary, check out national holidays, and make sure you reserve tours or hotels, just in example.
Busy weekends take one large advantage, though. Some places and areas are safer.
That's why, for example, nosotros hiked to Cerro de Monserrate in Bogota or explored Arvi Park in Medellin during the weekend, even though the trails were busy.
#10 Carbohydrate IS IN EVERYTHING
I of the first words nosotros learned in Spanish were 'sin azucar', which means without sugar. We found everything in Colombia too sugariness, to be honest.
From a classic bread to white yogurt, you must expect that carbohydrate is an ingredient that is not missing.
What more, there's more than sugar in information technology that you lot are probably used to.
Even if y'all are a sweet tooth, you might find the corporeality of sugar higher than adequate. Only maybe not. Feel free to permit us know your thoughts in the comment section.
Nosotros had to make an try while shopping and await for exceptions, which took us quite a lot of fourth dimension.
#11 Republic of colombia IS A Various Land
We have never believed nosotros would enjoy traveling in Colombia that much. The state is incredibly diverse, and information technology offers a identify for every type of traveler.
Y'all'll find in Republic of colombia the Caribbean Body of water, Pacific Ocean, wonderful sandy beaches, photogenic wild animals, diverse flora, mount ranges, volcanoes over 5000 meters high, deserts, colonial cities, wax palms, indigenous tribes, and much more than.
Generally speaking, Colombia is a destination for everyone, and creating the perfect Republic of colombia itinerary is incredibly difficult, as information technology is only impossible to see everything quickly.
Nature and the fact Colombia is rich in compages but likewise archaeological places means only one thing. The country is getting every year more and more popular.
#12 HOT WATER DOESN'T Hateful HOT IN THE True SENSE OF THE TERM
Does your accommodation advertise a hot shower? Allow'due south say that a hot shower in Republic of colombia means rather tepid water.
It was a real treat when we establish a place with warm water equally it happened very sporadically.
It is ok in places such as the Tatacoa Desert, where temperatures often exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
Yet, we would accept appreciated warmer water in colder areas such equally Bogota or Manizales.
On the other hand, nosotros realize that we e'er stayed in cheaper hotels.
In case your Colombia budget is higher, you might accept a different experience as we believe the service is better.
#13 POLICE AND SOLDIERS ARE EVERYWHERE
There is even so a stiff constabulary presence in Colombia. You can see law officers and soldiers everywhere around.
And it takes time to get used to the fact that they are not hither considering something is going on, but they are on the streets to make sure that no issues will arise.
Safety, as we've already mentioned, has been increasing in this country every year, simply it volition probably have longer to experience the sensation of walking the streets of Colombia without beingness watched all the fourth dimension.
#14 NETFLIX Tv set SERIES NARCOS
Accept yous seen the TV series Narcos from Netflix, and did you like it? Fine, simply go along information technology for yourself when traveling in Republic of colombia.
Drug trafficking and violence are however a very sensitive topic here in Colombia for understandable reasons, and locals take a feeling that the show doesn't describe the reality correctly.
Likewise, they don't desire Colombia to exist seen as a drug country again, so more often than not steer articulate of this topic. This is i of the things you lot should know before traveling to Medellin, but other places as well.
In cities such as Medellin, which has been for long infamous for drugs and particularly narco baron Pablo Escobar, is really talking about this issue some kind of taboo.
The country has been transforming, and the transformation is a long and painful process.
So respect local peoples' conclusion and do non speak almost this topic, at to the lowest degree publicly.
Luckily, in that location are plenty of things to do in Medellin that will allow you to see the city in a new low-cal.
# fifteen HAGGLING
You lot probably can effort to haggle in Colombia, there are some places such as the markets (for example in Medellin), where it is even expected, but we didn't accept the need, to be honest.
Different in Southeast Asia, nosotros almost never felt overcharged, and most of the times nosotros saw that locals pay the same price as we do.
For united states, it was a nice change non to deal all the time.
#sixteen Numberless OF WATER
You can purchase water in big plastic numberless, and although it is non the nigh practical matter, it helps you salve some money equally information technology is cheaper than bottled water.
We bought a few bags of water before traveling to the super hot Tatacoa Desert, every bit the water in the desert was really expensive.
Merely permit's talk about water more closely.
Aforementioned as any other developing country, Colombia also has a huge trouble with plastic. We are not afraid to say that information technology is your responsibility equally a traveler to reduce your plastic consumption to the very minimum.
Nosotros know it is ofttimes non 100% possible, but when yous purchase, for example, a 5-liter plastic purse or butt of water, it is much better than when you buy 5 one-liter bottles.
Therefore, when traveling abroad, non just to Colombia, always have your favorite reusable water bottle.
On top of that, most of the better hostels and hotels take a large tank of h2o in the foyer where you can refill your h2o bottles for free.
You might desire to check out this water canteen with integrated filter if you want to endeavor something new and sustainable.
#17 Dazzler IS Important
You might find that Colombian girls are very ofttimes well-positioned when it comes to world dazzler competitions.
When in Colombia, we could encounter that the cult of dazzler here is actually strong, and everyone, guys included, care about their visage, perhaps as well much if you enquire.
An obvious trend is to wear braces at every historic period to have direct teeth, and it also seems that plastic surgery is a real thing here.
We do not desire to say whether it is good to know, but it is surely a thing y'all will notice.
It is necessary to say that we oftentimes felt badly dressed in our outdoor and functional clothes.
Speaking of beauty, the colonial town of Barichara is often considered the prettiest town in Colombia.
# 18 Coffee
Where else to drink coffee than in Colombia, the country with one of the world'due south largest productions?
Colombians normally drink java called tinto', a small, cheap, and sweet cup you tin can buy along the route.
Tinto is the second quality coffee, equally nearly of the premium quality is exported (it is too expensive for locals).
If nosotros can requite you lot advice, avoid this type of coffee and rather visit a skilful java shop where the loving cup of coffee costs more but is also improve.
Besides visiting a coffee shop, your other alternative is to visit a proper coffee farm in one of the coffee towns such equally Salento, Jardin, or Manizales.
We visited an organic coffee subcontract in the heart of Zona Cafetera, and not only could we see how hard it is to get a tasty loving cup of java on customers' tables, merely besides we could gustation the best coffee we've always had.
And by the way, Salento is besides home to Cocora Valley, where you volition notice the national trees of Colombia - wax palms.
# 19 COLOMBIANS ARE VERY POLITE
Even in informal everyday conversation, Colombians talk very politely, and instead of using simple sentences, they always say extra thou words.
Although it is nice, this habit always made it much harder for usa to sympathise the real point every bit our Castilian was not the best.
And when we politely asked the person to repeat the judgement more slowly, we normally receive the verbal aforementioned reply, with a few actress new words.
It is funny when we think nearly it now, just information technology was a bit stressful on the road, especially when we were in a hurry.
# 20 TAXIS
Generally, it is safe to apply a taxi in Colombia. It is always amend to inquire in the hotel or in the restaurant to telephone call a radio taxi for you than to hail the cab on the street.
Always agree on the price before you sit in the car.
Nosotros never had a problem with yellowish taxis; drivers always brought united states of america to our destination safely and asked for a reasonable amount.
Yous tin use Uber in bigger cities. Notation that Uber in Republic of colombia is illegal, so it is always meliorate to sit in the front end next to the driver, then it looks like he is giving a ride to a friend, not to a customer.
# 21 CASH IS Male monarch
You won't buy much with your credit bill of fare in Colombia. You tin use it in some shops (Exito) and meliorate quality hotels, just cash always has a priority.
The highest value bill is 50 000 COP, and the highest amount nosotros were able to withdraw was 780 000 COP. If you see a garish green ATM with a black Servibanca sign, that's the one you are looking for!
As it is non very safe to behave around a lot of money with you, ever withdraw only as much as you lot need for a few days. Just make certain that your adjacent destination has an ATM.
And when visiting places such as Tayrona National Park, brand certain to bring enough cash for the entire length of your stay every bit there are no ATMs at all.
#22 YOU Tin'T SEE EVERYTHING
Colombia is a big land, and even if y'all tin can travel indefinitely, you would demand years to run across information technology all. That'south beingness said, and y'all simply cannot meet everything this country has to offer.
That's not a bad thing.
When creating your travel itinerary, focus on the elevation highlights, and if time allows, make sure y'all visit an interesting destination off the well-trodden path.
Although we unremarkably do not travel to countries we have already visited, nosotros have a feeling we volition break this rule of ours quite soon.
Colombia is a captivating country, and nosotros actually run into it as a positive that it is impossible to encounter it all. It is a reason to come dorsum one 24-hour interval.
# 23 RAINY AND DRY SEASON
If there'due south something you should know before planning your trip to Colombia, is that you tin experience two singled-out seasons: dry and rainy.
According to united states of america, Colombia is a country you can visit whatsoever time of the year, simply you should consider those seasons.
Information technology is besides important to know that you can await a very different climate in Bogota and Tayrona National Park on the aforementioned day because of the variety and vastness of the country.
In full general, the best time to visit Colombia is between December and February. It is the dry season that usually guarantees clear skies and warm temperatures.
We visited Colombia in July and August, which is actually the second-well-nigh-popular season. Information technology is a brusque break between rains, then we enjoyed by and large nice weather, and it rained only a few times in the afternoon.
The rainy flavour is so April to June and September to November. But what is of import to realize, there's not bad weather condition, merely bad vesture.
#24 PACK LIGHT
When talking about the weather, we cannot skip writing a few words about packing for a bit.
Because of all the reasons mentioned above, you lot cannot arrive in Colombia wearing merely flip flops and a straw chapeau.
Before your trip, become through all the destinations you desire to visit. Check out our blog post Best Places to Visit in Republic of colombia to discover more inspiration.
Your itinerary will most likely include a handful of cute colonial towns, java regions, mountains, and you will probably spend some time on the embankment.
For case, nosotros climbed the frozen Santa Isabel volcano in Los Nevados National Park, only we besides stayed 4 days in Tayrona National Park on the Caribbean Sea'south shores.
As you can encounter, you need to pack a scrap of everything.
If y'all desire to know more than, bank check out our more detailed mail service: Southward America Packing List.
#25 IMPORTED PRODUCTS ARE EXPENSIVE
Imported stuff is expensive not only in Colombia but in full general in South and Primal America.
And we practise not talk almost worldwide clothes brands. Information technology is another reason why packing correct for your Republic of colombia trip is and then essential.
Pack correct, and information technology will salvage you lot a lot of money.
#26 Yous ARE GOING TO Autumn IN LOVE WITH Colombia
No affair how traveling in a foreign country can be challenging, nosotros have one important proclamation to say.
You lot are going to love Colombia.
It is probably the near significant matter y'all need to know earlier visiting Colombia. It will change your life.
People, nature, history, it is all so wonderful that you won't desire to leave.
And we remember it is really what traveling is all about.
Despite all the differences in life, unlike opinions, beliefs, traveling brings people closer.
TRAVEL RESOURCES
Here you tin can notice links to all the travel resources we use and which you might observe helpful when planning your side by side holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we beloved to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided bout.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another slap-up alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flying Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to detect the best price.
Travel Insurance: Earth Nomads Travel Insurance covers against risks of travel.
Source: https://www.laidbacktrip.com/posts/things-to-know-before-visiting-colombia-travel
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