Is it cheaper to fly or take the bus between cities?

Buses are significantly cheaper, though flights are faster. If you book budget airlines like Wingo or JetSmart 3 weeks in advance, you can sometimes find flights for the same price as an 8-hour bus ride.

Can I use credit cards for everything?

No. Street food, local buses, and small shops are cash-only. Always carry 100,000 COP in small denominations for daily expenses.

Budget Backpacking in Colombia: A Daily Cost Breakdown

Budget backpacking in Colombia costs approximately $35 to $45 USD per day. This covers a bed in a hostel dorm, street food mixed with grocery store meals, and local bus transportation between cities.

Calculate your base daily spend. Budget $12-$15 for a hostel bed in a reputable spot. Expect to spend $15 on food if you eat one local 'menu del dia' lunch ($3-$5) and cook breakfast or dinner at the hostel.
Account for transportation. Internal bus travel is the biggest variable. Average out your long-haul bus tickets (e.g., Medellín to Salento) to $10 per transit day. Add $2 per day for city transit like the Metro in Medellín or TransMilenio in Bogotá.
Set aside an activities fund. Budget $5-$7 daily for smaller activities like walking tours or park entries. For larger excursions like a Lost City trek or Scuba diving in Tayrona, save a separate 'adventure fund' of $300-$400 total.
Manage your currency conversion. Use a bank card like Charles Schwab or Revolut to withdraw COP from ATMs to avoid 3-5% exchange markups. Always choose 'decline conversion' on the ATM screen to let your home bank handle the rate.

Is it cheaper to fly or take the bus between cities?: Buses are significantly cheaper, though flights are faster. If you book budget airlines like Wingo or JetSmart 3 weeks in advance, you can sometimes find flights for the same price as an 8-hour bus ride.
Can I use credit cards for everything?: No. Street food, local buses, and small shops are cash-only. Always carry 100,000 COP in small denominations for daily expenses.