How to Plan Your First Trip to Colombia

Plan to spend at least 14 days covering the 'Golden Triangle' of Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena to balance city culture, mountain scenery, and coastal history. Book internal flights via Avianca or LATAM to avoid grueling 12-hour bus rides through the Andes.

1. Map out your route. Start in Bogotá (high altitude), fly to Medellín for a mix of city life and coffee region day trips, then finish in Cartagena or Santa Marta for the Caribbean coast.
2. Book internal flights early. Domestic flights in Colombia are cheap—usually $40–$80 USD—if booked at least 3 weeks in advance. Avoid 'Bus-ing' between major hubs unless you have a high tolerance for winding mountain roads.
3. Secure your accommodation strategy. Look for 'fincas' (country estates) in the coffee region and boutique hotels in the walled city of Cartagena. In Medellín, stick to El Poblado or Laureles for easy transit access.
4. Get your finances in order. Notify your bank of travel dates. Use ATMs inside reputable shopping malls or bank lobbies to avoid skimming. Always carry some cash (COP) as small vendors do not take cards.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?

In major cities like Bogotá and Medellín, the water is generally treated and safe to drink, but stick to bottled or filtered water in rural areas to be safe.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

In tourist areas, basic English is understood, but learning 20 essential Spanish phrases will significantly improve your experience and interactions with locals.