Yes, if you stick to tourist-frequented areas and follow the 'no dar papaya' rule—which means don't flash your phone, watch, or expensive jewelry in public.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

In major cities, basic English is spoken in hotels, but learning 20-30 essential phrases will significantly improve your experience in markets and smaller towns.

Planning your first trip to Colombia

Focus on a 10-day route covering Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena to balance urban culture, mountain coffee regions, and Caribbean coast history. Use domestic flights for long distances to save time and prioritize safety by staying in established neighborhoods and sticking to daytime travel.

Select your route. For a first trip, follow the 'Golden Triangle': 3 days in Bogotá for museums and dining, 4 days in Medellín for day trips to Guatapé, and 3 days in Cartagena for colonial architecture and island hopping.
Book internal flights. Colombia is mountainous; bus travel between major cities takes 10-18 hours. Book domestic flights with LATAM or Avianca at least 3 weeks in advance to secure prices under $60 per leg.
Prepare for altitude and climate. Bogotá is at 8,600 feet; drink double the water you normally do for the first 48 hours. Pack layers, as Medellín is spring-like and Cartagena is consistently humid and hot (85°F+).
Manage your money. Notify your bank of your travel dates. Use ATMs inside shopping malls or bank lobbies to avoid skimming devices. Keep a secondary debit card in your luggage.

Is Colombia safe?: Yes, if you stick to tourist-frequented areas and follow the 'no dar papaya' rule—which means don't flash your phone, watch, or expensive jewelry in public.
Do I need to speak Spanish?: In major cities, basic English is spoken in hotels, but learning 20-30 essential phrases will significantly improve your experience in markets and smaller towns.