Colombia has a diverse climate due to its geographical location and varied topography. The country is tropical overall, but temperatures change dramatically depending on altitude, especially in the Andes mountains. Because Colombia is located on the Equator, it does not have four marked seasons, and weather remains fairly consistent throughout the year. Rainfall is common across the country, but its intensity varies by region and time of year.

The Andean region, home to Bogotá and several major cities, has the greatest variation in climate. As altitude increases, temperatures decrease. Bogotá, at 2,500 meters above sea level, has a temperate and fresh climate with temperatures usually between 14°C and 21°C. Days can be sunny, cloudy, and rainy all in one afternoon, so it is always best to bring layers.

Medellín, often called the city of eternal spring, enjoys pleasant weather all year, with daytime temperatures around 24°C and cooler evenings around 15°C.

The Coffee Region, including Pereira, Armenia, and towns like Salento, has a climate that sits between Bogotá and Medellín. It is cooler than Medellín and warmer than Bogotá, with strong sun during the day and colder nights. Rain is common, so it is best to prepare for both warm and cooler temperatures.

The Caribbean region has a typical tropical climate. Temperatures in Cartagena, the Rosario Islands, Barú, Santa Marta, and Tayrona Park usually range from 27°C to 34°C with high humidity and a pleasant breeze at night.

The Amazon region is warm, humid, and rainy year round, with temperatures often above 30°C. Rainfall is frequent, especially between December and April when showers can be more intense.

Overall, Colombia offers an impressive variety of climates, from warm and humid coasts to cool mountain weather and lush tropical rainforest. This diversity makes the country a fascinating destination, and with the right preparation for each region, you can enjoy its landscapes comfortably at any time of year.

To get a quick idea of how much you are paying, a simple calculation is to divide by 3,700 to convert COP to US Dollars, by 4,200 to convert to Euros, and by 5,000 to convert to British Pounds. However, please always check the current exchange rate when you travel, as these numbers fluctuate.

As a general guideline:

• 1 US Dollar = 3,700 COP

• 1 Euro = 4,200 COP

• 1 British Pound = 5,000 COP

Usually in Colombia, ATMs offer a better exchange rate than foreign exchange centers. You will find ATMs at airports and throughout all major cities. There are also official exchange houses, and you can always ask your driver or guide to take you to a safe and authorized one. You should never exchange currency on the street.

It is good to carry some cash, as small local shops, markets, and street vendors often accept cash only. For restaurants, hotels, cafés, and all larger stores, you can pay with credit card without any problem.

Most visitors travel through Colombia without any health issues, but it is important to be aware of a few medical considerations. We always recommend consulting your doctor or a travel clinic before your trip to receive personalized advice and any recommended vaccinations. If you are visiting the Amazon region, the Yellow Fever vaccine is required by health authorities.

Because Colombia is a tropical country, you will find warm temperatures, humidity, and insects in some regions. On the Caribbean coast and in the jungle, the sun can be strong, so it is helpful to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade to enjoy these areas comfortably. Mosquitoes can be present in some lowland or nature-rich areas, so bringing repellent is recommended. The overall risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue or Zika is very low, and cases have decreased significantly in recent years.

Altitude can also affect travelers. Soroche (altitude sickness) may occur at high elevations if your body is not yet accustomed. Symptoms can include lightheadedness, fatigue, or a mild headache. This is most common during the first couple of days in Bogotá, the Andes, or during demanding activities like hiking. Rest, hydration, and taking it easy at the beginning usually help most travelers adjust comfortably.

If you need assistance with travel insurance, medical support, or local healthcare information before or during your trip, our team is always here to help.

Colombia has five major urban areas, Bogotá, Medellin, Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Cali, each with more than one million inhabitants. These cities offer vibrant cultural scenes, excellent dining, rich history, and diverse experiences for visitors. In addition to these, there are important mid-sized cities such as Pereira and Santa Marta that are worth exploring and often included in travel plans for their unique local character and attractions. You can explore further in our section for inspiration. Colombia’s main international airports are well connected to the rest of the world, making travel convenient and efficient. The busiest and most important is El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá, which serves as the primary gateway for international flights and a major hub for domestic connections. Other key international airports include José María Córdova International Airport near Medellín, Rafael Núñez International Airport in Cartagena, and Ernesto Cortissoz International Airport in Barranquilla. There are also international flights to cities such as Santa Marta, and Pereira, giving travelers many options for arrival and departure depending on their itinerary.

So is it really safe to travel around Colombia? YES!

Colombia’s past challenges created a reputation that has taken time to change, but the country today is completely different. Over the last decade, Colombia has made remarkable progress in security, infrastructure, and tourism development, and it is now considered a safe and welcoming destination for international travelers. The incredible diversity of landscapes, culture, gastronomy, and experiences has placed Colombia among the most sought after destinations in the world, frequently featured in major publications such as Condé Nast Traveler, Travel and Leisure, National Geographic, and The New York Times. Travelers are discovering a modern, vibrant, and proud Colombia, and tourism continues to grow every year as more people see the country for what it truly is.

Since the signing of the Peace Accord in 2016 and the successful demobilization and reintegration programs, Colombia has undergone a profound transformation. Many regions that were once inaccessible are now open and safe to explore. The main Colombian cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena are dynamic, culturally rich, and safe for visitors when basic precautions are followed, just as in any major city around the world. At Aracanto, we only work in safe and established tourism areas, and our team monitors conditions daily so that you can travel with complete peace of mind. The growth speaks for itself: Colombia has gone from one million international visitors in 2006 to more than six million travelers in 2024, and the number is expected to continue rising throughout 2026. Traveling with a local agency like Aracanto ensures you are supported by experts who know the country intimately, select trusted partners, and design itineraries that are extraordinary, seamless, and secure from start to finish.

You do not need to speak Spanish to travel in Colombia, especially if you are traveling with us. Our team is always in close contact, and you can reach out at any time if you need help with translations or anything during your trip.

Most Colombians speak only Spanish, so knowing a few words can make interactions with locals even more enjoyable. In Bogotá, Cartagena, and in most of the hotels and partners we work with, you will find staff who speak English. If you would like to learn Spanish while you travel, we can arrange informal lessons with local hosts who can teach you as you explore, or we can organize structured classroom lessons as part of your itinerary. Here are some Spanish words and phrases that may be helpful during your trip:

How is it going? = ¿Cómo vas?

Thank you = (Muchas) Gracias

Good morning = Buenos días

Good afternoon = Buenas tardes

Good evening / Good night = Buenas noches

Goodbye = Adiós / Chao

See you soon = Hasta luego

Yes = Sí

Ok = Ok

My name is… = Yo me llamo (your name)

I am from… = Yo soy de (your country)

Please = Por favor

I need… = Necesito…

Perfect! = ¡Perfecto!

In Colombia, tipping is appreciated but not expected. People are grateful when they receive a tip, but it is completely optional. We pay our guides and drivers fairly, so they do not depend on tips and will never ask for them. If you choose to leave a gratuity, it is simply a kind gesture to show appreciation for good service.

For guides and drivers, you can give a tip at the end of your stay in each city. After two or more tours or transfers, anything between 70,000 COP and 200,000 COP (about 25 to 60 USD) is very well received. After only one tour, 40,000 COP to 100,000 COP (about 10 to 30 USD) is a good guideline.

For small services, such as someone helping you with your luggage, 10,000 to 20,000 COP (about 4 to 7 USD) is appropriate.

At restaurants, a voluntary service charge called “servicio” of around 10 to 15 percent is often added to the bill. You can choose to accept it or ask for it to be removed. Most visitors simply accept it. You will hear in most restaurants, and in some hotels, the following expression: "¿Desea incluir el servicio?" which means: “Do you want to include the service?” In Colombia, restaurants cannot include the service charge by law unless you verbally agree and say "yes". They sometimes omit it and pass you the bill with the service added. If this happens you can always ask to remove I if the service was not good.

Overall, tipping in Colombia is flexible and based entirely on your satisfaction and comfort. It is a thoughtful way to thank the people who help make your trip special, but it is never an obligation and completely up to you.

In most Colombian cities, taxis are safe and commonly used. In Cartagena, Santa Marta, Pereira, and other smaller cities, it is perfectly fine and safe to take taxis in the street.

In Bogotá and Medellín, we recommend avoiding street taxis, especially at night. Instead, please use official taxis, hotel-requested taxis, or trusted transportation apps such as Uber. The Uber app works very well in Colombia, including in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and other main cities. If you use Uber, we recommend selecting the Comfort or Black categories for newer, more comfortable cars. You can use the same app you use at home.

All official taxis have a taximeter and a fare table that shows the approximate price based on distance and time. When you use an app, the fare will appear on your screen before or after the ride. If you ever need help calling a taxi or checking a price, your guide or our team will be happy to assist you.

At airports, always use the line for Authorized Taxis or your prearranged private transfer. Please do not get into cars with unidentified drivers or accept informal transport offers.

With these simple precautions, getting around Colombian cities is safe, convenient, and very easy. And remember, we can always arrange private transfers and transportation for you at any time. Our trips include private tours and transfers with safe and comfortable transportation, and excellent professional drivers and bilingual guides to make moving around Colombia even easier.

Most nationalities do not need a visa to enter Colombia, and travelers only require a valid passport.​ To enter Colombia, all travelers including children, need to fill out a form within 72 hours before departure to Colombia and again, you need to fill out the same form within 72 hours before departing Colombia at the end of your trip. You can press in "English" and "Make your Check Mig" in the following link https://apps.migracioncolombia.gov.co/pre-registro/en

And if you need any help with the form, please let us know!

Please note that there are companies out there that are not the official government sites, and they charge you a fee to fill out the check-mig entry form. Please do not use these sites as the entry form has no fees associated with it. If for any reason you are paying a fee, it means you are in the wrong website.

As the traveler you are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid, acceptable passport and any visas, entry and health requirements required for the whole of your trip. Please check with the appropriate consulate or embassy for the latest entry requirements into Colombia. Information about these matters or related items is given in good faith but without responsibility on our part.

Citizens of countries in Europe, North America, South America, and Central America do not require a visa to enter Colombia. There are some countries that require a visa to enter Colombia, and we recommend checking before you travel.

Please note that Canadian citizens are required to pay an entry fee. This fee must be paid during the immigration control process upon arrival in the country. The fee can be paid using a debit or credit card or in cash. The amount to be paid is $270,000 COP (approximately $90 CAD or its equivalent in Canadian dollars, based on the representative market exchange rate at the time of entry). This fee is charged in reciprocity for the costs incurred by the biometric data requirements imposed on Colombian nationals. As a Canadian citizen, please ensure you have the necessary funds available to cover this fee. Please note that this is not a visa fee and is paid at the entry border upon arriving to Colombia and you do not need to do anything beforehand.

Contact Us for visa requirements for specific countries.

Electricity in Colombia runs at 110 volts, the same as in the United States, so travelers from the US do not need a transformer, and the plugs are compatible. If you are coming from another region, converter plugs can be purchased at most airports, and many hotels also provide them on request.​

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Colombia’s climate varies mainly by altitude, so what you pack depends on the regions you visit. In general, Colombians dress casually, and comfortable walking shoes are essential. Because weather can shift quickly, especially in the mountains, it is always good to carry layers and a small umbrella.

Bogotá (high altitude) is the coolest major city. Days can be sunny and warm, but temperatures drop in the evening. A light jacket or sweater is important. Medellín and the Coffee Region are milder. You can wear a t-shirt during the day and carry a sweater for cooler mornings and nights. Sun can be strong during the day, so bring sunscreen and a hat. For hikes in Bogotá, Medellín and the Coffee Region, pack comfortable shoes with good grip, a rain jacket, long pants, and insect repellent.

Cartagena, Santa Marta and the Caribbean coast are hot and tropical. Bring beachwear, light summer clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and repellent. People tend to dress a bit nicer at night, although nothing formal is required.

If you plan to visit Tayrona, activewear, swimwear, and light long sleeves for sun and mosquito protection work best.

For the Amazon, pack light long-sleeved clothing, a rain jacket, a hat, repellent, a flashlight or headlamp, and comfortable shoes. Rubber boots are provided for jungle walks. Humidity is high, so bring several quick-dry shirts.

For off-the-beaten-path destinations like Minca, the Amazon, Caño Cristales, and the Coffee Region, essentials include a reusable water bottle, quick-dry clothing, a small backpack, a microfiber towel, sunscreen, repellent (note that some areas restrict repellents), and extra socks and shoes.

We also recommend bringing basic medications, sunscreen, shampoo, and anything you normally use, although major cities have excellent pharmacies and stores if you need to buy something.