Traveling to Colombia for the first time can feel exciting, a little overwhelming, and full of questions — especially if you’ve heard mixed opinions about safety, costs, and what to expect once you arrive.
During our 15–16 days in Colombia in March 2025, we explored Bogotá, Medellín, Guatapé, and a few smaller cities. Very quickly, we realized how much local advice and real-world experience can completely change the way you travel.
This trip wasn’t just about ticking destinations off a list. It was about slowing down, learning from locals, and discovering Colombia beyond the headlines. Along the way, we gathered practical insights that helped us feel more confident, comfortable, and connected to the places we visited.
In our latest YouTube video, Serge shares hands-on travel tips based on what we personally experienced, along with valuable advice from locals — including our friend and neighbour Andrea, who is originally from Bogotá. In this blog, we’re breaking everything down in a clear, friendly, and easy-to-follow way, sharing the tips we truly wish we had known before going so you can plan your own Colombia trip with confidence.
Feel free to watch our vlog for even more Colombia travel tips! ⤵️
DISCLOSURE NOTE: This blog post contains affiliate links to products and services we personally use, trust, and recommend. If you choose to purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us continue creating helpful travel content. Thank you for being part of our journey. 💙 ! Click here to learn more.
Why Trust Our Colombia Travel Tips?
We’re Eli & Serge from Discovering Destinations, and we’ve been traveling together for over 15 years, visiting 30+ countries across Europe, North America, South America, and beyond.
What makes this guide different?
- We actually visited these places
- We traveled with camera gear, backpacks, and real budgets
- We listened to local advice, not just tourist brochures
- We share what worked, what didn’t, and what we’d do again
This blog is not about selling a dream — it’s about helping you travel smarter, safer, and more confidently.
A big thank you to our friend and neighbour Andrea for helping make our time in Bogotá — and Colombia in general — such an amazing experience.
Flights to Colombia: Our Honest Advice (What We’d Do Differently)
When it comes to flights to Colombia, we learned an important lesson the hard way: cheaper doesn’t always mean better.
For context, our first time traveling to Colombia in March 2025, we flew from São Paulo to Bogotá with Avianca, since we were spending two months in Brazil visiting family. On the way back home, we flew from Bogotá to Montreal with Air Canada, which felt like a completely different experience.
Later on, while planning another trip, Serge also tested a cheaper long-distance route that involved a connection in Bogotá instead of flying direct. On paper, the price difference looked appealing — but in reality, it wasn’t worth it.
What we learned about flying Avianca long-distance:
One important thing we want to mention — especially for long-distance flights.
This year, we flew from Montreal to Bogotá with Avianca, and the experience was quite basic. What stood out the most was the lack of clear communication when our flight was delayed by about one hour. There was very little information provided, which added unnecessary stress.
Here’s what we experienced on that flight:
- Very basic service
- No complimentary food
- Not even water offered (we had to get up and ask for it)
- Tight seating and limited comfort
- The savings were minimal once everything was added up
For shorter regional flights, Avianca can be fine. However, for long-haul flights, especially from or to Canada, the lack of comfort really stood out.
Our recommendation:
- Choose direct flights when possible, especially when flying from Canada
- Airlines like Air Canada may cost a bit more, but offer:
- Better comfort
- More reliable service
- Less fatigue after landing
At the end of the day, saving around $100 isn’t worth arriving exhausted and uncomfortable — especially at the start or end of a long trip.
Entry Requirements for Colombia (Canadians)
The good news is that there was no visa required for Canadian citizens when we traveled to Colombia in March 2025. You only needed a passport valid for the duration of your stay.
Entry requirements, fees, and immigration rules may change. Always double-check the latest information through official Colombian government or tourism websites before your trip.
👉 Always double-check current entry rules before traveling, as requirements can change.
The reciprocity fee (for Canadians)
Although no visa was required, Canadians were asked to pay a reciprocity fee upon arrival.
What to expect at immigration:
- Canadians may be directed to a fast-track or diplomatic-style line
- Entry fee: approximately 187,000 COP (around $100 CAD)
- Payment is handled directly at immigration
Extra tip (important):
Since I (Eli) also hold a Brazilian passport, I did not have to pay the reciprocity fee. Entry requirements — and fees — can vary depending on your nationality.
Length of stay:
- After entry, you’re typically granted up to 90 days in the country
Return ticket checks:
- Some travelers mention being asked to show a return or onward ticket
- This did not happen to us, but it’s always smart to have proof ready, just in case
If you hold multiple passports:
Don’t show multiple passports unless specifically asked by immigration officials
Only present the passport you’re entering with
Quick arrival tip: At the airport in Colombia, you may need to pay a small fee to get a luggage cart. It’s not expensive, but it’s good to have some cash or be aware of it after a long flight.
Arrival Tip: Avoid Roaming Charges (Learn From Us 😅)
One of our first lessons happened right at the airport.
If you’re traveling with:
- A Canadian SIM or eSIM
- A newer iPhone (especially models without physical SIMs)
👉 Double-check airplane mode before landing.
I (Eli) accidentally turned data back on, which cost us $15 each time.
Now we:
- Turn airplane mode ON
- Disable home eSIM completely
- Use a travel eSIM or Wi-Fi instead
Small habit, big savings.
Pro tip: When traveling in Colombia, we used an eSIM to stay connected. We personally use Holafly for its unlimited data, which makes it incredibly easy to navigate, update maps, book transport, and add new places on the fly — without worrying about roaming charges.
Stay Connected Wherever You Travel
We’ve used Holafly eSIM in Colombia and other destinations, and it gave us reliable coverage with no roaming surprises. It helped us check transport, stay in touch with family, and share our journey as we traveled.
👉 Use our discount code DISCOVERINGDESTINATIONS
Enjoy 5% off any Holafly plan, for any destination, on your next purchase.
Getting to & Around Bogotá: Transfers, Uber & Local Tips
From El Dorado Airport to Your Hotel
When arriving in Bogotá, we planned our airport transfer in advance. Since we stayed at Fairfield by Marriott Bogota Embajada, the hotel offered a free airport transfer, which made our arrival smooth and stress-free.
If your hotel offers this service, we highly recommend using it. It removes a lot of uncertainty after a long flight.
If not, you still have good options:
- Taxis and private transfers
- Pre-booked transfers through GetYourGuide, where you can compare prices, read reviews, and know exactly what to expect before landing
Getting Around Bogotá Once You’re in the City
According to our friend Andrea, who is from Bogotá, Uber does not officially operate at the airport, although rules can feel unclear. Since we used a hotel transfer, we can’t confirm how strictly this is enforced on arrival.
Once you’re in the city, however, Uber operates in a legal gray zone, similar to how it once did in Montreal. In practice, many locals and travelers still use it.
Locals in Bogotá also rely heavily on TransMilenio, the city’s main bus rapid transit system. It’s efficient and widely used by residents, especially for commuting across longer distances.
That said, as visitors — especially first-time travelers — we personally found Uber to be affordable, more predictable, and more comfortable, particularly when moving between neighborhoods or carrying bags and camera equipment.
What we personally used:
- Uber (recommended by locals, including Andrea)
- Hotel shuttles, especially for airport transfers
- Walking during the day in tourist areas
- GetYourGuide for day trips from Bogotá, which made it easy to visit places like nearby attractions without worrying about transport or logistics
Overall, Uber felt safer and easier for us than taxis, while TransMilenio remains a solid option for locals who know the system well.
Extra Tip: If you’re new to Uber or want to save a little, you can use our Uber referral link/code for a discount on your first ride. (Copy our referral Uber Code – x1wvvpx3zfgn)
Is Colombia Safe to Travel To?
This is usually the first question we get — and honestly?
Yes, Colombia felt safe to us — with common sense.
Being Brazilian, I (Eli) know that South America can be challenging, especially in big cities like São Paulo or Bogotá, if you don’t know where you’re going. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit — it simply means that awareness matters.
What we recommend when walking around:
- Avoid flashing expensive gear or phones
- Use a money belt or RFID-blocking wallet/card sleeves
- Be extra cautious when carrying camera equipment
- Trust your instincts — if something feels off, move on
- If you don’t feel comfortable walking alone, join guided tours
- If local buses feel overwhelming, use Uber — it was affordable and we felt safe using it
A real moment from Bogotá:
Serge was photographing in La Candelaria, fully focused, when I noticed someone following him. Nothing happened, but it was a good reminder of how important it is to:
- Stay aware of your surroundings
- Avoid isolated streets, especially when carrying gear
If you’re traveling solo and don’t feel comfortable walking alone, guided tours are a great option and help you explore the city with more peace of mind.
Overall, we never felt unsafe during our trip — but we were carelike anywhere else, situational awareness is key.
Money in Colombia: Cash, ATMs & Cards
Colombia is more card-friendly than many people expect, we personally used lots of Credit Card — but cWhile credit cards are widely accepted in Colombia, cash still plays an important role — especially in local markets and smaller businesses. Knowing when to use each made our trip much smoother and helped us avoid unnecessary fees.
When we used credit cards:
- Cafés
- Uber rides
- Restaurants
- Larger stores and shopping areas
When cash is still useful:
- Food markets and street markets, such as Usaquén
- Street food vendors
- Small craft shops and local stalls
Carrying small amounts of cash is usually enough for day-to-day expenses.
ATM Safety Tips in Colombia
When withdrawing cash, a bit of awareness goes a long way.
What we recommend:
- Use ATMs inside banks or supermarkets
- Avoid outdoor ATMs, especially at night
- Choose busy, well-lit indoor locations
This simple rule helped us feel much more comfortable when taking out cash.
Extra Tip: How We Avoided High ATM Fees
Serge used his Tangerine card to withdraw cash at ATMs in Colombia, which helped us avoid extra withdrawal fees. This made a noticeable difference over the course of the trip.
👉 If you’re based in Canada and considering Tangerine, you can use Serge’s Orange Key: 47826980S1 to receive a $50 sign-up bonus.
(Always check current terms and conditions before signing up.)
Best Time to Visit Colombia
One thing that really surprised us was the weather difference after leaving São Paulo, Brazil, in March 2025. We were coming from warm, summery days and suddenly found ourselves in a much cooler and wetter climate once we arrived in Bogotá.
In Bogotá, we experienced cooler temperatures and several rainy days, and it was actually hard to catch a fully sunny day. That said, we still enjoyed the city a lot — we just had to adjust our expectations and dress accordingly.
Then came Medellín — and we immediately understood why locals call it “the City of Eternal Spring.” The weather there felt almost perfect: never too cold, never too hot. We absolutely loved it.
All of this is to say that Colombia doesn’t have traditional seasons like Canada or most of Europe. Instead, weather varies mainly by altitude and region.
Bogotá:
- Around 20°C year-round
- Frequent rain
- Layered clothing is essential
Medellín:
- Warmer and sunnier overall
- Around 25°C
- Still occasional rain showers
Our favorite time to visit:
- Winter months (December–March)
- A perfect escape from the Canadian cold
👉 Our tip for both cities:
No matter when you visit, we strongly recommend packing a lightweight rain jacket. Weather can change quickly, and having one made our days much more comfortable.
Where to Stay in Bogotá, Colombia
Choosing the right neighborhood can make a huge difference when visiting Bogotá, Colombia.
During our stay, we chose to stay near the airport at Fairfield by Marriott Bogota Embajada, mainly because Serge was able to use a great points deal. The hotel itself was comfortable and convenient, but being farther from the city center meant longer commutes to the touristic areas and lively neighbourhoods we wanted to explore.
After spending 7 full days in Bogotá, here are the neighbourhoods we personally recommend — based on how we experienced the city.
Zona T (my first pick for next time in Bogotá)
If we return, this would be my (Eli’s) top choice for accommodation.
- Modern, lively, and felt safe
- Plenty of restaurants, bars, and shopping
- A great base for first-time visitors
- Easy to get around using Uber
La Candelaria (historic & touristic)
La Candelaria is the cultural heart of Bogotá and absolutely worth visiting.
- Beautiful colonial architecture
- Museums, street art, and history everywhere
- Best explored during the day
We personally preferred Zona T for accommodation and visited La Candelaria during daylight hours, which felt like the best balance for us.
What to Pack for Colombia
Packing smart makes Colombia much more comfortable.
Essentials:
- Lightweight rain jacket (packable)
- Layers (t-shirts + light sweaters)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Small backpack
- Reusable water bottle (buy filtered water)
Weather can change fast — especially in Bogotá.
Bonus: Don’t forget to download our FREE Travel Essentials Checklist at the end to get organized fast and pack like a pro.
Do You Need Spanish in Colombia?
You don’t need to be fluent in Spanish to travel in Colombia, but knowing a few basic phrases goes a long way. Locals really appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.
Essential Spanish Phrases Table
| Spanish Phrase | English Meaning | When to Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Hola | Hello | Greeting people |
| Gracias | Thank you | Everywhere, all the time |
| Por favor | Please | Ordering food, asking for help |
| ¿Cuánto cuesta? | How much does it cost? | Shopping, markets, taxis |
| Disculpe / Perdón | Excuse me / Sorry | Getting attention or passing by |
| ¿Habla inglés? | Do you speak English? | When you need help |
| ¿Habla inglés? | Do you speak English? | When you need help |
| La cuenta, por favor | The bill, please | Restaurants and cafés |
Locals truly appreciate the effort.
Apps like Babbel, Duolingo, or even ChatGPT are great tools before your trip.
Pro tip: When traveling in Colombia, we used an eSIM to stay connected. We personally use Holafly for its unlimited data, which makes it incredibly easy to navigate, update maps, book transport, and add new places on the fly — without worrying about roaming charges.
Stay Connected Wherever You Travel
We’ve used Holafly eSIM in Colombia and other destinations, and it gave us reliable coverage with no roaming surprises. It helped us check transport, stay in touch with family, and share our journey as we traveled.
👉 Use our discount code DISCOVERINGDESTINATIONS
Enjoy 5% off any Holafly plan, for any destination, on your next purchase.
Coffee Culture in Colombia (Don’t Skip This!)
Colombia’s coffee scene is incredible — and very different from chain cafés.
What to look for:
- Specialty or “special coffee”
- Ask about:
- Honey process
- Washed vs natural
- Origin regions
One of our favorite spots was Matuka, where coffee tasting felt personal and educational.
Skip the international chains — Colombia deserves better.
Must-Do Experiences Near Bogotá, Colombia
Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
- Easy day trip
- Often includes:
- Transport
- Lunch
- Nearby town visit
A great introduction to Colombian history and culture.
Final Thoughts: Is Colombia Worth Visiting? Absolutely — Yes.
Colombia truly surprised us, and in the best possible way. The country offers an incredible mix of:
- Mountains, cities, beaches, and jungle
- A rich culture and genuinely welcoming people
- Affordable travel once you arrive
- Incredible food — and some of the best coffee in the world
So far, we’ve visited Bogotá, where we had the opportunity to explore the stunning Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral on a day trip. Many travellers skip Bogotá or only stay briefly, but for us, it became one of the most memorable parts of our journey.
We also visited Medellín, which we absolutely loved — so much that we would happily go back and spend more time there. Medellín offers a wide range of things to do, great day trips (including our visit to Guatapé), and what locals perfectly describe as spring-like weather all year round.
There’s still so much of Colombia we’d love to explore. One destination high on our list is San Andrés, a beach paradise our friend and neighbour Andrea couldn’t stop recommending.
Based on everything we’ve experienced so far, we wholeheartedly recommend Colombia. We hope our Colombia blogs and vlogs help you plan a trip that feels not only well-organized, but also meaningful and memorable — just like ours.
If you found these tips helpful, save this post for later and follow us for more Colombia travel guides!
Watch the Full Video 🎥
This blog is based on our real journey and our latest YouTube video where Serge shares even more details.
👉 Watch the video on our Discovering Destinations YouTube channel
👉 Save this post for later and share it with someone planning Colombia
If you have questions — drop them in the comments. We’re happy to help you plan smarter and travel better ✈️🌎
Eli & Serge | Discovering Destinations
Travel Planning Just Got Easier — Meet Your New AI Travel Planner
We designed this eBook to help you filter the noise, save time, and build trips that fit your travel style perfectly. Because the less time you spend planning, the more time you have to explore.
- Save hours of research with smart AI prompts
- Build itineraries tailored to your travel style
- Learn how to avoid overwhelm and plan confidently
- Based on real trips to 30+ countries
- Bonus: Create your own AI Travel Avatar
✨ Start planning trips that feel effortless — and unforgettable.
