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:
- 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.
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.
Accidentally turning data back on cost us $15 per mistake.
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.
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 — but cash still matters.
Our tips:
- Use credit cards for:
- Cafés
- Uber
- Restaurants
- Carry small amounts of cash for:
- Markets
- Street food
- Small shops
ATM safety:
- Use ATMs inside banks or supermarkets
- Avoid outdoor machines at night
A simple rule: busy, well-lit, indoor locations are best.
Entry Requirements for Colombia (Canadians)
Good news — no visa required for Canadians.
However, there is a reciprocity fee.
What to expect:
- Canadians may be directed to a fast-track line
- Entry fee: approx. 187,000 COP (around $100 CAD)
- Payment happens at immigration
If you hold multiple passports, follow the officer’s instructions carefully and don’t present more than requested.
Best Time to Visit Colombia
Colombia doesn’t have traditional seasons like Canada or Europe.
Bogotá:
- Around 20°C year-round
- Frequent rain
- Layered clothing is essential
Medellín:
- Warmer and sunnier
- Around 25°C
- Still occasional rain showers
Our favorite time:
- Winter months (December–March)
- Perfect escape from Canadian cold
Getting Around: Uber, Walking & Transport
Uber operates in a legal gray zone, similar to how it once did in Montreal.
What we used:
- Uber (recommended by locals, including Andrea)
- Hotel shuttles from the airport
- Walking during the day in tourist areas
Uber felt safer and more predictable than taxis.
Where to Stay in Bogotá, Colombia
Choosing the right neighbourhood makes a huge difference.
Neighborhoods we recommend:
Zona T
- Modern, lively, and safe
- Restaurants, bars, shopping
- Great base for first-time visitors
La Candelaria
- Beautiful architecture
- Cultural heart of the city
- Best explored during the day
We personally preferred Zona T for accommodation and visited La Candelaria during daylight hours.
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 — but basic Spanish goes a long way.
Helpful phrases:
- Hola / Gracias
- ¿Cuánto cuesta?
- Por favor
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 offers:
- Mountains, cities, beaches, and jungle
- Rich culture and welcoming people
- Affordable travel once you arrive
- Incredible food and coffee
Many travellers skip Bogotá — but for us, it became one of the most memorable parts of our trip.
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.
