Tour Colombia: The Ultimate Guide

Colombia is a special country with many, various sights. Where for a long time it was considered 'dangerous', it now welcomes tourists with open arms. Whether you want to visit a vibrant city, soak up architecture, relax on the beach or go into the jungle - Colombia is a country with many faces and here it's all possible!

1. Characteristics Colombia

Enjoy a fascinating tour of Colombia. With all the information in this article you will make sure you are well prepared for your trip. We give you all the details about the best travel time, tips to go on holiday safely and of course the sights you should not miss during your holiday to Colombia.

2. Preparation tour Colombia

If you travel to Colombia you do not need a visa. Upon arrival in the country you will receive a certificate of permission to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days. And a valid passport is required. By the way, when packing your suitcase do not forget an adapter or travel plug, because the sockets are different from those in the Netherlands

Check if you need vaccinations for a Columbia tour. Vaccinations against Yellow Fever, Diphtheria, Tetanus and Polio (DTP) and Hepatitis A are recommended. In addition, personal vaccinations may be required, depending on your personal situation. You can discuss your situation and travel plans during a consultation at the vaccination agency in your area. It is advisable to visit this office at least 4 to 6 weeks before departure. During the consultation hour you will receive tailor-made advice on which vaccinations you need. Since the most common vaccinations are in stock, they can often be set immediately. And if you don't have a vaccination booklet yet, you will get it right away.

The costs for the vaccinations and the consultation change per vaccination agency and you can inquire at the office in your region. In general, a consultation costs around €22. Furthermore, you pay around €25 for the DTP vaccination, around €50 for the vaccination against yellow fever and on average €55 for the vaccinations against Hepatitis A. Don't forget to contact your health insurance, because there are insurers with additional packages that reimburse travel vaccinations.

Good to know in advance: As a tourist you don

3. Travel advice Colombia

From the government, safety risks are reported for certain parts of Colombia. Luckily there are parts where, provided you pay attention and follow the safety tips, you can travel well. However, there are also parts for which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicates that you should not travel. If you are here, the embassy can also offer limited help in case of problems. This also applies to areas for which it is advised to only travel in case of necessity. Here, too, the advice is to only travel under the supervision of experienced Colombian business partners or guides. They know the area well and are aware of the latest security situation. By the way, there are many landmines in these areas.

In cities there are large demonstrations in which shops and buildings are plundered and destroyed. The Colombian security services are cracking down on them. They can use tear gas, for example. A curfew or alcohol ban can also be imposed. You can follow the local news for the latest developments. Of course you have to follow the instructions of the local authorities, should you unexpectedly end up in a situation.

FARC-movement is one of them. Despite the fact that they mainly focus on government targets, civilians and tourists can become victims of the violence. At your destination you can ask about the current security situation. Don't be surprised if you see many refugees on the streets of Colombia. Millions of people have fled to Colombia from neighbouring Venezuela because of the political unrest in the country. However, the shelter for them is poorly arranged or does not exist at all. We also like to share some tips for a safe trip through Colombia:

• In a number of large cities such as Medellín and on the Caribbean coast there is child sex tourism. In Colombia, as in the Netherlands, child abuse is punishable by severe penalties.
• In the big cities you can't visit poor neighbourhoods for your own safety.
• After sunset, it's better not to walk down the street.
• Always be on your guard, even during the day. Most robberies take place during the day.
• If you need money, it is best to use an ATM in a shopping mall or in banks with visible guards. Do not withdraw money at ATMs on public roads.
• Please make sure, for example in places of entertainment, that you do not put drugs in your food or drink. This is done to rob you or sexually abuse you afterwards.

4. Best travel time for Colombia

Colombia has a tropical climate, with few temperature differences throughout the year. This is because the country is situated near the equator. So you can enjoy temperatures between 25 and 30 degrees Celcius. In the country you can encounter differences, given the differences in altitude. The rainy season can also vary slightly. As a tourist you will best visit Colombia during the dry season. This is from December to March and in July and August. In this period most cultural events and festivals take place. And the colombians often have holidays in these periods themselves and then go on a trip in their own country. Keep in mind that on holidays it can be busier with transport and that prices of for example hotels can be higher than usual.

5. Transportation during a holiday to Colombia

From Amsterdam (Schiphol) you can take a direct flight to Bogota, the capital of Colombia. In about 11 ½ hours you will set foot on the ground in this South American country. Flights to the other major cities Medellín and Cali take longer. Take into account a flight time of 12 and almost 13 hours respectively. Colombia is a large country and to get from A to B, you can choose from different transport methods. For example, take a domestic flight from one place to another. These are very cheap and prevent you from having to sit in the bus for hours. And when booking a ticket, the earlier you book in advance, the lower the price.

5.1. Travel me by bus

Another way is the bus. Colombia has a good bus network with connections between all destinations. Also in the big cities you will find city buses in different types and sizes. Generally for the larger roads, buses to and from and reservations are not necessary. Tickets can be bought at the bus terminal of the city where you want to take the bus. You can choose from different classes. If you want to relax or sleep, choose the most expensive variant where you can put your seat all the way to the back. Don't forget to bring a cardigan, because the air conditioning can be hard to get on. By the way, it is recommended to only travel during the day, as armed gangs sometimes rob buses.

5.2. Metro

If you want to travel in Medellin, you can choose the subway. This is the only city in the whole country with a subway. You can quickly get from one point to another. In the big cities you can also take a taxi. If you are not afraid of an overcrowded taxi, go with a 'colectivo'. These are shared taxis that leave when they are full. They drive to specific destinations at a fixed rate.

5.3. Taxi

Domestic taxis can also offer a standard fare for certain journeys. However, always agree on the price in advance so that you don't get into an argument afterwards. However, do not just keep a taxi on the street. And don't board a taxi that offers you a ride without having asked for it. You can order a reliable taxi from a kiosk at the airport. Or use the EasyTaxi App to pick up registered taxis in major cities.

5.4. Rent a car

You can also rent a car for your tour of Colombia. This way you can see a lot of the country on the way. However, stay on the main roads, always be alert and travel outside the city only during the day. Since the signage is not everywhere, it is advisable to use a navigation system. Also be careful not to close your car. You can rent a car in the big cities or at the airport. Compare the prices in advance, as these may vary per season and per provider. When renting a car is a Dutch driver's license valid in Colombia. It is recommended to bring an international driver's license as well, just to be on the safe side. You can apply for this at the ANWB.

6. Sights of Colombia

What are real "must-sees" for your tour of Colombia? Here you will find colonial cities, impressive national parks, ruins in the jungle and tropical beaches with a huge underwater world to discover. We are happy to list no less than 17 sights for you.

6.1. Punto Gallinas

The northernmost tip of Colombia in La Guajira province is Punta Gallinas. This is an almost virgin place full of imposing dunes and rocky plateaus and cliffs emerging from the sea. In the neighborhood live about 100 people who belong to the ethnic group Wayúu. This is one of the few South American cultures where the ancestral traditions have been kept intact. The sights consist of an 18 meter high lighthouse and dunes of up to 60 meters high. This may not seem like much, but the attraction of this place is the virginity, the silence and the many stars you will see in the sky.

To get to Punto Gallinas, you must first go to Riohacha, the capital of this province. From here you can join a group or arrange transport to Uribía yourself. This is the last city before you reach Cabo de la Vela. From here you can arrange transport to Punto Gallinas. The trip from Cabo de la Vela to Punto Gallinas takes about 3 to 4 hours in a van.

6.2. Tayrona National Park

In the north of Colombia lies one of the most important natural parks of the country: Tayrona National Park. It is home to a large number of animals, many of which specifically belong to the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountain range. The flora and fauna can be found scattered throughout the park with different thermal areas. The park covers sea level and runs up to an altitude of 900 meters.

Tayrona covers a total area of around 180 km2, of which around 150 km2 is land and the rest is the maritime area in the Caribbean Sea. The national flower of Colombia is the orchid, which is often found in this region. The park is further characterized by its tropical landscape, which is formed by coral, white beaches, rocky coastline, mangroves and lagoons. In the wooded area live among others tigers, jaguars and puma's.

6.3. Ciudad Perdida

In Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in the north of Colombia lies the lost city, La Ciudad Perdida. This is the archaeological site of an ancient mountain town that can only be reached by a multi-day trek. This trek is suitable for people with good physical condition and stamina, as it is demanding. However, if you are looking for a unique experience, love nature and are interested in archaeological sites, this is highly recommended.

The old mountain town lies at an altitude of about 1200 metres and was founded around 650 AD. It is estimated that the city was as much as 10 times larger than Machu Picchu in Peru. The city is completely included in the mountainous area. Everything is built with stones and adapted to withstand the annual rainfall on this steep terrain. At its peak, around 8,000 people lived there. The suspicion is that the city was abandoned during the Spanish conquest. And that the Spaniards set the city on fire.

6.4. Cartagena

In the north of Colombia lies one of South America's liveliest cities: Cartagena.This city is steeped in 500 years of history with piracy, wars and slavery. You will also come across ´palenqueras´ here. These are women in colorful dresses balancing bowls of tropical fruit on their heads. If you take a picture of them, don't forget to give them something for this. You can walk around on your own or join a walking tour that will tell you all the details of the Walled city. By the way, keep in mind that prices in Cartagena are higher than in the rest of the country.

6.5. Walled city of Cartagena

The old town of Cartagena is surrounded by a fortress and massive walls up to 20 meters thick and kilometers long. The fort dates back to the 16th century and was built by the Spaniards to protect the city from pirate attacks. The old city, the Walled City of Cartagena, should certainly not be missed on your visit list during a tour of Colombia. Walk through the narrow, colorful streets and enjoy the romance of the historic squares.

6.6. Museo del Oro

In Cartagena there is also the Museo del Oro (the gold museum). Here you will find an extensive collection of pre-Columbian gold and other metal objects. The museum contains the largest collection of gold artefacts in the world. Discover how the people of Colombia lived before the Spanish conquest. You can also view all kinds of objects made of stone and wood, for example, by indigenous groups.

6.7. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

During the colonial era, the Spanish built the fort Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. This defensive complex is strategically located on the hill of San Lázaro near Cartagena to repel attacks from the city by land or sea. The castle is well preserved and open to visitors. There is plenty to discover at the huge fortress. And this starts already at the large entrance that immediately catches the eye. During a tour you can see the walls that are wide at the bottom and narrow towards the parapet to form the bunkers. And be careful not to get lost in the complex maze of tunnels. By the way, don't forget to climb to the top from where you'll have a magnificent view over the walled city.

6.8. Parque Explora

During a tour of Colombia and your visit to Medellín you should definitely go to the Parque Explora. This is an interactive science museum. Here you will find the largest freshwater aquarium in South America. The museum also includes 300 interactive attractions, as well as a planetarium and, for example, a 3D auditorium. There is a whole section built in the open air where you will find experiences related to various physical phenomena. There is also a separate area for children up to 5 years old where they can build, discover, climb and other activities that stimulate their motor skills.

6.9. Laguna de Guatape

The Laguna de Guatape is a breeding ground for algae and river plants. The creation of this lagoon has taken quite some time. The land used to be used for the cultivation of vegetables such as tomatoes, onions and corn. In 1978, however, the land was flooded to form the lagoon. Join a boat tour and enjoy the different landscapes and the houses at the lake. Depending on the tour you will also visit El Peñón de Guatapé. This is a rock formation that was formed 70 million years ago along the Antioquia rock base. Two-thirds of its weight is underground. Above the ground there is vertically about 200 meters visible. Via a staircase on the side of the rock you can reach the top in more than 649 steps. At the top you can enjoy a spectacular view in all directions.

6.10. Kasaguadua Natural Reserve

In the coffee region of Colombia lies the Kasaguadua Natural Reserve. Here you can enjoy an unforgettable experience of flora and fauna in their natural environment. The rainforest includes mountain landscapes and various natural sources. The aim of this park is to have as little influence as possible on the natural environment and to preserve the ecosystem. Enjoy a guided tour through the rainforest. Or stay a night in the middle of nature. It is all possible here. The park is located 2.6 kilometers from Salento. This place can be reached by bus or with a (domestic) flight. From there you will have to walk the last stretch.

6.11. Cocora Valley

The Cocora valley is world famous for its beautiful landscape. The wax palm, Colombia's national tree, is often found here. These wax palms measure more than 60 metres, which makes them the tallest in the world. The Cocora Valley lies at an altitude of 1800 to 2400 meters. The surrounding mountains ensure that the Pacific winds do not affect the valley. It rains here almost daily and the humid climate has created a cloud forest. You will therefore find a multitude of flora and fauna here, many of which are threatened with extinction.

During a trip through the Cocora Valley, good footwear is indispensable. If you fancy a long ride, you can walk the classic 5-hour Cocora Valley route. You'll pass through different landscapes to reach the wax palms. If you're less fit you can also take the short route which will take you to the palms in about 30 minutes.

6.12. Bosques de Cocora

In the Cocora valley lies Bosques de Cocora. If you are looking for activities to do in nature, you have come to the right place. In order to attract tourists to this place, several activities have been set up under the name "Bosque de Cocora". You can go for a walk with a guide while enjoying the biodiversity of the valley. Go birdwatching, ride a horse through the rivers and mountains, camp in nature or enjoy the traditional gastronomy.

6.13. Mount Monserrate

The centre of the capital Bogotá is dominated by the 3000 meter high mountain: Monserrate. Not to be confused with the Catalan mountain Montserrat in Spain, where it is named after. On top is a monastery that was built in the 17th century. To get to the top you can take a funicular, a funicular or you can walk. At the top you can enjoy the centre of Bogotá and views over the city around. Mount Monserrate is a popular destination to enjoy a sunset over the city.

6.14. Museo Botero del Banco de la República

In the La Candelaria district of Bogotá you can view one of South America's most important art collections. The Museo Botero includes more works of art by more than 85 prominent Colombian and international artists. The permanent collection includes art by Fernando Botero, Salvador Dalí, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso, among others. It is housed in a colonial house that has been made suitable to exhibit an art collection.

6.15. Zoologico de Cali

In the city of Cali, in western Colombia, you will find the Zoo of Cali. The mission of this zoo is to improve the natural environment of the animals and to take care of them. Various educational and recreational programs are organized. There are about 180 animal species in the Zoo of Cali and about 1200 animals. The park is divided into five sectors for the different inhabitants: primates, butterflies, ocean and river fish, amphibians and reptiles and birds. In ce Cali Zoo you will find more than 800 different species of butterflies. And in the sea area you will find various freshwater and saltwater aquariums. Walk through the zoo and enjoy the many different animals from both Colombia and other countries.

6.16. Las Lajas Sanctuary

In the south-western tip of Colombia lies ´El Santuario de la Virgen de Las Lajas´. This is a basilica built in a gorge, 100 metres high from the ground, with a 50 metre wide bridge connecting it to the other side of the gorge and through which a river flows. The current basilica has a Gothic style and was built from 1916 in 33 years. This special basilica is definitely worth a visit.

It is a place of pilgrimage where an image of maria in the rocks can be seen which is worshipped as miraculous. The story goes that this painting would have appeared in the 18th century, when an Indian mother and her daughter were hiding in the gorge. The deaf-mute daughter saw an apparition of Mary here after which she could suddenly talk. As a reminder of the event, a painting was left in the rocks. However, this is not the only legend told about Las Lajas Sanctuary. For example, there is also an image of Mary with Jesus at the end of the church behind the altar of which no one knows who made it.

6.17. Providencia

Isla Providencia is located in the Caribbean Sea, halfway between the route to Costa Rica and Jamaica. This beautiful island has retained its traditional beauty, given its location and the fact that there is no direct flight from mainland Colombia. The island, also called Pld Providence, has a volcanic landscape, which is lush and hilly. To get here you may need to take a somewhat complex route. But the island makes this worth it. In this tropical paradise you can still enjoy an authentic Caribbean life. To get here you can take a flight from the mainland to the island of San Andrés. From here you can either travel with a domestic flight to Providencia or by catamaran. For the latter option, take into account possible boat sickness, as the trip is very agile at sea.

On the island you can enjoy various activities in the surrounding sea such as snorkeling, kayaking or a catamaran trip. Diving is also very popular here. The coral reef of Providencia is over 33 kilometers long and is described as one of the most beautiful in the world.

7. Book a trip to Colombia: compare accommodations and providers

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