An astonishing country situated in the South American continent, Colombia emerges to be a stunning destination for tourists owing to its lively culture
and contrasting landscape. Its diverse wildlife, complemented by marvellous beaches and hospitality, makes it a favourable destination for travellers.
While this country has the best coffee that you have ever tasted, its neighbourhood is abundant in friendly people and a rich lifestyle. Cambodia also has the largest number of bird species, along with a distinctive wildlife.
However, it is necessary to consider a few essential details that can assist you in having a memorable trip packed with adventure, thrill, and comfort. You can remember these crucial points before you prepare for your journey to Colombia.
Visa Requirements
The foremost necessity before scheduling your trip is to check whether your country’s citizens require a Visa to visit Colombia. The citizens of the United States, South Korea, Canada, and the majority of European countries don’t require a Visa for a short vacation of a maximum of 90 days.
However, citizens from other countries need an approved Visa to visit Colombia. Therefore, we advise you to consult your local Colombian embassy or consulate to have a better understanding of the Visa requirements for your specific region.
Nevertheless, if you need a Visa to visit Colombia, you can apply for a Colombian Visa on its official website after gathering the essential documents, including a valid passport and income proof.
Safety Concerns
The Colombian safety standards have been prominently improved over the last few years, as they have implemented strict security protocols, including the adoption of the UN’s systemised technical regulations.
However, the risk of minor criminal activity persists around the Colombian streets, such as pickpocketing and bag or chain snatching. Hence, we advise being cautious and watching out for your belongings in public areas and crowded spots.
It is also suggested to avoid visiting certain areas of Colombia, including Venezuela, due to certain conflicts and security issues. Therefore, we advise avoiding Venezuela as it has been the zone of several criminal activities, including kidnapping, wrongful detention and can pose several other risks to travellers.
Language Barriers
One of the major problems that travellers face while touring Colombia is the lack of ability to interact with Colombian people, as Spanish is their native language and only a few portion of the citizens speak English.
While the indigenous language of Colombia is Spanish, and the majority of the public communicates in only Spanish, a segment of their community, especially those in the tourism industry, knows how to converse in English.
However, if you are visiting Colombia, we advise you to learn a few of the basic Spanish phrases or use certain translation apps that can assist you in having a formal conversation with the locals.
Also, we suggest having a basic understanding of Spanish if you are planning to explore remote areas and discover offbeat locations.
Climate and Weather
Since Colombia is a tropical country, and its weather varies based on the region and the month of the year, it is advisable to pack your belongings depending on the season and the weather forecast.
Colombia’s climate varies with different times of the year as it has two primary seasons, comprising a dry season from December to March and from July to August. While their rainy season lasts from April to May and from October to November.
However, we suggest planning your trip during the dry season as it will give you a soothing experience on its beaches and a better opportunity to explore Colombia’s vibrant cities.
Transportation Options
Colombia has a remarkable infrastructure complemented by an advanced transportation system with easily available facilities, including domestic flights, trains, transit systems, and buses. While it is well-equipped for its citizens, the tourists might face certain challenges in navigating its transportation infrastructure.
If you’re touring Colombia’s metropolises, including Bogotá and Medellín, you will face difficulties in navigating the routes in the public transportation systems, as it is majorly overcrowded and confusing. Also, we suggest using taxis or ride-sharing services for a seamless travelling experience.
However, if you plan to discover certain remote areas, you can hire a local guide or a private driver. Even so, it is worth considering opting for a reputable company that offers Colombia tours to explore a few of the country’s marvellous locations.
Food and Drink
Colombia is widely popular for its vast range of delicious cuisines that are prepared from fresh and local ingredients. If you are exploring the vibrant cities of Colombia, we suggest trying out some of their mouth-watering dishes, including bandeja paisa, ajiaco, beans, meat, and a hearty platter of rice.
A savoury chicken and potato soup or freshly prepared fried eggs are among the favourite dishes of the locals. Nevertheless, if you are in Colombia, don’t forget to try out its freshly-brewed premium coffee, which is highly rated for its rich quality.
Conclusion
Colombia is a buzzing destination for tourists that has something to suit the thrill of every kind of traveller. However, we advise that you keep these suggestions in mind before planning your trip to Colombia for a pleasant, joyful and remarkable experience.
While the vibrant streets of Bogotá give a staggering experience, the beaches of Cartagena give a relaxing and soothing experience.
No matter if you trek through the dense rainforests of the Amazon or savour the delicacies from some of its popular cafes, we promise that you will have a memory that you will cherish for a lifetime. So why wait any longer? Start planning your Colombian adventure today!
