UK
Rhythm, Rainforest & Reinvention
From Caribbean beaches and Amazon jungles to Andean cities and coffee-covered hills, Colombia is a country reborn. For UK travellers, it offers vibrant culture, stunning biodiversity, and a warm welcome that defies outdated stereotypes.
Air Travel
Flights from London to Bogotá take around 11–13 hours with stopovers, typically via Madrid, Amsterdam, or Miami. Domestic flights are essential for reaching coastal and jungle regions.
Airlines
Iberia, KLM, Avianca, and LATAM offer international routes. Domestic carriers include Avianca, LATAM Colombia, and Satena.
Cheap flights to Colombia
Colombia
Rhythm, Rainforest & Reinvention
Landmark
Travel Season
- December–March & July–August: Dry season, ideal for sightseeing
- April–June & September–November: Rainy, but fewer tourists
- Climate varies by region—Caribbean is tropical, Andes are cooler
Currency & Money Tips
- Currency: Colombian Peso (COP)
- Cards accepted in cities; cash preferred in rural areas
- ATMs widely available
- Tipping: 10% in restaurants is standard
Connectivity
- Good Wi-Fi in cities and tourist hubs
- Local SIMs: Claro, Movistar, Tigo
- Coverage drops in remote jungle and mountain areas
Getting Around
- Domestic flights for long distances
- Long-distance buses are affordable and scenic (Expreso Bolivariano, Flota Occidental)
- Ride apps (Uber, DiDi) in major cities
- No rail network for tourists
Time Zone
- Colombia Time (COT) – GMT-5 (no daylight saving)
Etiquette & Culture
- Spanish is the official language; English spoken in tourist areas
- Colombians are warm, proud, and family-oriented
- Greet with a handshake or cheek kiss
- Respect for local customs and indigenous communities is key
Top Destinations
- Bogotá: Museums, Monserrate hill, and street art
- Cartagena: Colonial charm and Caribbean beaches
- Medellín: Urban renewal and cultural vibrancy
- Salento: Coffee farms and wax palm forests
- Santa Marta: Gateway to Tayrona and Lost City treks
- San Andrés: Island paradise with turquoise waters
fastfood Food & Drink
- Must-try: Arepas, Bandeja Paisa, Ajiaco (chicken soup), Empanadas
- Drinks: Colombian coffee, aguardiente (anise liqueur), fresh fruit juices
- Tap water is safe in Bogotá and Medellín; bottled recommended elsewhere
- Chocolate with cheese is a local delicacy!
personal_bag What to Pack
- Layers for altitude changes
- Waterproof gear for rainforest and coast
- Power adapter (Type A/B – 110V)
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, and altitude medication
Best Time to Visit
- Dry season (Dec–Mar, Jul–Aug): Best for sightseeing and trekking
- Coffee harvest (Oct–Dec): Great for visiting fincas
- Carnival in Barranquilla (Feb): One of Latin America’s biggest festivals
health_and_safety Safety & Health
- Colombia is safe in most tourist areas; avoid border zones and rural conflict regions
- Emergency number: 123
- Travel insurance is essential
- Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever (for Amazon); mosquito precautions advised
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Bogota
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Cali
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Cartagena
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Armenia
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