Colombia was the first country outside the Philippines I stayed in for months. I learned the local bus routes, bought fruit every weekend at the market, and found my favorite little eatery.
It was also the first time I was in a long-term relationship while traveling. I navigated a whole new culture and rhythm with someone I met on the road (my now ex!). Messy, beautiful, unforgettable.
Before I even knew what “slow travel” meant, Colombia showed me what it felt like to truly live in a place—not just pass through. To build tiny routines. To know which corner store sells the best empanadas.
These guides are filled with the places and moments that made me fall for Colombia—the chaos, the calm, the color, and all the connection in between.
COLOMBIA TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links—that means that at no extra cost to you, I earn a small commission if you book through these links, and that helps me keep this blog running.
Best Time to Go
Dec–Mar (dry season) | July–Aug for festivals, coast trips
How Long
2–3 weeks for 2–3 cities; longer for regional travel
Daily Budget
$30–$60/day for budget travelers
Getting There
Fly into Bogotá, Medellín, or Cartagena (cheapest hubs)
colombia visa
90-day free visa on arrival |(extendable once)
colombia eSIM
Must-have for remote areas. $3 off code: GLADIS1238
travel insurance
Highly recommended for hiking and remote areas
colombia Custom ItinerarY
[Coming Soon]
Explore Colombia’s Cities

The Andean capital of art and altitude
Bogota
- 32 Best Bogota Things To Do
- The 12 Most Beautiful Day Trips From Bogota
- Take a Graffiti Walking Tour in La Candelaria
- Visit Monserrate for the Best View Over Bogotá
- Taste Exotic Fruits at Bogotá’s Paloquemao Market
- Taste Colombian Coffee in Bogota
- Spend a Day on a Colombian Coffee Farm
- Taste Colombian Cuisine in a Bogotá Food Tour
- Colombian Chocolate Workshop in Bogota
- See Bogota’s Barrios: El Paraíso Favela Tour with Cable Car
- Bogotá Essentials: Monserrate, Gold Museum & Botero
- Bike Through Bogotá on a City Highlights Tour
- Bogota Cultural Tour with Electric Scooter
- Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá Day Trip from Bogota
- Explore Zipaquirá & Guatavita: 5 Top Sites in Easy Day Trip
- Visit the Sacred Guatavita Lagoon from Bogotá
The Caribbean jewel of colors and colonial charm
Cartagena
- See & Taste Cartagena: Full-Day City and Food Tour
- Eat Like a Local: Cartagena Street Food Walking Tour
- Cook Like a Local in Cartagena: Gourmet Cooking Class
- Walking Tour of Cartagena’s Historic Center & Getsemani
- Cartagena Wall by Bike: History, Culture & Hidden Gems
- Cartagena Rooftops Nightlife Party with Drinks
- Bazurto Market Walking Tour: Cartagena’s Boldest Flavors
- Totumo Mud Volcano: Bathe in Colombia’s Natural Spa
- Explore the Best of the Rosario Islands on This Day Trip
- Island Day Trip to Rosario Islands + Playa Blanca
- Cartagena Sunset Cruise: A 2-Hour Caribbean Sail
- Rum & Chocolate Tasting in Cartagena
- Cartagena Coffee Tasting of Colombia’s Specialty Brews
- Mangrove Eco-Tour & Fishing in Cartagena


The city of eternal spring and transformation
Medellín
- Medellín Downtown Walking Tour
- The Real Pablo Escobar Tour in Medellín
- Comuna 13 True Story and Street Food Tour
- Comuna 13 + Street Art + Try Spray Painting Yourself!
- Medellín Nightlife: Rooftop Bars & Secret Clubs
- Medellín Salsa & Bachata Nightlife Tour
- Medellín Street Food Tour in El Poblado
- Medellín Exotic Fruit Tour
- Paragliding Adventure over Medellín (GoPro Included!)
- Guatapé Private Island + El Peñol Rock Climb
- Medellín Urban Coffee Tour in Barrio La Sierra
- Coffee Inspired Forest Spa Day from Medellín
- Arví Park Walking Tour + Epic Metrocable Views
- Guided Nature Hike Near Medellín
- Guatapé & El Peñol Day Trip from Medellín