Ready to wake up and smell some of the world’s best coffee?
From Bogota's art-filled streets and delicious eats to Cartagena’s monasteries, mansions and salsa-filled plazas, Colombia offers a tantalising mix of old and new. But go beyond the cities, and you’ll discover mountains that collide with the coast, valleys filled with the world’s tallest trees and ancient ruins that predate Machu Picchu. Whether you're meeting Indigenous leaders on a trek to the Lost City of Teyuna, unwinding on Tayrona’s powdery beaches or staying on a traditional ranch deep in coffee country, the colours and rhythms of Colombia are impossible to forget.
There is always a good time to visit Colombia, as the seasons vary throughout the country. While the climate generally remains constant throughout the year, the temperature can change depending on where you are. In the far north, the climate is usually tropical, warm and humid, while central Colombia can get quite cool - Bogota is known for its mild temperatures, particularly at night.
The wet season is roughly from March to May and September to November, although this varies around the country. December to March is the peak travel period due to the dry conditions and holidays and festivals that proliferate across the country. During this time, expect more sunshine, but also more people competing for space in the cities and tourist regions.
Visitors from over 102 countries can enter Colombia without requiring a visa for a maximum of 90 days for tourist purposes. These countries include the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Travellers not from a visa-exempt country can apply for a tourist visa online or at the nearest Colombian embassy or consulate.
However, this is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates.
Internet is easy to access at internet cafes and hotels in Colombia’s larger cities, although may be harder to find in more remote areas.
Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Colombia's large cities and urban areas. Coverage may not be available in more remote areas, especially mountainous regions. Ensure global roaming is activated with your service provider before leaving home.
Western-style flushable toilets are the standard in Colombia. It’s a good idea to carry some toilet paper with you as it’s not always provided. As a rule, never flush toilet paper. The toilets in Colombia can’t handle the paper so there’s usually a wastebasket provided to use instead.
Credit cards are usually accepted by hotels, large retailers and tourist sites but are less commonly accepted by smaller vendors in rural areas. Always carry enough cash for smaller purchases in case credit cards are not an option.
ATMs are widely available in larger cities like Bogota and Medellin but are less common in small villages or rural areas. Make sure you have enough cash before leaving urban areas.
No vaccines are required in order to enter Colombia but some are recommended for protection against disease. Visit your doctor or travel clinic for advice and make sure to schedule vaccinations 4-6 weeks before your departure date, as some require time to become effective.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.