COLOMBIA
Welcome to Colombia, where every corner feels like it was plucked straight from a postcard—and then sprinkled with a little bit of magic. Of all of the countries I have visited, Colombia is hands-down one of the most epically beautiful. Picture lush valleys so green they make your favorite shade of emerald jealous, snowy mountain peaks that flirt with the clouds, waterfalls that could be straight out of a fairy tale, and beaches with white sand that feels like powdered sugar under your feet.
Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let’s dive into Colombia’s vibrant heart, where nature, culture, and a whole lot of fun collide!
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THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN COLOMBIA
Hike Through Tayrona National Park: Wander through one of Colombia’s most stunning national parks, where jungle meets the Caribbean coast. Discover hidden beaches, ancient ruins, and lush landscapes that make every step feel like an adventure.
Go Fishing for Piranhas: Get your adrenaline pumping by fishing for these infamous, sharp-toothed fish in the Amazonian rivers. It's a thrilling, unique experience that will give you a real taste of life in the wild.
Explore the Rich History of Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Medellín: Step back in time as you stroll through the colonial streets of Cartagena, explore the historic landmarks of Santa Marta, and dive into the transformation story of Medellín—each city offering its own vibrant slice of Colombian culture.
Canoe Through Mangrove Forests: Glide through the serene mangrove forests along Colombia’s coast, where you’ll be surrounded by wildlife and can experience the tranquility of these unique ecosystems.
Paraglide in Medellín: Soar above Medellín’s breathtaking landscapes and enjoy the unique perspective of this vibrant city from the sky. Paragliding offers an exhilarating way to see the beauty of the region.
Hike in Cocora Valley, Salento: Trek through the stunning Cocora Valley, home to Colombia’s iconic wax palms and towering mountain landscapes. It's a hiker's paradise and a photographer's dream come true.
Stargaze in the Desert: Escape to the vast, open desert skies and stargaze in one of the clearest skies on Earth. The solitude and beauty of the desert make it the perfect place for a night under the stars.
Dance the Night Away to Energetic Colombian Music: Let the rhythm of salsa, cumbia, and reggaeton take over as you hit the dance floors of Colombia’s lively nightlife scene. Whether you're a pro or a beginner, the energy is contagious!
Dive into an Underwater Paradise: Explore the underwater world off Colombia’s Caribbean coast, where coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and crystal-clear waters make for some of the best diving in the world.
Attend a Colombian Festival: Immerse yourself in the celebration of Colombia’s rich traditions through its colorful festivals, where music, dance, food, and art come together to create a lively, unforgettable experience.
TYPICAL COSTS WHEN TRAVELING
Accommodation
Hostels: Hostels are a fantastic way to meet fellow travelers, and save some money. They range from $20-$50 a night. Some hostels have lively common areas and social events, while others provide a more basic sleep experience.
Mid-Range Hotels: If a private room is more your style, budget hotels offer you comfort. Prices range from $60-$130 a night. These hotels provide basic amenities like a clean bed, private bathroom, and maybe even air conditioning (a lifesaver in the Cuban heat!).
Luxury Hotels: Luxury hotels offer a taste of the high life, but be prepared to pay a premium. Expect stunning views, personalized service, and charming courtyards – all for $650 or more per night.
Airbnb: Airbnb is another fantastic option, especially for longer stays or groups. Prices for shared accommodations start around $50 a night, while private apartments or homes average closer to $250. This gives you the flexibility of self-catering, saving money on meals, and experiencing a more local way of life.
Transportation
Metro: A one-way fare is around $0.80.
Bus: Local buses run in most Colombian towns and cities for around $0.75 per passenger.
Intercity Buses: If you’re exploring different Colombian cities, it is cheapest to use intercity buses. Expect to pay between $5.50 - $11 for most journeys.
Taxis: While taxis are an option, they're significantly pricier than public transportation. For example, a taxi ride might cost $10 or more.
Food
Street Food: Colombian street food is delicious and budget-friendly. Empanadas start at a low $0.05-$0.15, while arepas go for a cool $0.80. Even popular dishes like ceviche cost around $4.
Budget to Mid-Range Restaurant: Lunch with a drink can be yours at a local restaurant for the price of $6, while a more leisurely dinner will set you back around $10.
Fine Dining: Feeling fancy? Upscale restaurants cater to those who want to indulge. Expect to pay upwards of $20 per meal for exquisite dishes and an unforgettable dining experience.
Grocery Stores: Planning to cook your own meals? Stock up on groceries for a week at a supermarket for a reasonable $40.
Foods to Try
Arepas: A versatile cornmeal dish that can be grilled, fried, or baked and topped with cheese, meat, or avocado.
Bandeja Paisa: A hearty platter filled with rice, beans, ground beef, chicharrón (fried pork belly), avocado, egg, plantain, and arepa—perfect for the hungriest of travelers!
Ajiaco: A rich and flavorful chicken and potato soup, typically served with corn on the cob, capers, avocado, and rice.
Empanadas: Fried or baked pastry pockets filled with beef, chicken, potatoes, or cheese—perfect for a quick snack.
Sancocho: A traditional Colombian stew made with chicken, beef, or fish, mixed with plantains, yuca, potatoes, and corn.
Lechona: Slow-cooked, stuffed pork, often served with rice, peas, and a side of crispy skin—absolutely delicious.
Tamales: Corn dough wrapped in banana leaves and filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables, then steamed to perfection.
Churros: A sweet treat of fried dough served with a sugar coating and often dipped in hot chocolate or arequipe (Caramelized milk).
Ceviche: Fresh seafood, typically shrimp or fish, marinated in citrus juices, with onions, cilantro, and a hint of spice.
Jugos Naturales: Freshly squeezed tropical fruit juices made from a wide variety of exotic fruits like guanabana, lulo, and maracuya.
Pandebonos: Cheesy, soft bread rolls made from cornmeal and cheese—perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Arequipe: A rich, sweet caramel spread made from condensed milk—spread on toast, drizzled over desserts, or eaten straight from the jar!
Patacones: Crispy, fried green plantain slices, often served as a side dish or snack, sometimes topped with guacamole or cheese.
Suggested Daily Budget
For solo travelers over 40, Colombia offers an affordable adventure with a daily budget ranging from $40 to $75 USD. On a budget, you can stay in hostels, eat local food, and use public transport for around $40–$50 a day. If you prefer more comfort, with boutique hotels and occasional tours, expect to spend $60–$75 daily. Costs vary by region, with cities like Medellín being more affordable compared to touristy spots like Cartagena. Whether on a budget or indulging a bit, Colombia provides great value for solo travelers.
MONEY SAVING TIPS
1
Cook your own meals: While eating out is cheap, consider grocery shopping for even more savings.
2
Book your room ahead: Skip the overpriced and underwhelming Caribbean hostels. Websites like Booking.com can help you find budget hotels for less than it costs booking in person.
3
Avoid Tourist Tax: Tourist hotspots come with a price premium. Avoid areas filled with tourists and expats, like Poblado in Medellin or Cartagena's Old Town. You'll pay more for everything from food to accommodation in these zones.
4
Use your Mileage: Put your flying miles and points to good use in Colombia! Many hotel chains offer excellent redemption rates in Colombia.
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT COLOMBIA
Colombia is home to Bogota, one of the world's highest cities. It also has many mountainous regions and high altitudes.
The key to combating altitude sickness is hydration and consuming additional vitamins and minerals
Tipping is generally not required, but some nicer restaurants include a 10% service charge.
Avoid displaying excessive wealth. Be mindful when wearing flashy jewelry or accessories, especially at night or in certain areas. Opt for modest clothing and carry only what you need.
Bring enough cash for daily expenses, especially in remote areas. ATMs and credit card acceptance are limited outside major cities.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM FRANCE?
Coffee
Colombia ranks as the world's third-largest coffee producer. If you love coffe, you’ll feel right at home here.
The country sits proudly within the "Coffee Belt," a region blessed with the perfect climate for Arabica coffee cultivation: Rich volcanic soil, and generous helpings of sunshine and rain.
Coffee is a way of life for Colombians. It even has its own day of celebration– National Coffee Day.
It is mostly enjoyed in social settings, with friends and family, and at all hours of the day. In fact, Colombian coffee shops are most busy between the hours of 3 and 7 pm.
The most popular way to enjoy coffee here is a "tinto" – a strong, black brew served in small cups. It is consumed in smaller portions because of its side effects.
The aroma of freshly brewed Colombian coffee fills the air, unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Every sip brings a depth of flavor that supermarket beans just can't match. It’s richer, nuttier, and the taste stays with you long after you’ve downed your last sip.
History & Landmarks
Colombia has a rich history waiting to be explored. Trek through the world's most biodiverse rainforest in the Amazon, sail through the San Andres archipelago with its translucent waters, or challenge yourself with a hike to the Lost City, an ancient indigenous metropolis hidden in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
A short day trip from Bogota will take you to a place unlike any other – the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira. This architectural wonder is carved right into the heart of a salt mine that has existed for thousands of years!
UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Agustin Archaeological Park, is home to the largest collection of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in all of South America. The imposing stone statues, reminiscent of Easter Island's Moai, depict deities and mythical creatures, all inviting you to contemplate the traditions and culture of a lost civilization.
Hospitality
It's the people who truly make this country special. Colombians have a beautiful way of cherishing the little things, a quality perhaps due to their country's history. They remind us to find joy in everyday moments, a valuable lesson for any traveler.
Perhaps what struck me most was the ever-present smile on the faces of Colombians. Here, happiness is a way of life, even in the face of challenges. Here, friendly faces greet you with open arms.
Colombians are some of the most welcoming and genuine people you'll ever meet. Sharing a laugh and a conversation with a local is an experience you won't want to miss.
Nature
Colombia hosts a good 10% of the world's animal species.
Millions of years of undisturbed rainforest have created a sanctuary for Colombia's diverse habitats. It is the perfect home for everything from pink river dolphins, the elusive spectacled bear (South America's only bear species), colorful poison dart frogs, and other unique creatures. This untouched beauty allows you to witness nature in its purest form.
For a surreal experience, visit Caño Cristales, also known as the "Liquid Rainbow." This river bursts with vibrant colors – red, blue, orange, yellow, and green – thanks to a special combination of aquatic plants and algae. It's a natural phenomenon unlike anything else you’ve seen on Earth
Diversity
There's no single definition of "Colombian." While some Colombians are known for their infectious cheer and charisma, there's a depth to them that goes beyond stereotypes. Their lives are shaped by social and cultural influences, making them as diverse as their perspectives on the world.
Colombian customs are so vast and so different, depending on the region. A Pastuso (from Pasto) will have different traditions, foods, and even accents compared to an Afro-Colombian or an Embera from Choco. This is what makes Colombia so fascinating—it's a land where thousands of worldviews come together to create a vibrant and diverse culture.
Although Colombia's recent history has been marked by political, social, and economic unrest, these challenges have forged a resilient population. A people that are eager to learn from the past and build a brighter future. Gone are the days of clinging to old wa; – Colombians are embracing change and inclusion.
FUN FACT
Colombia is the only country in South America with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea! This means you can enjoy both lush tropical beaches and gorgeous coastal landscapes—each with its own unique charm. From surfing in Palomino to sailing in Cartegena, there’s a perfect beach-hopping adventure!
