Search destination (e.g. Tokyo)

Colombia

South America

/

Colombia

Colombia's equator-influenced climate ensures consistent sunrises, sunsets, and seasons year-round. Dry spells (December-January, July-August) alternate with rainy periods (April-May, October-November). The diverse terrain offers varied landscapes, biodiversity, and warm regions. The primary language spoken in the South American nation is Spanish, and the national currency is the Colombian Peso.

Bogotá, the capital and largest city, embodies Colombia's rich culture, music, and natural attractions. You can choose various activities, such as a private walking tour to enjoy the colonial architecture in Cartagena, a flight over the Serranía de Chiribiquete National Natural Park, or a museum tour in Bogota. Discover Medellín on a bike while indulging in the delicious local food. For a unique experience, consider exploring the countryside on horseback, trekking in the Sierra Nevada, discovering caves, or descending a waterfall near Bucaramanga.

Colombia beckons coffee enthusiasts with one of the world's most exceptional coffee products. Expect to enjoy a rich aroma whenever you brew Colombian coffee. Embark on a coffee-tasting journey, explore farms, or engage in workshops in the Colombian Coffee Axis.

Get to Know Colombia

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Colombia

What you need to know before traveling here

Practical Tips for Colombia

Things to prepare and best way to visit

How is the weather in Colombia?

Due to Colombia's proximity to the Equator, many parts of the country have a tropical climate. Colombia has two seasons: dry (December to January and July to August) and alternate rainy periods (April to May and October to November). Mountain ranges experience temperatures below 6 degrees Celsius, while coastal areas reach up to 24 degrees Celsius.

What language does Colombia use?

Colombia, a former Spanish colony, has Spanish as its national language and a limited use of English. Basic Spanish is advisable when traveling in South America, except in Brazil, which uses Portuguese. Carrying a pocket Spanish dictionary or using a language app on your smartphone can be helpful. Some helpful Spanish words for menu selection include la carne (meat), las verduras (veggies), las frutas (fruits), el cerdo (pork), la res (beef), el pollo (chicken), and los lácteos (dairy).

What is Colombia most famous for?

Colombia ranks second globally in arabica coffee production after Brazil, making it one of the country's most popular exports. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Coffee Cultural Landscape encompasses 18 urban settlements across six locations. The Coffee Cultural Landscape is also known as the Colombian Coffee Axis (Eje Cafetero). Urban centers like Armenia, Calarcá, Salamina, Pereira, and Riosucio, as well as smaller towns and the encircling rural coffee farms, constitute this site. Enthusiasts can revel in coffee tastings, workshops, and invigorating hiking trails.

Do I need a visa to travel to Colombia?

Colombia provides visa-free entry for various nationalities, including the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Indonesia. Travelers only need a valid passport with at least six months of validity from the travel date. The standard visit visa allows a 90-day stay, expiring after that. Prior verification of immigration prerequisites is recommended. If you are not eligible for visa-free entry, you can apply for a visa at the Colombian embassy in your country of residence.

Where should I go in Colombia?

Colombia stands out as one of the world's most biodiverse countries. Fly over the Serranía de Chiribiquete National Natural Park, the world’s largest rainforest reserve. Explore Cartagena, a Caribbean coastal village with beautiful beaches and historical buildings. Do not forget to spot humpback whales in the surrounding ocean. Colombia is also a proud musical nation, pulsing with cumbia rhythms and reggaeton beats. Salsa enthusiasts should head to Cali, the "capital city of salsa," where salsa rhythms flow from cozy local bars to established dance clubs.

Go to "la costa," as Colombians call the Caribbean, for endless folk rhythms. Discover Bogota's prime attractions for an urban getaway: the Gold Museum and vibrant graffiti art. In Medellín, the second-largest city known as the "City of Eternal Spring," indulge in modern shopping at the sprawling Viva Envigado Mall, boasting numerous shops and an office tower. Envigado is famed for its amiable residents, lush landscapes, and rich culture. The country's historic Old Town of Cartagena was one of the first Spanish settlements, dating back centuries. It has plenty of colonial architectural buildings.