The Republic of Colombia is located in South America, washed by the Caribbean Sea. It is a country of contrasts: here you can walk through fashionable, elite neighborhoods, but also wander into places where the poor live, who simply have nothing to eat. Among other things, Colombians are very friendly and welcoming, and the resorts of the Caribbean Sea beckon tourists from all over the world. Attitudes towards Colombia are very mixed: many are afraid to go to the country, having heard about the eternal fights of street gangs and tons of cocaine, other tourists are happy to travel to Colombia to admire the amazing beauty of the surrounding nature and majestic mountains, as well as to relax in one of the luxury resorts in the Caribbean.
Фотогалерея ‒ Colombia
Guide to Colombia
Basic Information
Photos of Colombia
Capital
Bogotá
Language
Spanish
Currency
Colombian peso
Time zone
UTC -5:00
Population
49 436 892
Territory
1,141,750 square kilometers.
Sights
Once you've been to Colombia, you'll want to come back again and again. And what is special about this country? There are places here that will surprise even the most demanding tourist.
Tours to Colombia
Vacation in Colombia offers a wonderful blend of beach relaxation, exploration of historic sites, outdoor adventures in mountains and jungles, and immersion in vibrant city life. The best times to visit are December-April and July-August, during the "dry season."
Most sightseeing tours typically begin in Bogota, and from there, you can choose to focus on beach destinations or continue exploring the country's iconic attractions. The price for an 8-10 day trip starts from $2000 per person, and this may not include airfare and visa processing.
If you're looking to save on your Colombia trip, you can plan your own tour. Round-trip airfare to Bogota starts at $900 per person, and accommodations can be found for as low as $25 per night for a double room. tripmydream can assist you in finding the most favorable flight and hotel options.
Where to go Colombia
The country bewitches all visitors who set foot on its soil. Bogotá enchants tourists with the indescribable beauty of the surrounding mountains and the historic city center with its exquisite old mansions. Cartagena, the Venice of South America, attracts tourists with its colorful facades of colonial style houses and exotic fruits (papaya, mango, guanabana).
The most elite resorts of Colombia are considered to be San Andres Island and Santa Marta. In addition to impeccable service, there is a lot of entertainment and colorful nightlife. Lovers of hiking will also enjoy traveling in Colombia: numerous coffee plantations, the longest river in the world Amazon, tropical jungles and rocky mountains Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta.
Excursions
When to go Colombia
Colombia is close to the Equator, so the temperature varies only slightly throughout the year. However, each region has its own climate: in the mountainous areas it is always spring, while on the coast it is always summer.
Spring in Colombia
You should go on a beach vacation in March-April. This is the dry season. It is hot outside, with temperatures reaching up to +27°C. March-April is the Holy Week before Easter, which is a popular tourist season.
Spring in Colombia
July-August is the ideal time to visit the highlands. The weather is warm and there is little rainfall. The average temperature in the capital, Bogotá, is +19°C. Many festivals and celebrations take place in summer.
Fall Colombia
Autumn in the country is rainy. It's a good time to go on an Amazon tour, it's always hot and humid, but prices for flights, sightseeing tours and accommodation are lower than in other seasons.
Winter in Colombia
The winter months are considered the best time to visit the country. On the one hand, the weather is dry and warm, on the other hand, there is a flurry of celebrations, in particular the world-famous Carnival.
Usefulness
To make your vacation in Colombia memorable and carefree, tripmydream has selected for you the most important and useful information that will come in handy during your trip.
Visa to Colombia
Citizens of Ukraine are required to apply for a tourist visa to Colombia. The package of documents should be submitted to the embassy of this country, which is located in Warsaw.
The processing time is 3-10 days. It is possible to stay in Colombia for 90 days.
Personal presence is not necessary, you can apply to an agency. The cost of tourist visa: from 100 euros (consular fee) + 70 euros (agency services, if required).
Customs & Tax Free
Import and export of currency equivalent to more than 10,000 USD must be declared upon arrival.
It is prohibited to import non-canned food, weapons, as well as things of historical or artistic value without authorization (the latter is prohibited for export as well).
Export of drugs and narcotic substances, animal skins is not allowed.
To export jewelry, leather and wool products, souvenirs, it is required to present a receipt of payment and an export stamp (for emerald and gold products).
Travel by car
If you drive your own or rented car into Colombia, you must buy insurance (about $50/month).
Car rental is better to carry out in large offices, they can always be found at the airport.
The price for 1 liter of gasoline is, on average, $0.8.
The quality of roads in Colombia is excellent, most of the roads are toll roads, the cost of transportation is 3-6 dollars.
The speed limit in populated areas is 60 km/h, outside populated areas - 90 km/h.
Phrasebook for tourists
Popular phrases in Spanish:
Hello - Buenas tardes (Buenas tardes);
Goodbye - Adios (Adios);
Yes - Si, No - No;
Thank you - Gracias;
Pardon me - Pido perdón (Pido perdón);
Do you speak English? - Habla ingles? (Habla ingles?)
Public transport and prices
The most common form of public transportation in Colombia is the bus.
Medellín also has a functioning metro. The fare is $0.83 per hour.
Bogotá has a Transmilenio transportation system using magnetic cards and fixed stops. The price of a ticket is $0.5.
Events
February - 4 days of carnival in Barranquilla. The date of the event depends on Pasca.
March-April - Festival of Latin-American theater in Bogota.
Late June - Folklore Festival in Ibague.
July 20 - Independence Day.
Early August - flower festival in Medellin.
November 11 - Independence Day in Cartagena.
