Colombia
A land of contrasts
Long unknown to travellers, Colombia is now one of Latin America’s most fascinating destinations. Between colorful colonial towns, Andean mountains, coffee plantations, lush jungle and Caribbean beaches, it offers astonishing diversity in a relatively compact territory. Colombia is as attractive for its landscapes as it is for its energy. The bustling squares of Cartagena, the verdant valleys of the coffee region, the peaks of the Sierra Nevada or the villages frozen in time each tell a different story about the country. Add to this the warmth of its people, a booming gastronomy and a vibrant culture, and you have a destination that leaves no one indifferent.
Colombia at a glance
Location:
Located in the northwest of South America, Colombia is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It shares borders with Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru and Ecuador. This privileged position offers a remarkable diversity of landscapes and ecosystems.
Capital:
Bogotá
Population:
Around 52 million
Official languages:
Spanish is the country’s official language.
Currency:
The currency is the Colombian peso (COP).
Time zone difference:
Colombia is generally -6 hours from Belgium in winter and -7 hours in summer.
Flying time:
From Europe, the journey takes between 11 and 14 hours, depending on the airline and any connections.
Entry formalities: European Union nationals may enter Colombia for tourist travel without a visa. A passport valid for the entire duration of your stay is required.
Health: No vaccinations are required for travellers from Europe. Depending on the region visited, particularly certain Amazonian or tropical zones, specific recommendations may apply.
In your suitcase:
Colombia has a wide variety of climates, depending on altitude and region. Pack light clothing for the Caribbean, as well as warmer clothes for Bogotá or certain Andean regions. A light waterproof jacket is always useful.
Good to know:
Contrary to popular belief, Colombia today is an easy destination to travel to. Tourist infrastructures have expanded considerably in recent years, and domestic flights provide rapid links between the country’s different regions.
5 good reasons to visit Colombia
Preparing your trip to Colombia
How to get to Colombia
Colombia is easily accessible from Europe thanks to several scheduled air connections. Bogotá is generally the country’s main gateway, but Cartagena and Medellín are also served via certain international connections.
Depending on the departure city and any stopovers, journey times generally vary between 11 and 14 hours.
Domestic flights then play an important role in discovering the country, providing quick access to the various tourist regions.
When to go to Colombia
Colombia can be visited all year round, thanks to its location close to the equator. Climatic variations depend more on altitude than on the seasons.
In Andean regions such as Bogotá and Medellín, temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the year.
The Caribbean coast is particularly pleasant between December and April, during the driest season.
The coffee region can also be visited all year round, although certain periods can be a little wetter.
The Amazon and certain areas of the Pacific experience more frequent rainfall, but remain accessible depending on your travel plans.
Getting around Colombia
Given the country’s mountainous terrain, domestic flights are often the most efficient way of connecting the various regions.
The road network is constantly being improved, but some journeys can still be relatively long. For short distances, private transfers or chauffeur-driven vehicles offer an excellent level of comfort.
Major cities also boast modern transport solutions, such as Medellín, which boasts one of the most efficient urban transport networks in Latin America.
Where to stay in Colombia?
Colombia offers a particularly varied and often charming range of accommodation.
In Cartagena, magnificent boutique hotels occupy restored colonial mansions in the heart of the old town.
In the coffee-growing region, traditional haciendas offer the chance to stay in the middle of plantations, in a peaceful, green setting.
In Medellín and Bogotá, travelers will find both contemporary hotels and elegant boutique hotels in the most pleasant neighborhoods.
On the Caribbean coast, around Cartagena, Tayrona Park and the Rosario Islands, a number of charming hotels and eco-lodges offer privileged access to beaches and nature.
What budget for a trip to Colombia?
Accommodation: Colombia offers excellent value for money. A night in a comfortable hotel generally costs between €70 and €150. Charming establishments and upmarket hotels are more likely to cost between €180 and €400 per night.
Meals: You can eat in local restaurants for just a few euros. In more refined establishments, expect to pay between €15 and €40 per person.
Transportation: Domestic flights are affordable when booked in advance. They are often the most convenient way to connect different regions of the country.
Activities: Guided tours, excursions to coffee plantations, hikes, boat trips and cultural discoveries are generally reasonably priced compared to other Latin American destinations.
Overall, Colombia offers an excellent balance between quality of service, diversity of experiences and a controlled budget. It offers a rich and varied travel experience without reaching the price levels of some of the continent’s more established destinations.