Being a country of beautiful sights, different cultures, and history, Colombia is a country that can offer a lot of experiences to its guests. From the crowded capital city, Bogota to the colorful Caribbean city of Cartagena to the stunning coffee axis, Colombia has it all. The cities and the natural attractions of the country are always a good place to visit and the general way of life here is very different from what you are used to. Whether you are an admirer of nature and history or a gourmet who wants to taste something new, Colombia is worth visiting.
However, before you start your Colombian tour and pack your suitcase there are some effective tips to follow. The first thing that will help you decide is whether you will need a Colombia Visa for your stay. Other countries are allowed to visit the country without a visa for tourism purposes for up to 90 days but it is always advisable to check before. All will be arranged to take you to the warm Colombian people, beautiful sceneries, and an exciting tour of this beautiful country.
Here are the Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Colombia
1. Plan Your Colombia Visa in Advance
It is therefore advisable that you first find out whether you will need a visa before going to Colombia. Only a few of the countries demand visas for up to 90 days stay, this depends on the nationality of the country. As much as visas are required, it is always wise to apply for them early enough so that there is no last-minute rush. There are some specific documents that you may need to enclose with the application such as a return ticket, proof of accommodation, and financial guarantee. That is why it is always advisable to cross-check and ensure that one has all the documents that are necessary in the course of the trip to avoid unnecessary complications.
2. Learn Basic Spanish Phrases
While it is true that people in Colombia do speak English, especially to foreigners in areas that may be considered tourist areas, it is wise to learn a few Spanish words. If it is as simple as saying, “Hola” (Hello), “Gracias” (Thank you), or Dónde está el baño? A simple question like where is the bathroom? Will show that you know the etiquette of the country. The people of Colombia are friendly and hospitable and learning a few Spanish phrases is an excellent way to engage the locals and get a more personalized experience. Moreover, you will feel confident in such unusual tourist places, and will not be embarrassed to take a photo.
3. Pack for the Weather
The climate of Colombia also varies depending on the region of the country that you are in. There are coastal cities like Cartagena, which are hot and humid, and high altitude cities like Bogotá which are cold. If one is to move to the coastal areas then it is advisable to put on a light and free wardrobe to prevent heat stroke. For the higher altitudes, you should wear some layers and a jacket because it gets chilly in the evening up there. If you are going to the Amazon, do not leave home without insect repellent, long sleeves, and long pants to avoid insects stinging while trekking in the forest.
4. Safety First
Like any other country in the world, security should be of great consideration when planning to visit Colombia. Even though Bogotá and Medellin are big cities with lots of life, they do have safe zones for tourists and things to do and see, however, some areas of the cities should be avoided. Do not go to the outskirts, use only official cars, including Uber, Bolt, etc., to travel, and be careful with your belongings, particularly in crowded places. If you are in doubt, do not hesitate to ask the hotel personnel or random people on the street about the safe zones and the safest routes to follow.
5. Explore the Diverse Cuisine
The Colombian food is also a mixture of indigenous, Spanish, and black African elements of the culture. When in Colombia you have to try arepas (corn bread), bandeja paisa (beans, rice, meat, avocado), and empanadas (fried case, meat, or potatoes). Try local beverages like aguapanela, made from sugarcane, and lulada, made from lulo fruit. Take a walk through the streets to enjoy freshly made local snacks.
6. Embrace the Colombian Coffee Culture
Coffee is a significant export crop in Colombia and it is a cultural thing to taste coffee in the country. Visit the Andes’ Coffee Triangle to tour coffee plantations, see the processing, and taste freshly roasted coffee. For coffee lovers, there are special tours that will take you through every step from the production of the coffee beans to the preparation of the coffee and this will be quite an interesting activity for any coffee lover.
7. Respect Local Customs
Colombian people are very much concerned with their tradition and culture, thus on should ensure that he or she respect the culture of this country. The Colombian people are hospitable, but one needs to remember their manners. If you are in religious places, do not wear provocative clothes, and do not behave like a jerk. People in the country are friendly and courteous, so they warmly welcome a handshake as a greeting. Be always polite, and do not shy to approach anyone, most people are very welcoming and like to take foreigners around to show them their culture.
8. Stay Hydrated and Carry Cash
It is very important to drink water in Colombia, more so for those regions that are hot such as Cartagena and Santa Marta. This is the reason you should ensure you take enough water during the day to avoid getting a dry throat. Despite the large cities accepting credit cards, it is always wise to have cash on you especially when you are in a rural area. Major cities widely accept credit cards, but rural areas may lack card facilities, so carry cash for small transactions.
9. Be Ready for Adventure
Colombia has much to offer for anyone who wants to get his adrenalin pumping. If you’re into mountain climbing in the Sierra Nevada, jungle trekking in the Amazon, or paragliding in Medellin, there’s an adventure for everyone. Ensure that you wear proper shoes, sunscreen, and other appropriate clothing for such events and never forget your camera for the beautiful scenery. Colombia offers all from the adventure lovers to the people who love to trek and enjoy the beautiful sceneries.
10. Take Time to Immerse Yourself in the Culture
Colombia is a very cultural country, and it would be wise to spend some time to see it with your own eyes. Visit events such as Carnaval de Barranquilla, listen to music such as salsa or cambia, and embrace the art, history, and food that preserves the Colombian spirit. People in Colombia value their culture and they like to take time and introduce their culture to tourists. When interacting with the locals you will not only gain a richer experience of the country but also get a chance to have a great time traveling.
Conclusion:
Colombia is a beautiful country that has a lot of different terrains, people, and traditions. Whether you are walking through the painted streets of Bogota, sun tanning on the beaches of Cartagena, or sipping coffee in the mountains of the Coffee Triangle, you are in for a great time in Colombia. This way you are not able to mess up and have a great time in this wonderful country and this is why it is important to know things like the Colombia Visa requirements.
Kindly do not exclude yourself from consuming the cultural aspect, savor the local food, and capture the cultural and social aspects of Colombia. For the more physically inclined, there are difficult trails that one is physically capable of exploring, for the more relaxed, there are the beautiful beaches to spend a day on. With these important tips, it is now time for you to start your traveling to Colombia with a lot of energy. Happy travels!
