Destination Guides
Colombia
By Erin Baker, Certified Travel Associate
La Candelaria, Bogota
Colombia has shed its old reputation and become one of South America's most rewarding destinations, Cartagena's colorful colonial old town, Bogota's museums and food scene, and the coffee region around Medellin's cooler climate each offer something different. The dry seasons (December-March and July-August) bring the most reliable weather, though Cartagena's coastal heat is fairly constant year-round. A 7-10 day trip allows Cartagena plus Bogota or the coffee region, without feeling rushed. Because safety perceptions still lag the country's actual progress and vary meaningfully by neighborhood, an advisor's current, on-the-ground knowledge of where to stay is especially valuable for a first-time visitor.
Local Etiquette & Cultural Tips
Colombian culture is warm, family-oriented, and proud of the country's cultural renaissance.
Friendly greetings: A cheek kiss between women and mixed pairs, a handshake between men, warmth is expected even on first meeting.
Dress respectfully: Cartagena's heat calls for light fabrics, Bogota's cooler mountain climate calls for layers.
Dining times: Lunch is the biggest meal of the day for many Colombians, dinner from 7:30-8:30pm.
Local customs: Colombians are known for their hospitality and often go out of their way to help visitors, reciprocating warmth is appreciated.
Transportation and timing: Domestic flights connect Colombia's regions quickly, ground travel between cities can take much longer than it looks on a map given the terrain.
Practical tip: Bogota sits at roughly 8,600 feet, some travelers feel it for the first day or two.
Souvenirs
For the Foodies: Colombian coffee, ideally single-origin from the coffee region rather than a supermarket blend.
For the Fashionistas: An emerald from a reputable jeweler, Colombia is one of the world's leading sources.
For the Home: A woven Wayuu mochila bag or a piece of handmade pottery from a local artisan market.
Suggested Gratuities
Private Tour Guides: $20-25 per person for a half-day tour
Shared Group Tour Guides: $10 per person
Taxis: Round up the fare, or agree on price beforehand outside cities
Restaurants: 10% is often included as a service charge, check the bill
Private Drivers: $15-20 per trip
Housekeeping: $2-3 per night
Porters: $1-2 per bag
Spa Staff: 10% of the service cost
Practical Travel Notes
Currency: Colombian Peso
Language: Spanish
Transportation: Domestic flights between regions, taxis and rideshares in cities
Weather: Varies by elevation and region rather than by season, coastal areas stay warm year-round
Walking: Cartagena's old town is very walkable, Bogota and coffee region terrain is hillier
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Last Reviewed
9/18/26