Columbia

Colombia’s tropical climate varies by region, so the best time to visit depends on your destination:

• December–March & July–August (Dry Season): Best for beaches, city tours, and hiking.
• April–June & September–November (Rainy Season): Fewer tourists, lower prices, and lush landscapes.
• Year-Round: Colombia’s Caribbean coast and coffee region have warm, pleasant weather all year.

• Cartagena – A UNESCO-listed coastal city with colorful colonial streets and stunning Caribbean beaches.
• Medellín – Known as the City of Eternal Spring, with a vibrant nightlife and the famous Comuna 13 street art district.
• Bogotá & Monserrate – The capital city with historic plazas, world-class museums, and breathtaking views from Monserrate Hill.
• Tayrona National Park – A beautiful coastal paradise with hiking trails, jungle landscapes, and pristine beaches.
• Cocora Valley & Salento – Home to Colombia’s tallest wax palm trees and the heart of the coffee-growing region.
• Ciudad Perdida (The Lost City) – A challenging multi-day trek to one of the world’s oldest ancient ruins.
• San Andrés & Providencia Islands – Caribbean islands with crystal-clear waters and coral reefs.
• Tatacoa Desert – A surreal red-rock desert perfect for stargazing and unique landscapes.
• Amazon Rainforest (Leticia) – A gateway to wildlife, jungle tours, and indigenous cultures.
• Cali – The salsa dancing capital of the world, with lively music and dance clubs.

• Bandeja Paisa – Colombia’s most famous dish, with beans, rice, ground beef, chorizo, fried egg, plantains, and avocado.
• Arepas – Cornmeal cakes served with cheese, eggs, or meat.
• Ajiaco – A hearty chicken soup with potatoes, corn, and guasca herbs.
• Empanadas – Savory pastries filled with meat, potatoes, and spices.
• Lechona – Slow-roasted, stuffed pork with rice and spices.
• Sancocho – A rich stew with meat, plantains, yucca, and vegetables.
• Lulo Juice – A refreshing citrus-flavored fruit juice unique to Colombia.
• Obleas – Thin wafer cookies filled with dulce de leche, cheese, or fruit jam.
• Café Colombiano – Colombian coffee is world-famous—enjoy a cup in the Coffee Triangle region.

• Domestic Flights: The best way to travel long distances between cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena.
• Buses (Colectivos): Affordable but can be long journeys due to mountain roads.
• Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Uber operates in some cities, but official taxis are more reliable.
• Metro & Cable Cars (Medellín): A modern and safe way to get around the city.
• Car Rentals: Recommended only for exploring smaller towns and rural areas.
• Walking & Biking: Many cities, especially Cartagena and Bogotá, have pedestrian-friendly zones.

• No visa required for stays up to 90 days for travelers from the U.S., Canada, U.K., EU, Australia, and many other countries.
• A valid passport with at least six months of validity is required.
• Yellow Fever vaccination may be required for travel to Amazon regions—check health regulations before visiting.

• Currency: Colombian Peso (COP).
• Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is preferred in small towns and markets.
• ATMs are available, but withdrawal fees may apply—use official banks for security.
• Exchange money at banks or casas de cambio for the best rates.

• Spanish is the official language.
• English is spoken in tourist areas, but learning basic Spanish phrases is helpful.
• Common Spanish words to know:
  • Hola! – Hello
  • Gracias – Thank you
  • Por favor – Please
  • Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?

• Warm Greetings: Colombians are friendly and greet with a handshake or hug among close friends.
• Punctuality: Social events are more relaxed, but business meetings value punctuality.
• Tipping: Not mandatory, but 10% is expected in restaurants.
• Safety: Major cities are safe for tourists, but use common sense and avoid poorly lit areas at night.
• Dress Well: Colombians take pride in their appearance, especially in cities like Bogotá and Medellín.

• Restaurants: A 10% tip is standard and sometimes included in the bill.
• Taxis: No tip required, but rounding up is common.
• Hotels & Tour Guides: A small tip is appreciated for good service.

• For peak season (December–March & July–August): Book 6–12 months in advance.
• For off-season (April–June & September–November): Book 2–3 months ahead for better deals.
• For popular attractions (Tayrona National Park, Ciudad Perdida, Medellín’s Feria de las Flores): Book at least a month in advance.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but always check for updates before traveling.
• Some national parks require permits—book in advance for trekking experiences.
• Altitude sickness can be an issue in Bogotá and high-altitude destinations.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com