Practical Travel Guides

Transport, costs, visa requirements, safety, and timing — everything you need to plan a Colombia trip without guesswork.

Caribbean beach with blue umbrellas and calm turquoise water near Cartagena, Colombia
Practical

Visiting Colombia in December

December is Colombia's peak month - dry season returns to the Andes, Medellin Christmas lights are spectacular, and Cartagena's Fiestas fill the coast.

Monserrate sanctuary on its wooded hill above Bogota with the city and Andes mountains behind
Practical

Visiting Colombia in November

November bridges Colombia's rainy and dry seasons. The Andes are still wet early in the month but the Caribbean coast is excellent and Cartagena fills up.

Wax palms on a misty green hillside in Colombia's Cocora Valley during the rainy season
Practical

Visiting Colombia in October

October is Colombia's rainiest month in the Andes - but prices are rock bottom, the Pacific coast shines, and Colombia's Caribbean stays accessible.

Cartagena's Torre del Reloj and walled city plaza on a clear blue-sky day, Colombia
Practical

Visiting Colombia in September

Colombia in September is peak rainy season in the Andes - but prices drop, crowds thin, and the Pacific coast whale season is at its absolute best.

Silletero flower carriers in the grand parade during Medellin's Festival de las Flores in August
Practical

Visiting Colombia in August

Colombia in August peaks with Medellin's Festival de las Flores, dry Andes weather, and whale watching on the Pacific coast.

A silletero carrying flower arrangements during Medellin's Festival de las Flores in August
Practical

Visiting Colombia in July

Colombia in July is peak dry season with Independence Day celebrations, Medellin's Flower Festival, and some of the best conditions of the year for travel.

Clear skies over the colonial town of Villa de Leyva during Colombia's June dry season
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Visiting Colombia in June

Colombia in June starts the second dry season with good Andes and Caribbean weather, early whale watching on the Pacific, and mid-year festivals.

Green Andean hills above Medellin covered in cloud during Colombia's May rainy season
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Visiting Colombia in May

Colombia in May is the greenest month - rainy season in the Andes, whale watching season beginning on the Pacific, and fewer crowds than any month before.

Bogota city aerial view at dusk, Colombia
Practical

Airport Transfers in Colombia: Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena

Pre-book reliable airport transfers in Colombia's three main cities. Costs, journey times, and what to expect at El Dorado, Rionegro, and CTG airports.

Semana Santa procession through colonial Colombian streets in April
Practical

Visiting Colombia in April

Colombia in April brings Semana Santa, the start of the wet season, and quieter national parks after the peak. Here is what to expect and where to go.

Palm-fringed beach on San Andres island, Colombia
Practical

eSIM for Colombia: Stay Connected Without Buying a Local SIM

Get mobile data in Colombia from day one using an eSIM. Coverage guide, best providers, costs, and how to activate before you land.

Aerial view of Bogota at dusk, Colombia's main international gateway
Practical

Flights to Colombia: Airports, Airlines, and How to Find Cheap Fares

Find the best flights to Colombia with advice on airports, airlines, booking timing, and routes from the US, UK, Europe, and Australia.

Green wax palm trees in the mountains of Salento, Colombia
Practical

Travel Insurance for Colombia: What You Need and Why It Matters

Colombia travel insurance guide covering medical cover, adventure activities, theft, and how to choose the right policy before you fly.

Whale breaching off Colombia's Pacific coast near Nuqui
Practical

Visiting Colombia in March

Colombia in March brings Semana Santa preparations, the start of Pacific whale watching season, and continuing dry weather on the Caribbean coast.

Carnival celebrations with colourful costumes in Barranquilla, Colombia
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Visiting Colombia in February

Colombia in February means Carnaval de Barranquilla, perfect beach weather on the Caribbean coast, and clear skies across the Andes.

Colourful colonial buildings in Cartagena under clear January skies
Practical

Visiting Colombia in January

Colombia in January means dry Caribbean beaches, Feria de Manizales, and the Hay Festival in Cartagena. Here is what to expect and where to go.

Travellers walking through the colourful streets of Salento, Colombia
Practical

Is Colombia Safe? A Realistic Safety Guide for Travellers

A clear-eyed guide to safety in Colombia covering safe neighbourhoods, areas to avoid, transport, common scams, and how to reduce risk in each city.

Traveller with backpack walking through La Candelaria historic district in Bogota, Colombia
Practical

What to Pack for Colombia: A Climate-Zone Packing List

Colombia's varied climate zones mean packing smart matters. This list covers coast, highlands, jungle, and Coffee Region in one trip.

Aerial view of the colonial town of Jardin in the Antioquia region of Colombia
Practical

First Time in Colombia: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

A practical first-time visitor guide to Colombia covering entry, getting around, safety, money, SIM cards, and the best cities to start with.