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After decades of turmoil, Colombia has emerged as an idyllic land of myth and legend. Home to fascinating cities, charming villages and a wealth of ecological diversity, its many highlights include the Andean cities of Bogota and Medellin, the sparkling Caribbean Coast and the flavors and aromas of some of the world’s finest coffee.
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Destinations > Colombia > Need to Know
This extraordinary country has battled decades of turmoil to emerge as one of South America’s hottest destinations. It’s filled with unspoiled mountains, coastline and jungle, stunning archaeological sites, and vibrant culture. Those who like to hike can find jungle treks galore along the Caribbean coast, or walks through the rolling hills and mountains. Those who prefer beach life will love the stunning tropical islands off colonial Cartagena.
Colombia is a year round destination that will delight visitors in any season. As the country is located on the Equator, the sun rises and sets at the same time all year round and the season stays the same, unlike almost every other country in the world. The driest months are December to January and July to August, with these months offering optimal weather for hikers and those wishing to enjoy the outdoor activities on offer. The wetter months, from April to May and October to November, make visiting sights such as waterfalls more impressive. For those wishing to savor the local culture, many festivals and fiestas take place during the dry season months of December to January and July to August.
BOGOTA The vibrant high-altitude capital city is known for its colonial architecture, cobbled downtown streets of La Candelaria, pre-Colombian art collections made in gold, splendid colonial churches and magnificent museums.
TAYRONA NATIONAL PARK Located along the country's Caribbean coast, Tayrona is home to beautiful beaches, lush tropical rainforest, azure waters, and rich biodiversity. The rainforest is brimming with wildlife such as howler monkeys, capuchins, and agouti.
CAÑO CRISTALES Known as the “river of five colors” Caño Cristales earns its nickname from a unique natural phenomenon that occurs when the algae forms an underwater blanket of bright red, creating a spectacular sight.
CARTAGENA The jewel of the Caribbean Coast. Lying within 13km of centuries-old colonial stone walls, the vibrant Old Town of Cartagena is a maze of cobblestone streets and colorful houses and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
COFFEE REGION Colombia's Coffee Triangle is located around the temperate slopes of the Andean mountains, where some of the finest coffee in the world is produced. The colonial, coffee town of Salento charms with its colorful buildings.
AMAZON While a third of Colombia is made up of the Amazon rainforest, the region still remains a largely unexplored area. From Leticia, travelers can discover the unique wildlife, pristine jungle, and fascinating indigenous cultures of Colombia’s Amazon.
Country Code for Colombia: +57 All Emergency Services - 123. Police and Fire only - 112. Ambulance only - 132. Emergency services may not always have English speaking staff.
Colombian culture is very diverse, and some customs may be appropriate in some regions and areas and not others. Overall, Colombians are extremely proud of their country and customs and place a great deal of importance on family. Locals are very welcoming and friendly, and if invited to visit someone in their home it is considered appropriate to bring a small gift, and politeness, good manners, and courtesy will be well received.
Electrical Plug type: USA and Japanese (Type A & B) Voltage: 110V Modem Plug: American
In Bogotá, TransMilenio offers a rapid transit bus service that runs throughout the city along dedicated lanes to and from specially designed stations which allow safe access via bridges and pedestrian tunnels. Cali and Bucaramanga also have similar bus systems. Medellín operates the only rail-based public transport network in the country. Taxis are cheap and convenient and in most big cities operate on meters. The price will usually be the same, regardless of the number of passengers, though some drivers may demand more if you have a lot of luggage. In smaller towns, the prices are usually fixed depending on the destination, so it is best to agree on a price before getting in. There are taxi apps which you can download on your mobile phone like TAPPSI, EASYTAXI or UBER which you can use to call a safe taxi.
Spanish is spoken by the majority of the population, however, there are over 60 Amerindian and Creole languages and dialects also spoken in various regions of the country.
Medellín leads the way with a fashion-forward reputation for design, and is considered Colombia's shopping city. The upmarket district of El Poblado has a number of malls with a range of big brands. For unique and eclectic local fashion, Via Primavera is a quaint tree-lined street famed for its market stalls and independent shops. Bogotá’s artisan markets, located in the heritage district are a treasure trove of handmade leather goods, woven textiles, and art products, along with gourmet coffee. Cartagena is best known for gemstones and also local sweets or candy.
A 10% tip is usual in restaurants, as long as the service is good. Drivers and guides should also be tipped – the recommendation is USD5 per person for the guide per day and about USD3-5 per person for the driver per day.
The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travelers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa, and more using the Sherpa travel tool.
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