Yes, Colombia has made significant strides in improving safety for tourists in recent years and have seen a noticeable decrease in crime rates. However, it’s essential for visitors to remain vigilant, especially in certain areas and times where petty theft and scams can still occur. Locals often advise travelers not to “give papaya,” a Colombian saying meaning not to give opportunity and make oneself an easy target for theft or exploitation by flaunting valuables or being careless. A typical example would be walking around drunk, staying out in the streets late at night or walking around with a phone in hand. It is important to always be aware of your surroundings. Overall, while Colombia has made remarkable progress in enhancing safety for travelers, exercising caution and being aware of local customs and advice remains crucial for a smooth and enjoyable journey.

Some popular destinations include Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park, Cocora Valley or the Coffee Region, the Pacific coast, San Andrés and Providencia, the Amazon rainforest and many more. Each of these destinations showcases a different aspect of Colombia’s rich cultural and natural heritage, making it a diverse and rewarding country to explore.

Colombia’s climate varies depending on the region, but generally, it has two main seasons: dry season (December to March and June to August) and rainy season (April to May and September to November). Lately (due to global warming) the seasons are not anymore that exact and the weather can very completely throughout the year. When we talk about the rainy season it is nothing to worry about, most of the time it is just a quick but intense rain, after which you can continue your activity. The weather is more fresh, everything gets beautifully green but there is more mosquitos. Both seasons have its pros and cons.

The currency is the Colombian peso (COP). Money can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices (casas de cambio), and some hotels. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns.

Visa-Free Entry: Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union member states, Australia, and many others, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes.

Tourist Visa Extension: If you wish to stay longer than the initial 90 days, you may be able to apply for an extension from the Colombian immigration authorities. This typically involves visiting a local immigration office and providing supporting documentation or leaving the country and entering again. This gives you in total 180 visa-free days in a calendar year.

It’s essential to check the specific visa requirements that apply to your nationality and situation before traveling to Colombia. You can find the actual list of countries and nationalities here. For more information and guidance on visa requirements and application procedures you can visit the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website or your nearest Colombian consulate or embassy.

Colombia has a well-developed transportation network, including buses (Berlinas one of the most reliable companies), domestic flights, taxis, and ride-sharing services like Uber. Medellin also has metro systems.

Colombian cuisine offers a variety of delicious dishes, for example bandeja paisa, ajiaco, arepas, empanadas, patacones, tamal, sancocho, tamal, cayeye, patacon, coconut rice with fried fish and many others.

While speaking Spanish can enhance your travel experience, especially in more remote areas, many Colombians in tourist areas and cities speak some English. It is recommended to learn at least the basic phrases to get around more easily.

Colombians are generally warm and friendly. They do have some customs and etiquettes that travelers should be mindful of to navigate the country respectfully. It’s customary to greet people with warmth and respect, often with a handshake and/or eye contact.

It’s common to address people using formal titles such as “Señor” (Sir) or “Señora” (Madam) until invited to use their first name. Tipping is appreciated but not always expected. Punctuality is valued, but social gatherings often start later than planned, so it’s wise to be patient. When invited into someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift like flowers or chocolates.

Additionally, Colombians are known for their generosity and hospitality, so accepting offers of food and drink (not on the street!), even if modest, is appreciated. Lastly and most importantly, respecting personal space is important, and it’s best to avoid discussing sensitive topics like politics or the country’s past conflicts unless the conversation is initiated by locals.