With five geographic regions, Colombia has it all. Get your beach fix in the Caribbean coast. See the lush hills, mountains and coffee farms in the Andean region. Or, trekk through the Amazon and see the diverse wildlife. Colombia is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world.
Bandeja paisa, arepas, coffee, limonada de coco – Colombia has so many delicious traditional cuisines to try. Even if you don’t want to sit in a restaurant, there are still many delicious street food options. Also, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to eat fresh fruit and vegetables.
Depending on what region of Colombia you visit, you’ll notice how diverse Colombians are. From indigenous natives to Afro-Colombians, it’s beautiful to see so much diversity. And, it’s evident that many Colombian traditions, food, music and overall culture comes from indigenous natives and/or Afro-Colombians.
The U.S dollar (USD) is much stronger than the Colombian Peso (COP). So, your money will go a long way. Most dishes I had in Medellin and Cartagena were less than $15 USD. Also, transportation is cheaper than most U.S. cities. For example, traveling on the train in Medellin costs 2,500 COP (~.75¢). Likewise, even traveling between different regions is cheaper than traveling between U.S. states. My flight from Medellin to Cartagena was $43.
Colombia has a great mix of new and old architecture. I noticed this contrast in Medellin and Cartagena. Also, it’s very fascinating seeing the architecture in Medellin. Specifically since the landscape is so mountainous. It’s so intriguing to see a city built on different elevations.
This beautiful country is still relatively untapped by tourism. However, it’s an up-and-coming tourist attraction as more people start to realize the beauty of Colombia.
Colombia has a very fascinating history. You can learn a lot from the Palenqueras in Cartagena, to the Paisas in Comuna 13. So, if you’re a history buff, Colombia is a great place to visit!
When discussing Colombia, this topic seems to come up often. Unfortunately, there’s still stigma around safety in Colombia. This due to its history with drug trafficking, and the violence that came with it. However, despite this history, Colombia is a relatively safe country today. Like traveling to any other country, you should remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
Because of Pablo Escobar and his cartel, Medellin, in particular, gets a very bad rep. However, the city has gone through an amazing transformation since then. From investing in their infrastructure, to creating economic opportunities for marginalized communities. I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe in Medellin.
When booking an Airbnb, you’ll be asked for your passport number and issuing country after booking. This is a completely normal procedure for security and the government. I’m sure it’s the same procedure when booking, or checking-in to, your hotel.
