Travel Blog Tips for First-Time Travelers to Colombia: What You Need to Know Before You Go

Are you thinking about travelling to Colombia for the first time? Colombia is a country of contrasts, full of vibrant cities, warm people, and breathtaking natural diversity. If it’s your first time in Colombia, you might be unsure what to expect. That’s why we created this practical and friendly guide to help you prepare and show you how to explore the real Colombia beyond the stereotypes.

1. Colombia Is Not What You Think,  and That’s a Good Thing

For many travellers, Colombia still carries outdated associations, but the country has undergone significant changes in recent decades. Today, Colombia is one of the most vibrant destinations in South America, boasting a thriving tourism industry, innovative cities, and a remarkable cultural experience.

You’ll find:

• Thriving cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena

• Small coffee towns that feel like stepping back in time

• Remote natural parks, rivers, and mountain trails

• Indigenous communities preserving ancient traditions

Colombia is unique within South America: its landscapes, history, and regional cultures make it feel like several countries in one. Prepare to be surprised in all the right ways.

2. The Country Is Bigger Than It Looks and Travel Takes Time

Looking at a map, Colombia may not seem massive, but on the ground, it’s a different story. With mountains, jungles, coastlines, and vast plains, getting from one place to another can take time.

• Domestic flights are often the most convenient way to travel between regions. (and relatively cheap)

• Road trips are beautiful but can be slow due to winding roads and rural terrain.

Tip: If it’s your first time in Colombia, don’t try to squeeze in too much. Select a few regions to explore in-depth, and plan a route that suits your pace. We’re happy to help you design a tailor-made tour that strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation.

3. Yes, It’s Safe. But, Travel Smart

One of the most common questions about visiting Colombia is whether it’s safe. The short answer is yes, especially if you travel smart and informed. Colombia is much safer than it was 20 years ago. Millions of international tourists visit each year without issues. That said, you should take the same precautions you would in any unfamiliar destination:

• Stick to well-known neighbourhoods, especially at night

• Use official taxi apps like Uber

• Don’t flash valuables in public

• Carry a copy of your passport, and use hotel safes when possible

• Learning a few key Spanish phrases  can be helpful; it builds trust and helps in day-to-day situations

Travelling with a local tour agency or a local tour guide can make a significant difference. At Uncover Colombia, our local guides help ensure a seamless and safe experience from start to finish. They can take you to the best-known spots favoured by locals, including restaurants, attractions, neighbourhoods, and more.

4. Colombia Has No Seasons, Just a World of Microclimates

Here’s something most first-time travellers to Colombia don’t expect: the country doesn’t have four seasons. Because it’s located near the Equator, Colombia’s climate is shaped by altitude rather than the time of year. That means:

• Bogotá (2,600 m) is cool and fresh year-round

• Medellín (1,500 m) has a spring-like climate all year

• Cartagena is tropical, hot, and humid, perfect for beach days

• The Amazon is warm and humid, with regular rain

• The eastern plains (Los Llanos) are hot and dry, ideal for wildlife spotting

• High mountain regions like the páramos are cold and mist

In just one trip, you might experience everything from rainforest heat to mountain air. That’s part of what makes Colombia so extraordinary.

KEY TIP: Pack layers, good walking shoes, and a light rain jacket, no matter where you go.

5. Cash Is Still King, especially in Small Towns

In big cities, you’ll be able to use your credit card at most restaurants, hotels, and shops. But once you venture outside urban areas, cash becomes essential.

• Always carry small denominations (some shops won’t accept large bills)

• Use ATMs inside banks or malls (not on the street)

• Avoid exchanging money at the airport if possible, as rates are poor

Many Colombians use apps like Nequi or Daviplata for payments, but those require local accounts. For travellers, a mix of cards and cash is the best approach.

6. Food is flavorful, not spicy; choose coffee carefully if you're a coffee lover

Colombian cuisine is simple, comforting, and rich in regional diversity. Don’t expect bold spices; instead, meals are based on fresh ingredients, soups, stews, and grilled meats, often served in hearty, large portions.

Must-try dishes:

• Fruits: Colombia is a true paradise for fruit lovers, thanks to its tropical climate and rich biodiversity. The country is home to over 400 varieties of fruits, allowing you to choose from both exotic options and familiar favourites. My personal favourites are lulo and mangoes. You could try a different fruit every day of the year, unbelievable!
• Ajiaco (Bogotá): a hearty soup made with potatoes, corn, chicken, cilantro and herbs (my favourite one).
• Arepas: corn cakes eaten with every meal.
• Patacones: Crispy plantain chips usually served with seasoned meat, cheese, guacamole and "hogao sauce".
• Empanadas: golden, crispy snacks filled with meat or cheese.
• Bandeja paisa (Medellín): a generous platter of rice, beans, plantain, avocado, egg, and meat.

As for coffee, while Colombia is renowned for producing high-quality beans, the average coffee served in homes or diners (often referred to as tinto) may be of a more basic quality. Ask what kind of coffee it is.

Look for speciality cafés or ask for café filtrate for a richer cup. Remember, you're in a coffee lover's paradise! You can also visit coffee farms as part of your travel itinerary in the coffee area.  Ask us how to include this in your trip.

7. Colombians Will Make You Feel Right at Home

One of the things travellers remember most about Colombia isn’t the landscape; it’s the people. Colombians are known for their warmth, friendliness, and genuine pride in their country. Whether you’re asking for directions, shopping at a local market, or chatting with your guide, you’ll feel welcome. A few Spanish phrases go a long way:

• Hola, ¿cómo estás? – Hello, how are you?

• Muchas gracias – Thank you very much

• Me encanta Colombia – I love Colombia

8. Language Tip: Don’t Worry, But Do Try a Little Spanish

Even learning how to greet someone, order a coffee, or ask for directions can lead to meaningful moments. Your guide will always be there to support you when you need it. However, most of the travel agencies that we work with offer all our tours with English-speaking guides, so you won’t need to worry about language barriers during your trip. That said, trying a little Spanish can be part of the fun, and people will appreciate the effort.

9. Getting Around Colombia: Transport Tips for First-Timers

Colombia’s major cities are well-connected, but getting around can be confusing at first. Here are a few helpful tips:

• Uber and DiDi are widely used in major cities and are safer and more comfortable than flagging down street taxis.

• Avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas, especially at night.

• In popular areas like Cartagena’s walled city or Medellín’s El Poblado, walking is safe and enjoyable.

• For longer trips or to ensure complete peace of mind, consider booking a tour with transportation included through a trusted tour agency. 

Whether it’s airport pickups, day trips, or inter-city transfers, we offer safe, coordinated, and comfortable transport options to fit your itinerary.

10. Go Beyond the Tourist Trail With Local Experts 

If you want to experience the real Colombia, you don’t have to leave the cities; you need the right experiences. There are some innovative tours available around Colombia, and at Uncover Colombia, we create immersive, authentic experiences in the country’s most iconic destinations, including Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, Boyacá, and the Coffee Region​​​​​​. We go far beyond typical sightseeing.

In these destinations, you can:

• Join hands-on cooking experiences with local families

• Visit community-led farms and food projects that are transforming urban life

• Take walking tours through reimagined neighbourhoods, once off-limits, now vibrant with art and culture

• Explore Colombia’s creative soul through street art and graffiti tours guided by the artists themselves

• Walk through coffee plantations and taste some of the world’s best brews right at the source

• Wander the colonial cobbled streets of Colombia’s most beautiful heritage towns and participate in interactive workshops with communities

And if you're ready to venture further, we offer tailor-made journeys into Colombia’s most remote and breathtaking regions:

• A wildlife safari in Los Llanos, where you can spot capybaras, giant anteaters, and flocks of exotic birds against fiery sunsets

• The Amazon Rainforest, for deep jungle exploration, Indigenous cultural encounters, and river adventures

• The Pacific Coast is one of the best places in the world for whale watching between July and October

• The magical, multicoloured waters of Caño Cristales, also known as the “river of five colours.”

• The hidden beauty of Guainía and Guaviare, with their sacred rivers, ancient rock formations, and pre-Columbian petroglyphs 

Whether you want to discover vibrant city life, untouched natural reserves, or community-led transformation stories, Colombia has it all.

11. A Special Note for Birdwatchers and Nature Lovers

If you're interested in wildlife and birdwatching tours, Colombia should be at the top of your list. With over 1,900 bird species, Colombia holds the world record for bird diversity, and many of these species can be found nowhere else.

Top birding destinations include:

• The Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, with high levels of endemism

• Cloud forests around Bogotá, Medellín, and Cali Cauca Valley

• The Amazon basin and Orinoquía region for rare and exotic species

• The famous KM 18 near Cali, a birdwatcher’s dream

Let us know if you're a birdwatcher, and we’ll make sure to include the best regions and expert guides with customised birdwatching tours​​​​​​.

12. What First-Time Visitors Love Most About Colombia

When you ask any traveller after their first visit to Colombia, you’ll hear some of the same words again and again: surprising, welcoming, colourful, unforgettable.

The Warmth of the People
More than the landscapes or the food, what stays with visitors is the genuine kindness, curiosity, and warmth of the Colombians. Travellers are often amazed by how easily they can make real connections.

The Diversity of Landscapes
In just one trip, you can explore high-altitude cities, tropical beaches, vast plains, cloud forests, and Amazonian rivers, without ever crossing a border. The sheer variety of ecosystems, cultures, and climates makes Colombia feel like an entire continent in one country.

The Unexpected Beauty
Whether it’s the cobbled streets of Barichara, the colourful towns of the Coffee Region, or the modern art museums of Bogotá, travellers are often surprised by how beautiful, clean, and culturally rich Colombia is, and how different it is from what they expected.

The Coffee (Once You Know Where to Drink It)
Colombia is one of the world’s top coffee producers, and when you drink it at the source, you really taste the difference. Visiting a local coffee farm in the mountains is often a highlight of any trip. You'll learn how the beans are grown, harvested, and roasted, and why most Colombians actually export their best beans. So yes, the best coffee is here, but you need to know where to find it, and we can take you there.

Final Thoughts: Colombia Isn’t Just a Trip 

If this is your first time visiting Colombia, get ready to be surprised, inspired, and moved. Colombia isn’t a place you see,  it’s a place you experience with all your senses. Whether you're seeking culture, food, history, nature, or connection, Colombia offers something no other country can match: a unique blend of beauty, depth, and authenticity that lingers long after the trip ends.

We’re proud to show you a side of Colombia that goes beyond expectations with safe, customised, and meaningful experiences that support local communities and celebrate the country’s diversity. Explore our curated Colombia Tours or reach out for a tailor-made itinerary, built just for you.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paola Rodriguez

Paola is passionate about travelling to explore new places and cultures. Her love for learning other languages led her to pursue an MBA in Taiwan, where she seized every opportunity to explore Asia, visiting countries like Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, and Korea. After finishing her studies, Paola returned to Colombia and joined the Uncover Colombian team to continue working in Tourism and promoting her country.