Colombia is one of the most rewarding countries we’ve visited, but a little preparation goes a long way if it’s your first time there.
Pack for every climate
Colombia’s weather is all over the place because of its geography. Bogotá was cold, even in the day, and we didn’t pack sweaters. Medellin, the “City of Eternal Spring,” was just right, not too hot or too cold. But Cartagena was hot and humid. We went to Salento too, and the mornings were freezing. I had to buy a scarf at a market there! Layers are your best friend. And don’t forget a raincoat; there are often sudden downpours, especially in Medellín.
Learn some basic Spanish
Even if you’re only going to know how to say hello, gracias, and cuanto cuesta, it will help. We visited a lot of smaller cities such as Jardin where people didn’t always speak English. My husband once asked for the bus schedule but instead asked for a broom (pronounced escoba instead of hora). It was hilarious because the man helping us laughed so hard, but he still assisted us. Colombians understand that you’re doing your best and are happy you’re trying.
Be mindful of safety tips
Colombia has improved a great deal, but still, be cautious of your safety. Don’t flaunt bling, don’t walk around alone at night in the middle of the night, and stick to well-known neighbourhoods. We stayed at El Poblado in Medellín, which was very safe and alive. For taxis, we never called one on the street. We would always use apps such as Cabify or InDriver. A local assured us it’s better, and often less expensive.
Try the local foods
Food in Colombia is basic but so tasty. We snacked on arepas (corn cakes) almost every day. I fell in love with bandeja paisa, which is a plate full of rice, beans, meat, plantains, avocado you name it. And try the fruits! There are so many exotic fruits to try. We stopped by a market in Cali one day and tried lulo, tomate de arbol, guanabana, etc. Fruit juices are also amazing. My favorite was passionfruit juice with milk. Sounds crazy, but trust me, it tastes amazing.
Account for travel time
Colombia is big and it takes time to travel around. Domestic flights saved us hours, especially for longer flights such as Bogotá to Cartagena. We took a bus from Medellín to Guatapé, which was OK for a few hours, but long bus trips can make you exhausted. But, looking back, we should’ve stopped more and travelled less instead of rushing to see everything.
Get travel insurance
Trust me, you think you won’t need it but then something happens and you’re so thankful you bought it. Halfway through our hike in Salento, I slipped on a wet rock. My poor husband thought I sprained my ankle or ripped my leggings. Thankfully, I just scraped my leg, but it could’ve been much worse. You hear about things happening to others on their travels, but during your trip you don’t think it will happen to you.
Take a walking tour
Walking tours are the best way to get to know Colombian history and culture. We took one in Bogotá’s La Candelaria district, where our tour guide regaled us with the country’s turbulent history with rapturous passion. Another highlight was the Comuna 13 tour in Medellín. It used to be one of the most dangerous streets in the city but is now teeming with street art and music. It was a treat to listen to the accounts of those who lived through its transformation.
Plan ahead for popular attractions
Some places are quite packed, particularly in the high season. We didn’t reserve ahead for Tayrona National Park, and it was sold out by the time we got there. We also didn’t get to the Piedra del Peol hike near Guatapé because we had no idea they were closed early. Make sure you double-check opening hours and if possible, purchase tickets online.
Respect local customs
This really goes without saying but Colombians are seriously some of the nicest people we have ever encountered. As long as you show respect and are courteous to them, they will show it right back. Say buenos dias when you walk into a store or restaurant and say gracias when you leave. A street vendor we bought fruit from in Cartagena even gave us extra fruit because we smiled and thanked him. Dress appropriately when visiting places outside of touristy areas.
Don’t rush your trip
Colombia is a country to savor. We were wrong to try to fit too much into our schedule. We were tired by the time we reached Salento and could not really enjoy the Cocora Valley hike. But if I could go back, I’d spend more time in fewer places. Medellín, for instance, has many places to visit: museums, parks, cable cars, & nearby day tours. Slow down and take it all in.
