So, you plan to visit Colombia, and now you must prepare. A trip to Colombia won’t break the bank, but it can if you do not plan accordingly and budget wisely. There are so many things to do in Colombia. You can explore Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena.
You can experience the vibrant culture of South America in December or January. Proper planning will ensure you make the most of your time and money. It will help you discover everything this beautiful country has to offer.
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Travel Planning
When I visited Colombia for over two weeks, I spent thousands (roughly $3,500). Still, I also visited Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena and stayed in hotels like ‘The W,’ which is not exactly ‘budget-friendly’. I have no regrets about it. However, I am sure that is not most tourists’ budget or timeline.
Accommodation
Most hostels in Colombia cost between $8 and $12 USD per night, and prices can sometimes be even lower in big cities. However, the facilities tend to be pretty low-quality. Airbnb is available in larger cities, with shared accommodation prices starting at around $11 per night. For an entire home or apartment, prices start at $28 but average closer to $78 per night.
Food
Most local food costs around $3-5 USD per meal. You can find a lot in the countryside for around $1.50 and $3 USD. You can also find many cheap food, like empanadas, for about $0.06-0.15 USD (they make the best snack food). An arepa on the street will cost about $0.90 USD. Ceviche, popular throughout the country, is around $5.
Transportation
Local transportation is cheap. The metro fare in Medellin is only around $0.76 USD for a one-way fare. Local buses are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between $0.30 and $0.80 USD. I used Uber the entire time. It was way cheaper than taxis. You can pretty much get anywhere for around $5.
Intercity buses are the best way to get around Colombia. A bus from Bogotá to Medellin will cost around 65,000 COP ($20). A bus to Quito, Ecuador, from Bogota will cost around 175,000 COP ($54). Medellin to Manizales is 42,000 COP ($12.75 USD) and Salento to Cali is about 27,000 COP ($8.20 USD). On average, you’ll spend 20,000-40,000 ($6-12 USD) on a bus. You will pay more if you’re going to be gone for more than 9 hours.
Bogota
On my first night here, I tried to go out to eat around 9 or 10 p.m. To my shock, almost every restaurant in multiple locations was closed. I thankfully found one Mediterranean restaurant- elmediterraneobyandrei, which was amazingly delicious! It was so very worth the runaround.
Plaza Square
The next day, I visited Plaza de Bolivar, where many protests occurred. The Bolívar Square is the main square of the Colombian capital, Bogotá. It is a great place to feed some pigeons. You can watch them fly and learn the history of the town. You can also take some amazingly historical-looking photos. Ladies should wear flats or sandals. We then walked down Puerta Falsa (fake doors), a busy street next to Plaza de Bolivar. We enjoyed some excellent street food and purchased souvenirs. The doors in the square were HUGE in comparison to my height. Truly spectacular!
Museums
Finally, we finished with the Gold Museum or ‘Museo del Oro’ of Banco de la República. The various exhibits there described the country with Gold. They also showcased beautiful artifacts acquired from all over the world. You can see these artifacts in this gleaming museum. The museum’s collection includes 34,000 pre-Columbian gold artifacts. It is the largest on earth. These pieces originate from ColombiaColombia’s indigenous populations. These include the Calima, Muisca, Quimbaya, San Agustín, Zenú, Tierradentro, Tolima, Tairona, and Urabá cultures. It is a recommended relaxing activity on your last day or first day of arrival.
Hiking
On the last day, I relaxed. I planned to take a hike at Cerro de Monserrate. However, the weather had other plans. Fortunately for my friends, they decided to take the hike anyway, and I stayed back to avoid the sporadic rain. They took a nice ride down after the hike and got a great view of the top of the mountain. They also enjoyed the sights of the area below. It’s recommended if you’re working.
Medellin
Pablo Escobar is NOT the highlight of Colombia. Saying his name repeatedly can be pretty offensive to the locals.
There’s a stereotype that the poor people there loved him. Historical guides say this is partially true. He showed generosity by building 380 houses for them. As a result, these houses will forever have his name on them.
About Pablo Escobar
Pablo Escobar was the leader of the Medellín Cartel. It was one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in history. He was born in 1949 in Colombia. He rose to power by controlling a significant portion of the cocaine trafficked into the U.S. during the 1980s. Escobar built schools and housing for the less fortunate, which made him a controversial figure in Colombia. His criminal infamy led to thousands of deaths, and he was eventually killed by the Colombian National Police in 1993.
Myths About Pablo Escobar
- Escobar was a “Robin Hood”: The locals admit he tried to help the less fortunate. They conclude that while Escobar did build schools and housing, these actions were often used to win support and power.
- Escobar was untouchable until his death: Although Escobar had significant power, he faced constant threats and challenges from the U.S. and Colombian authorities, which led to his eventual downfall.
- He buried millions in cash: It is true that Escobar was extremely wealthy. Myths of him burying vast amounts of cash in the ground are likely exaggerated. However, he did hide large sums of money in various places.
Escobar’s life remains shrouded in both truth and myth, and his influence continues to captivate people worldwide.
Medellin: Plaza Botero
In Medellin’s markets, you will find unique artwork by Fernando Botero. He is a Colombian painter, sculptor, and draftsman. He is known for developing his works with voluminous characters. These objects appear in various settings.
Of course, we had to visit Plaza Botero. It is located in the Old Quarter of Medellín, close to the Parque Berrio Metro Station in the city’s center. Someone told me that rubbing on the reproductive organ of this particular ‘warrior soldier’ sculpture would bring good luck.
Since I am quite superstitious, I followed suit. Am I lucky yet? Only time will tell!
Guatape
There’s history to learn. Your trip to Medellin would not be complete without spending time in Guatapé, Colombia’s most lovely town. Guatapé is only a 2-hour ride from Medellín, and it’s the perfect day trip/excursion from the big city.
Guatapé is not only the most colorful town in Colombia, it is also one of the most colorful towns in the world. It is so photogenic that you might spend hours getting lost in its streets! Every street and house is beautifully painted with ‘Zocalos’ and decorated impressively.
Tip #302: Zocalos Square and Umbrella Street are the best colorful places for photo opps.
The best tours to taste Medellin and see important parts like Botero Square can be scheduled with ‘Real City tour’‑ realcitytours and @medellinexperience.
Guatapé El Peñol
The rock is 656 ft or 200 m tall. To get to the top, you must climb 740 steps. It’s a huge workout, especially on a hot day. So, I passed on that! Bring appropriate shoes and plan to spend 1‑2 hours climbing up and down, mainly because of the lines and crowds. And also, the incredible workout you’ll get!
You do not have to climb hundreds of steps to get this incredible view. After the tour bus stops, you have to climb up a hill. (See the cover photo of me overlooking the mountains and valley.) Then, you can grab yourself a lazy photo of this beautiful view.
Cartagena
‘Kuta ta Bien!’ (‘Everything is Good’ in Palenque)
Cartagena De Indias
My last and final stop in Colombia: Cartagena!
Here, we made it a requirement to visit ‘The Black town of Palenqué.’ It is ‘also known as the first free Black town in the Americas. This small town of Black people has a little bit of all the countries of Africa. They even have their unique language and have built a city for themselves in Colombia.
Benkos Bioho is one of the biggest names in this small town. He wanted freedom in Cartagena. This desire for freedom is captured in various paintings in Colombia. These are especially prevalent in Palenque town. He became the king of the first free town in the Americas and led the people to freedom. He became the face of a fight that continues today.
Volcano Adventure – El Volcan Del Totumo
We also visited El Volcan Del Totumo ‑ a Mud volcano spa therapy. It was a 45-minute drive from our stay at Getsemani Street in Cartagena. The mud apparently has healing properties. They say people leave looking and feeling 10 years younger when they come here! Maybe I’ll go to being 18 again with no bills and responsibilities because adulting is no fun.
Things To Do – List Itinerary
1. Gold Museum (Museo del Oro)
2. Walled City of Cartagena
3. Medellin Metrocable
4. Mount Monserrate
5. Zoologico de Cali
6. Ciudad Perdida
7. Gran Malecón del Rio ‑ Sector Puerta de Oro
8. Johnny Cay
9. Casa Terracota
10. Museo Botero del Banco de la Republica
11. Cayo Acuario
12. Parque Nacional de Chicamocha
Colombia has a diverse and unforgettable travel experience that you will keep with you forever. You can explore the colorful streets of Bogotá, enjoy the mountains of the Coffee Triangle, and relax on the beaches of Cartagena.
Plan your trip wisely. Use the best resources for finding deals by booking flights in advance and traveling during off-peak months. So, pack your bags and prepare for an amazing journey through one of South America’s exciting destinations!
Travel Resources
Resources to Use While You Plan
These are core guides and tools you can use for almost any trip, from picking a destination to mapping your route and making more time to travel.
All Itineraries & Trips
A central hub of long-weekend guides, Detty December routes, solo trips, and country itineraries you can copy and tweak.
Open itineraries hub →Solo Travel Starter Guide
A full solo travel hub with safety tips, destination ideas, and resources if you’re planning to travel on your own.
Open solo travel guide →Group Travel & Hosted Trips
Explore hosted group trips and trusted partner trips if you’d rather join a group instead of planning alone.
See travel options →COI Travel Network
A central page for solo, group, agency, and travel update links, so you can plug into my wider travel ecosystem.
Explore the network →How to Take More Time Off
A practical guide on stacking weekends, holidays, and smart PTO so you can travel more without quitting your job.
Read time-off tips →Trip Consultation Call
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