If you are planning your next solo travel to Colombia, then you’ve come to the right place, and here you’ll find everything you need to know and you need to follow when you are travelling there. So make sure to read the post in full, and leave a comment if you have any other concerns, and we’ll be glad to help you further.
Colombia is located in South America and is the only country on the continent with coastlines on both the Atlantic (Caribbean Sea) and Pacific oceans. When you are inside the country, you can see Caribbean beaches, high Andean cities, coffee hills, the Amazon, and more, which you’ll never see anywhere in the world.
As you are on solo, tourist areas are set up for solo travelers, and you will find hostels, guesthouses, guided day tours, ride-hailing apps, and good intercity buses, which make your trip easier.
For safety, you should pick neighborhoods with care and move around with a plan. The later sections tell you how. The UK and US travel advisories both say to stay alert and avoid some regions, yet millions of visitors still come and enjoy the trip by following basic rules.
Here is a quick and simple overview, before we begin.
Cool: ~18°C
Altitude: 2,600m
Spring-like: 26-28°C
Year-round comfort
Hot: 30-32°C
Dry: Dec-Apr
Gold Museum, Monserrate, La Candelaria historic center
Eternal spring weather, metro system, cable cars
Colonial walled city, Caribbean beaches
Gateway to Tayrona National Park
Coffee region, Cocora Valley palm trees
Adventure capital: rafting, paragliding, caving
Table of Contents
What to know before you enter Colombia?
Entry rules and visas
Colombia usually offers 90 days visa-free entry for tourists, and you can usually extend it up to 180 days in a calendar year, and your passport must be valid for the whole time you stay there. Sometimes, you may be asked for proof of your funds to make sure you can live in Colombia with your own funds for the duration of your travel there.
It is better if you are vaccinated before you enter Colombia, especially since taking the yellow fever vaccine is recommended because it is one of the common diseases inside. For now, you do not need the COVID-19 vaccine to enter Colombia in 2025.
Money, prices, and what things cost
The Colombian peso (COP) is traded at about 4,000 COP per USD, though the rates fluctuate daily. Automated teller machines are very common, and will charge between 10,500 and 26,990 COP fees with a withdrawal limit of 300,000-2,000,000 COP Preferences should always be made to COP rather than converting to currency.
A ride on a public transit in Bogotá or Medellín would cost approximately 2,950-3,280 COP, whereas the taxis at the airport charged by the authority would cost, depending on the time and traffic conditions. The cost of dorms in hostels is based on season and place. Backpackers come in under 150,000–220,000 COP, mid-range travelers 300,000 -600,000 COP, and comfort 700,000 and above. Always keep up with prevailing rates and change expenditure.
Phones, data, staying online, and power
There are a few major mobile companies, and you can buy a SIM or an eSIM from anywhere near a town from a service provider, but the coverage and the cost for data and calls will be different from provider to provider. Bring your passport to register a SIM in store and ask the clerk to activate data before you leave. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and tourist areas, where some of them are free, and others charge for use.
When it comes to power plugs, Colombia uses Type A and B plugs, as same as in the US, and if your device supports 110-240V, you only need to bring your adapter when travelling.
Getting in and getting around (transportation)
When it comes to transportation in Colombia, El Dorado is the main international airport, and the airport’s official taxi provider is Imperial Taxi. You can book through their app or at the official counters. You can also connect to the city by bus through the TransMilenio and SITP systems using the feeder shuttle from the terminal to Portal El Dorado. Ride-hailing apps operate, though rules are complex.
City transport
- Bogotá – Buy a TuLlave card to ride TransMilenio and SITP. As of 2025, the fare is about 2,950–3,280 COP per ride, depending on the service. Try to avoid the heaviest rush hours with luggage.
- Medellín – The clean and simple Metro runs north–south and east–west, with cable cars up the hills. Get a Cívica card for regular use. Current single-ride fares are published by the metro each year.
- Taxis and ride-hailing – Taxis are metered, and Apps like Uber, DiDi, and inDrive operate in a legal gray area but are widely used in big cities. If you use them, match the plate number and do not ride in a car that does not match the app.
Intercity buses are cheap and frequent between major cities, such as Bogota, Cali, Medellin, etc. So if you are traveling by bus, you can buy tickets from the main terminal or book on the bus company’s website. The best thing is that if you have enough money, you can book domestic flights to distant areas like the Amazon.
Safety for solo travelers
You just have to apply all your common sense rules as in any other large city, and then a couple of Colombian points.
Choose your Neighborhood wisely – Stay in well-known areas for visitors. Cases in point are Chapinero Zona G in Bogotá, El Poblado or Laureles in Medellín, and the walled city of Bocagranda in Cartagena.
Transportation – Take a trusted registered taxi at airports or use applications. Do not hail on the road at night. The State Department and the UK FCDO emphasize travel avoidance in some of the rural departments and at night on particular roads. When you intend to take long bus trips, do it during the day.
Safety of your bags – Sit with phones and small bags in front of you when in tight buses or in markets.
Drink safety – Do not take drinks or gums offered by strangers. Criminals can sometimes use scopolamine to disable their victims. It is very uncommon for most visitors who take care, yet it does get warned at the embassies.
Cash – Visit the ATMs inside the malls or banks and withdraw money, and leave it in your wallet before you walk outdoors. Bank and machine fees and limits differ.
The official advisories should be followed before every leg of your trip. The condition may vary according to the region.
What about your health?
Health is a main concern when you are traveling to Colombia because yellow fever and dengue are more common in the rural areas. So make sure you are vaccinated before you go to avoid any unwanted infections.
The water is treated in most areas, so you can drink clean water, but in some areas it is not. So make sure you bring your own bottled water when you are travelling in rural areas.
And when it comes to the environment, Bogotá sits at about 2,600 m. You may feel short of breath on the first day. To avoid it, go easy, drink water, and avoid hard workouts until you adjust.
Weather and best time to go
The climate of Colombia is more altitude-based than seasonal. In the Andes, Bogotá remains cool all year round, with temperatures around 18 °C and wet seasons in April-May and October-November, hence evenings require a jacket.
Medellin, the City of Eternal Spring, has temperatures up to 2628 °C, and wetter periods in April-May and October-November. Cartagena and the Caribbean are warm and wet, and it is hot up to 30-32 °C, has a dry season in the period of December – April and rain in the period of May – November.
During sunny seasons and active festivals, the best seasons to visit include December to March and July to September, and for lush green scenery and fewer crowds, travel just after the rains.
Where to go and what to do on a first solo trip?
Now it is the time to take a look at what to do and where to go on your first solo trip to Colombia, so let’s begin.
Bogotá
Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is located in the high Andes, and it is large, hectic, and culture-filled. The Gold Museum in Bogota displays thousands of ancient works, and Monserrate Mountain provides an overview of the city.
La Candelaria, the old center, has street art, colorfulness, history, and vibrant squares, and there are numerous good restaurants in Bogotá, particularly in Chapinero.
The city is not crowded with tourists, and therefore, plan your visits by area. It is cold at night, so wear a jacket. Get around by TransMilenio and buses with a TuLlave card, and a graffiti walking tour is an amusing method of studying art and history.
Medallin
The pleasant weather of Medellin makes it the City of Eternal Spring. It is a city that is easy to navigate and explore because of its clean metro system and the popular cable cars that go up and down the hills, offering spectacular views of the city.
Laureles in Medallin is a casual barrio, where people have cafes, versus Provenza, which is vibrant at night. In Medellin, you can make day trips to Guatapé and its colorful houses and colossal rock, or visit coffee farms in the region where you can learn how coffee is produced.
Medellin too has parks, museums, and warm locals, something making it a great location base, whether in a fun city or in a nature adventure.
Cartagena
Cartagena is a very hot and coastal city that has a historic walled old town consisting of colonial houses, plazas, and churches. The streets of Cartagena are alive with flowers, music, and street vendors.
As it is hot, humid throughout the year, keep yourself hydrated when travelling. It has beaches and clear water, and you may go by boat to the Rosario Islands.
Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a coastal city that commonly served as a starting point for the exploration of the northern area. The area is famous for the surrounding hills, and a favorite spot in terms of waterfalls, bird watching, and coffee farms.
The Tayrona National Natural Park has beautiful beaches, jungle walks, and wildlife, although the park occasionally has periods of rest to maintain the environment, and dates must be checked before visiting.
Salento
Salento is a small, colorful town in the Colombian coffee region, and it is known for the Cocora Valley, where you can walk through the tallest upright wax palm trees in the world.
The landscape is forest-like and hilly, and Coffee farms in the area of Salento allow visitors to hear about the process of coffee production and have the chance to taste it. The town consists of bright colonial houses, craft shops, and good food. Riding in the traditional Willys jeeps is also a fun experience, as they are used in the countryside. Salento and the wider Coffee Triangle offer calm, fresh air, and a true sense of rural Colombian life.
San Gil
San Gil is the most famous place for adventure in Colombia. It is a small town that encircles rivers, caves, and canyons. White-water rafting is a popular attraction among a number of travelers visiting the Río Suarez or Río Fonce. You can also do paragliding, caving, bungee jumping, and hiking. Even though the town is quite small, there is a central square where the citizens get together in the evenings.
There are some tours in local firms, and it is advised to take them with licensed companies so as to be safe. San Gil should be visited in case you love outdoor sports and nature, and it combines adrenaline-rushing activities with scenic views and the relaxed feel of a small town.
There is more to know about Colombia as a solo traveller, and let’s take a look at those things in the conclusion.
What else to know, and final Words
In the case of discovering nature in Colombia, it is important to plan before you go. Tayrona National Natural Park restricts the number of people who can visit the park every day and varies the prices of tickets according to season.
The Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), a tough four or five-day excursion into the jungle, is another big hike. It can only be done with a licensed guide, and therefore, one should book to avoid full months.
To be on the safe side, reach the areas during the day; use official cabs or reliable ride-hailing applications, and never forget to check license plates. Do not leave things inside the car, do not walk alone in the dark, and use ATMs found inside the banks or shopping centers. Do not take drinks when in the company of strangers, and do not travel to new destinations without checking government advisories.
Colombians value polite greetings, “buenos días,” “gracias,” and a smile goes far. Make sure you try domestic dishes such as arepas, bandeja paisa, ajiaco, and fresh juices. Reduce plastic, keep on trails, and honor the homeland communities by being a responsible traveler.
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