Okay, so Columbia is best known for it’s cocaine production and deranged drug lords. But bad reputations aside, Columbia is safer than ever, so much so that it’s attracting gap year travellers in droves (well, nearly).
Colombia Facts
• Capital City: Bogotá
• Currency: Columbian Peso, COP
• Language: Spanish
• Time Zone: -5 GMT
• Dialling Code: +57
Colombia Backpacking & Gap Year Guide
Located in South America, Colombia is a country full of character with majestic jungles, pristine Caribbean beaches, enigmatic architecture and coffee plantations.
You’ll be seduced by its rich culture and easy-going lifestyle. Relax on the stunning beaches off the coast of Cartagena, visit the island of Providencia and swim in crystal clear waters. Pure bliss. Too much relaxing? Take a cable car ride over the Andean city of Medellin and experience an authentic Colombian carnival!
Top Tip: Trek to Ciudad Perdida also known as the ‘Lost City’ to see indigenous tribes and jungle ruins.
Travel Tips
Voltage and Plug Info:
110 V.American-style plug with two blades above a round grounding pin or Japanese-style plug with two blades.
Visas:
Citizens of the USA, Australia and most of Western Europe among many others do not require a visa however it’s best to check because regulations often change. Make sure you get an entry stamp on arrival that allows you up to 90 days in the country.
Safety:
Colombia is renowned for problems with theft, so always be wary. It is also advisable to be extremely cautious of drinks, food or cigarettes offered to you by strangers. Scopolamine is a type of ‘date-rape drug’ commonly used on unsuspecting tourists. Be careful to avoid drugs of any kind and be sensitive if the topic comes up; it can be extremely offensive to crack jokes about the trade and the country’s drug reputation.
Vaccinations and Health:
Outside the cities, drink bottled water only. Yellow fever is the only mandatory jab but is only required if you’re visiting the national parks along the Atlantic coast. However, many are recommended such as typhoid and hepatitis A and B, so seek medical advice in advance.
Best Time to Visit?
The country is very hot generally, but temperatures drop as the altitude increases. There are two seasons- wet and dry- and in Los Lllanos there is only one dry season (between December and March) and the rest of the year is wet. Comparatively, the Andean region sees two dry seasons (December to March and July to August) and two rainy seasons.
Getting There and Away
The only overland gateways are through Ecuador and Venezuela. However, it is possible to fly directly from many cities all over the world and isn’t too costly. For those travelling from Australia or New Zealand, connections via Chile or Argentina are the easiest routes in. The main airport in Colombia is El Dorado, but there are others to choose from. Boats connect the country with the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Getting Around
Domestic flights are aplenty but it can often be a difficult process to purchase tickets. The main companies are Avianca and COPA Colombia. Bus travel is relatively easy, cheap and efficient but Colectivos (minibuses) are usually faster. Taxis are typically good value for money. Colombia tours are recommended for ease of travel too.
Don’t Leave Here Without…
Bathing in a mud volcano
Beauty only comes to those who are prepared to slather themselves in dirt. So journey to the top of the Totumo volcano near Cartagena and wallow in the hot mud – it’ll leave you as happy as a pig in the proverbial.
Partying on a chiva bus
Ditch your iphone for a spot of four-wheeled frivolity on a chiva – a converted bus that hosts a moving party for locals and the occasional wide-eyed visitor, largely fuelled by national sugar cane liquor aguardiente.
Worshipping at the Salt Cathedral
An architectural marvel built in an underground salt mine the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá near Bogota is a pilgrimage for the pious and the curious alike.
Making like Indiana Jones
Impersonate the adventurous archaeologist by taking the six-day trek around the first-century ‘Lost City’ of Ciudad Perdida. Hat and whip optional.
Beholding beauty
Columbians take beauty pageants very seriously and so enjoying one is an important ‘cultural experience’. Medellin is said to have the most gorgeous women, but the rules are strict – look but don’t touch.