10 Things to Know Before Traveling to Colombia

1 Pack for all weather (altitude changes everything)

Colombia is on the equator, but it’s not “one climate.” Weather depends on altitude, not seasons. You can read more about the weather in my post on when to visit colombia.

You can sweat on the Caribbean coast and freeze in Bogotá on the same trip, sometimes the same day. Pack breathable clothes for hot regions, a rain layer for mountain/jungle areas, and at least one warm layer for high-altitude cities. Two things I was very happy to have: a light rain jacket and a small daypack that zips closed.

2 Colombia is bigger than it looks (and travel days add up)

Colombia is not a country you “do” in one fast trip. Distances are real, and travel days can eat your itinerary alive.

If you have 7 to 10 days, instead of trying to see everything, pick one region and do it properly:

1. Caribbean coast plus Tayrona

2. Medellín plus the Coffee Region

3. Bogotá plus nearby day trips

If you have 2 weeks, you can combine two regions comfortably.

3 Domestic flights are affordable, but baggage will cost you

Flying within Colombia can save you hours compared to buses, and fares can look ridiculously cheap… until you add luggage.

Many domestic routes are served by airlines like Avianca, LATAM, JetSMART, and Wingo. The base fare can be great, but extras add up fast: carry-on upgrades, checked bags, and seat selection.

Budget airlines often charge for carry-on upgrades, checked bags, and seat selection. If you’re moving around a lot, packing lighter makes everything easier and often cheaper. It also reduces stress at airports and on arrival days.

Tip: book popular routes early if you’re traveling on weekends or during holidays.

4 A little Spanish goes a long way

English exists in tourist pockets, but it’s not the default outside major hubs.

Even basic Spanish makes your trip smoother (and helps avoid “tourist pricing”). If you can hold a simple conversation, Colombia becomes dramatically easier – and way more fun. Also, reliable mobile data helps a lot here. You can translate on the go, check routes, and message your accommodation if something changes.

5 “No dar papaya” = don’t make it easy

You’ll hear this phrase constantly. It basically means: don’t make it easy for someone to take advantage of you. This isn’t fear. It’s street-smart habits that let you relax and enjoy your trip.

A simple checklist:

1. Don’t walk with your phone out in crowded areas

2. Keep your bag zipped, especially on public transport

3. Don’t leave your phone on café tables near the street

4. Use ATMs inside banks or malls

5. Avoid empty streets at night, even if they look fine

6. Keep an eye on your drink in bars and clubs

6 Use ride apps (especially at night)

In big cities, the safest and easiest option is using a rideshare app with the price shown upfront and the route tracked. Use ride apps at night, between neighborhoods, on airport rides, and anytime you’re carrying luggage. This one habit makes your trip feel dramatically smoother.

Quick safety habit: always check the license plate and driver name before you get in.

7 Skip “Narcos tourism” (Colombia has moved on)

If there’s one way to get an eye-roll from locals, it’s treating Colombia like a Netflix storyline.

If you’re in Medellín, you’ll have a much better experience focusing on what the city is today:

1. Comuna 13 street art and community projects

2. Museums and local neighborhoods

3. Coffee culture and day trips like Guatapé

4. Food spots, viewpoints, and parks

Colombia is so much bigger than one story, and traveling with that mindset genuinely changes your experience.

8 Travel insurance is not optional (especially for cities)

Colombia has excellent private healthcare in big cities, but treatment isn’t free. And petty theft does happen, especially in busy areas. If you’re hiking, moving around a lot, taking tours, or you just want peace of mind, insurance is genuinely worth it. It’s one of those things you hope you won’t need, until you really do.

If something happens, you’ll often need a police report for insurance claims. Your accommodation can help you with the steps and translation.

9 Scams and petty theft exist, but most are preventable

Colombia isn’t “dangerous everywhere,” but it’s also not a place to be careless with phones, cards, or nightlife. Most issues are opportunistic, and a little awareness prevents the majority of problems. Common situations to watch for:

1. Phone snatching, especially near roads and crowded areas

2. Distraction theft, someone “helps” while another grabs your bag

3. Taxi overcharging or taking a longer route

4. Card skimming, don’t let your card disappear out of sight

5. Overly friendly strangers who push you into a situation too fast

If something feels off, trust that instinct and remove yourself quickly. You don’t owe anyone politeness.

10 Save this: emergency number in Colombia

In Colombia, the general emergency number is 123. Also save these before you arrive:

1. Your accommodation’s WhatsApp number

2. Your travel insurance emergency hotline

3. Your country’s embassy or consulate contact

4. Offline maps for your first day, just in case your signal is spotty

If something happens, contact your accommodation too. They can help you translate and guide you through the next steps.