tourism times colombia

The Best Time to Visit Colombia: For Festivals, Hiking and Picture-Perfect Beaches

By Author Arakita Rimbayana

Posted on Last updated: 6th October 2023

One of the things that set Colombia apart from other destinations in South America is its diversity of landscape and wildlife.

From untouched Caribbean coastline to the emerald-green Andean summits, Colombia packs a vast array of flora and fauna spread across 314 different ecosystems and is ranked the second most biodiverse country in the world. 

This mega biodiversity is thanks to the country’s unique terrain and climate, influenced by the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea in the north, the elevation changes brought about by the undulating Andes Mountains and its proximity to the equator.

While Colombia certainly could be considered a tropical country in many respects, the temperatures and weather systems can actually vary across the country, with the lower regions experiencing the tropical climate you might expect, while those at higher altitudes, such as Bogotá and Medellin, can feel chillier. 

When it comes to choosing the best time to visit Colombia, it’s necessary to consider the conditions in the different parts of the country you plan to visit as well as seasonality.

Because average temperatures in most parts remain much the same all year long, the high season for visitors to Colombia is influenced mainly by the Northern Hemisphere’s seasons, with visitors escaping the cold winter back home between December and March. 

Want to escape the crowds and have the best chance of the perfect weather for hiking, wildlife spotting, or lounging on a white-sand beach? Read on for our expert advice about the best months to travel to Colombia. 

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The best months to visit Colombia

• January: Escape the peak season crowds in Cartagena by heading instead to Bogotá, which is deserted as Colombians make a beeline for the coast over the Christmas holidays. Alternatively, take a trip to Eje Cafetero (Coffee Axis) from Medellín to sample some of the country’s finest cups of joe or head out west to the Pacific Coast for wildlife watching and surfing while the weather’s dry. 
• February: This month is best for outdoor activities on the Caribbean coast, while the Barranquilla Carnival takes place before Ash Wednesday. For hikers, head out into the national parks across the Andes for sunny, settled weather. 
• March: As the dry weather along the Caribbean coast continues, go trekking in Sierra Nevada mountains to reach the UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site, Ciudad Perdida, one of the best places to visit in Colombia . Alternatively, spend time exploring the capital, Bogotá while the weather’s warm. 
• April: Celebrate Semana Santa with the locals in the country’s largest celebrations, which are held in Popayán, in southern Colombia. Alternatively, maximise your time beach bumming in Cartagena de Indias during shoulder season before the rainy season begins or head over to the gorgeous Caribbean islands of San Andrés and Providencia. 
• May: The wettest month in Colombia is the best time to avoid crowds – although you’ll definitely need a raincoat. Avoid the Amazon region and instead head to Calí for salsa dancing.
• June: As the rain slows, but the rivers are still easily accessed by boats, head deep into the Amazon jungles to spot parakeets, toucans, and pink river dolphins.
• July: Take advantage of the “dry” period in Antioquía to visit Jardín, Colombia’s most atmospheric colonial town or spend a few days kicking back in Medellin, the “City of Eternal Spring”.
• August: Join the paisas (residents of the Antioquia department) to celebrate Feria de Las Flores for ten consecutive days in August. 
• September: Visit parks in the Amazon region, such as Amacayacu National Park; during this drier month, you can hike and trek through the rainforest rather than explore by boat.
• October: The wettest month in most parts of Colombia, October is the time to explore indoor activities in the capital city. Discover Bogotá through its museums, galleries, and glut of excellent restaurants .
• November: While much of the rest of the country is at the mercy of the weather, the La Guajira peninsula in the northeast of Colombia is still hot and dry – and its remote location makes it a great place to avoid the crowd regardless of the season.
• December: Soak up the sun on the beaches of Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Tayrona National Park (Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona). Alternatively, hit up Medellin for sunny weather or head to Calí to celebrate one of the biggest festivals in Colombia, the Feria de Calí.

The best weather conditions by region

Located in the northwest corner of South America, Colombia is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the west. As a result, the climate varies significantly by its natural regions: the Caribbean, Pacific, Amazon, Orinoquia, and Andean Regions.

Colombia generally has a temperate and tropical climate, where more than 80% of its area is considered hot due to its proximity to the equator. However, each natural region has its own conditions. 

The Amazon: Leticia, Puerto Nariño and Putumayo

The Amazon region of Colombia is hot and humid year-round, with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F).

The rainy season falls from December through May, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in April and May; this season sees most of the forest submerged by growing rivers, which gives you more chance to spot birds, monkeys, and other animals that spend their time in the treetops. 

Between the dry months of June and September, conditions are better for hiking forest trails and spotting terrestrial animals. 

The best time to explore the Amazon: June through September

Despite the hot and humid conditions, the Amazon Rainforest can still be explored between June and September.

With the help of binoculars and a guide, patient observers can spot parakeets, cormorants, and toucans in the foliage. Moreover, you may get to see the pink river dolphins that live in Amazonian waters. 

Even though June to September is technically the dry season, there’s still around a 50% probability of precipitation. So it’s best to wear light, breathable clothing and pack a raincoat just in case.

It’s also advisable to bring insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes and insects; mosquito-proof clothing will also be a godsend.

The Caribbean Coast: Cartagena, Barranquilla, Santa Marta and Tayrona National Natural Park

Not only does Colombia’s Caribbean coast have dazzling beaches, but its warm tropical climate promises year-round sunshine.

The average temperature ranges from 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), and the closer you are to the coast, the hotter it feels and the higher the humidity.

The rainy season typically runs from May to November, with heavy downpours in the afternoons and evenings. But don’t let this deter you.

Rain usually only lasts a few hours, often bringing a welcome break from the heat. Just be sure to bring a rain jacket or umbrella to stay dry when sightseeing and hiking.

However, if you plan on snorkeling, diving, surfing, and exploring the beaches, it’s best to visit during the dry season from December to March.

The best time to explore the Caribbean Coast: December through March

During these months, you can expect blazing sunshine and few – if any – rainy days. Although temperature-wise, there’s no significant difference between the dry and wet seasons along this stretch of Colombia, in January and February, you may not see rain at all.

As a result, these months are perfect for lounging on the beach, getting under the skin of Cartagena , or taking a day tour out to one of the islands surrounding the city . 

Bear in mind that this is the high season for travel and the beaches along the Caribbean Coast are guaranteed to be packed with both local and foreign tourists, while the best hotels in Cartagena are likely to be fully booked.

For quieter beaches and fewer visitors in the region’s landmark national park, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, consider the shoulder seasons of November and March, particularly as the park closes for the first half of February.

The Andes: Medellín, Manizales, Bogotá, Bucaramanga and Calí

The Colombian Andes is one of the most diverse mountainous regions in the world when it comes to climate.

The average temperature is around 18°C (64°F), but it’s highly influenced by altitude and latitude and the region is divided into three branches (cordilleras) as a result of these two factors.

The Cordillera Occidental, which is adjacent to the Pacific coast, is the lowest of the three. This branch includes Calí, where average temperatures hover around 24°C (75.2°F) year-round, and where two rainy periods – March through May and October through November – are experienced.

The locals refer to the other months as the “dry” season, however, rain may fall on any day, so it’s best to pack waterproof clothing or an umbrella.

The Cordillera Oriental, the second highest branch and the widest include Bucaramanga and Bogotá. The capital city sits at 2,640 meters (8,660 ft) above sea level, which makes its weather different from most cities in this branch.

Sunny days are rare, as fog fills the air every morning and is replaced with clouds in the afternoon. As a result, it can be quite cold in Bogotá, with an average temperature of just 14°C (57.2°F) and temperatures dropping to as low as 0°C (32°F) at night.

Expect rain – or at least drizzle – throughout the year, although December and January are often drier.

The Cordillera Central is the highest branch, with Nevado del Huila its loftiest peak at 5,364 metres (17,598 ft) and includes Manizales and Medellín. The latter sits at 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) with an average annual temperature of 22°C (72°F), which is the reason behind its nickname the “City of the Eternal Spring”.

This branch has more rainy days than the other two: on average, 19 days per month, with the most rainfall between April and May and September through November.

The best time to visit the Andes: December through January

In general, the Andean region is a year-round destination. But if you want to avoid the rain, aim for December and January, when Colombians flock to the coast. Though the days are not entirely rain-free, these months are the “driest” in this part of Colombia.

In Calí and most of the Cordillera Occidental, these months are the “summer” and temperatures can hit 34°C (93.2°F) during the day and drop to 15°C (59°F) at night.

Bogotá, and most other cities in the Cordillera Oriental, enjoy more sunshine hours during these months. Medellín, in the Cordillera Central, maintains its pleasantly warm climate with less rain than other times during the year.

The Pacific Coast 

With its warm, tropical climate and diverse weather patterns, the Pacific region is one of the wettest places in the world.

As it rains almost constantly here, this region is popular for its surfing and ample wildlife, with the ocean packed full of humpback whales between July and October, and hawksbill turtles laying eggs at Bahía Solano from September through December.

Like most areas in Colombia, the Pacific region has its driest days in December through January, while the temperature stays pretty constantly between 25°C (77°F) and 32°C (90°F) throughout the year. 

Los Llanos Orientales 

While avoiding the wet season in the Pacific region is advisable, it is a must in the Los Llanos Orientales region, a stretch of savannah that belongs to the Orinoco River watershed and which floods during the rainy season. Throughout the years, temperatures mostly remain stable between 22°C (72°F) and 33°C (92°F).  

Known for its remarkable diversity of wildlife (it’s home to over 100 species of mammals and 700 species of birds), the eastern plains become an even great refuge for birdlife during the rainy season.

Between May and September, large parts of these grasslands convert into wetlands, attracting migrating water birds and making them the perfect place for kayaking. 

For a better chance of spotting wildlife such as capybaras and monkeys, visit between November and April when the waters recede, which is also a brilliant chance to learn about the region’s cowboy culture.

From July to November is also the best time to see the curious pink algae bloom in the Caño Cristales, a river tucked into Serranía de La Macarena National Park in the southwest of the region. 

The best time to avoid crowds in Colombia

Since most visitors come to Colombia to avoid winter in the Northern Hemisphere, the peak season for travel in Colombia is usually between December and March, when the weather is at its driest, and when city-dwellers head to the Caribbean Coast to soak up the summer’s sunshine.

June through August is also often crowded with local tourists when students are out of school for their summer vacation.

During these months, expect more tourists, longer lines at popular attractions, and higher prices for accommodations and activities.

In the shoulder seasons, you’ll also experience tourism peaks during special events and festivals. With that said, if you don’t mind crowds and are looking to experience unique and authentic interactions with local people and Colombian culture, this can be a great time of year to visit. 

The most famous festivals in Colombia

January (2nd to 9th of January): Blacks and Whites Carnival

• This six-day carnival celebrates Afro-Colombian and indigenous cultures and the concept of unity. It is known for its colourful and vibrant parades, which feature traditional music, dance, and costumes. 

February (before Ash Wednesday): Barranquilla Carnival

• One of the largest carnivals in the world, Barranquilla Carnival celebrates the upcoming fasting season of Lent. Eat, drink, and dance with the locals for four days straight to live up to the festival’s slogan: “ Quien lo vive, es quien lo goza! ” – those who live are those who enjoy!

April (one week before Easter): Semana Santa

• For one week, the whole country celebrates its second most important religious holiday: Easter. Each city has its own unique traditions, but the one that attracts the most is Popayán, a town in the southwest of Colombia. Added in 2009 to UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Popayán’s Holy Week processions involve a two-kilometer parade of flower-decked statues and floats. 

August (first week): Feria de las Flores

• The Feria de las Flores is a 10-day annual event held in Medellín that celebrates the city’s rich flower-growing tradition. The main event during the festival is the Desfile de Silleteros, which features people dressed in traditional attire carrying large baskets of flowers on their backs. 

December (last week of the month): Feria de Calí

• An event celebrating the city’s cultural identity, the Feria de Calí lasts for five days and includes a Salsa marathon, dance parties and parades, and a variety of food and craft stalls across the city where you can sample traditional Colombian cuisine and purchase locally made products. 

Tips for attending festivals in Colombia

• Book accommodation close to the festival location. This will give you easy access to events and avoid spending too much time stuck in traffic in Colombia’s infamously congested cities.
• Pack light. A small backpack or crossbody bag with essentials like water, sunscreen, and a power bank is sufficient. 
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Festivals can be long and involve a lot of standing or dancing. Avoid wearing anything too heavy or constricting, and consider bringing a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
• Stay hydrated, especially when it’s hot and humid.
• Bring cash. Most food and drink vendors and stalls only take cash. 
• Protect your belongings. Keep your valuables close to you, and consider using a wrist wallet or money belt to keep your cash and cards safe.

Conclusion: the best time to visit Colombia

To avoid crowds while enjoying lower prices, we recommend visiting Colombia during the low season, which is between April and May or September and October.

The catch is these months are usually the wettest in most areas; so if you want to explore Colombia’s incredible national parks, you’ve got little choice than to visit during the dry months (December through March and July and August). 

If you plan on visiting more than one region, you’ll find our one- and two-week Colombia itinerary an essential guide for your trip. 

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When is the best time to visit Colombia?

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• Month-by-month

The best time to visit Colombia depends on which area you travel to. Weather variations are determined more by region than clearly defined seasons.

The main differences of note are in the highlands, where nights become chilly at higher altitudes.

Meanwhile, the lowlands enjoy a tropical climate year-round, with little temperature variation. More frequent rain showers will be noticeable in the wetter months of April to June, and again in October and November.

Overall, Colombia is a year-round destination, particularly along the Caribbean coast and in Medellín. Here, warm, dry weather is prevalent for almost the entire year.

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Month-by-month guide for traveling in Colombia

Visiting Colombia in December - March

Colombia’s high season sees plenty of sunny days; ideal for exploring the country’s charming towns and cities, the coffee district, and relaxing on the beach. Early planning is crucial for December and January, which see a huge influx of domestic holidaymakers and international visitors.

Events & Festivals

• Festival of Lights (early December): Around the feast of the Immaculate Conception, Villa de Leyva marks the event with a small festival of light, where balconies and terraces are lit by candles and lanterns.
• Hay Literary Festival (January): With its four-day program usually filled with plenty of events and readings, this festival stages a partner event in Cartagena.

Visiting Colombia in April - June

The start of the rainy season brings slightly wetter weather in some places, but persistent rainfall is very unusual. You should plan ahead if you wish to visit over Easter as this is a popular time for regional tourism.

Visiting Colombia in July - August

In many areas a mini dry season returns to the country, bringing wonderful conditions once again for visiting Colombia’s cultural highlights, beautiful countryside, jungles and beaches. Some airlines will increase their fares in line with European and North American vacation periods.

• Medellín Flower Festival (August): This annual flower festival exhibits truly astonishing flower displays as well as live music and other festivities on the streets of Medellín.

Visiting Colombia in September - November

This is the low season in Colombia, but due to the country’s unique geographical position visitors to many of the main attractions will not find their travel hindered by prolonged periods of rain. Long spells of dry weather can still be enjoyed, and many take advantage of off-peak travel to get a wider choice of hotels and lower rates than in the months to follow.

• Independence Day of Cartagena (November 11): Visitors to Cartagena on this day can enjoy colorful parades, music and dance.

Colombia Climate Guide

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Best Time To Visit Colombia

Here’s a handy guide to Colombia’s seasons

One of the important things to consider when planning your  Colombia vacation  is the weather. This guide can help you decide on the ideal time for you to visit to enjoy a comfortable and memorable trip.

Set on the equator, most of Colombia experiences a tropical climate with a few seasonal variations. In the low-lying coastal areas to the North, especially near Cartagena and Barranquilla, expect temperatures ranging around 86°F throughout the year. As you journey towards the mountains, the temperature naturally changes according to the altitude – the higher you climb, the colder it gets.

The best times to visit Colombia are the two dry season phases. The first is between December and March , and the second is between July and August . The temperatures are relatively lower and rainfall is minimal, which makes it ideal for exploring Colombia’s cities, historic ruins and iconic coffee plantations.

Best Time To Visit

We recommend.

• Discover the lush Coffee Region, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with flora and fauna, plantations and villages
• Live the El Dorado dream at the Museo del Oro of Bogota, where ancient artifacts and 55,000 pieces of gold find pride of place!
• Be part of the Barranquilla Carnival, where, four days before Ash Wednesday, there are parades, dancing and of course partying!
• Make a trip to Santa Marta, the oldest colonial city of South America.
• Head to the ‘White City’ of Popayán to witness the spectacular religious processions during the Semana Santa (Holy Week) especially on Maundy Thursday
• Spring-like conditions make this a good time to visit Medellin with its hip nightlife, public art installations and sculptures of celebrated Colombian artists
• Discover, Villa de Leyva – surrounded by Andean peaks and foothills, the peaceful little town is a popular weekend getaway from Bogota
• See Cartagena’s lively, cobbled streets, architecture, colorful facades, trendy cafes and boutiques
• Lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, tranquil lagoons, hidden coves and archaeological wonders await you at Tayrona National Park
• Step back in time at Colombia’s colonial cities such as Barichara, Finlandia and Salento
• Not much rainfall makes this a good time to hike in the Cocora Valley with its majestic wax palm trees and picturesque valleys
• In Medellin, witness the Feria de Flores or the Flower Festival. Expect streets dotted with magnificent flower displays, live music and festivity!
• Visit the San Agustin Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the largest collection of megaliths and monuments in all of South America!
• Follow in the wake of the Magdalena River – one of the greatest rivers in South America and the lifeline of Colombia
• Visit the town of Pitalito – renowned as the largest producer of coffee in Colombia – in the fertile Magdalena River valley.
• The first two weeks of October in Cartagena are full of festivities, parades and parties, celebrating Independence in the city
• See Bogota’s numerous national monuments and cultural landmarks and vibrant markets, and feast on local delicacies
• With the rains receding, visit the pulsating city of Bucaramanga with its numerous parks, art galleries, churches, museums and delightful shopping and eating experiences

Best Time to Visit Colombia by Season

October to November (Low Season)  – Due to heavy rainfall, flash floods are common in Cartagena and the Caribbean shore. This is a great time for hiking in the Amazonas due to the low water levels.

March to September  – Some cities such as Cali, Bogota and Medellin suffer a second bout of rainfall at this time, especially in the month of May. April is the best time for whale-watching in Cartagena, when the beautiful humpback whales travel here to nest and rear their young.

December to March (High Season)  – Expect gorgeous sunny skies and warm weather, especially in the Andean regions.

What to Pack

Due to the wide range in temperatures between each region, we advise you to bring several layers of clothing for your Colombia tour, which you can quickly put on or pull out according to the weather.

In the cities: Light dresses are perfect for the city or for excursions during the day.

In the jungles: Please wear long-sleeved tops, shirts and pants to protect yourself and bring a light umbrella. It is a good idea to carry a small, waterproof backpack during walks and hikes, along with sturdy shoes, swimsuit, a small towel, sunblock and insect repellent.

Our experts can recommend the best time for your Colombia vacation and suggest  unique things to do in Colombia . Get in touch with us for your personalized, obligation-free itinerary.

Discover the best time for your Colombia vacation with further inputs from our experts. We’ll advise you on when to visit and plan an unforgettable vacation customized entirely to your interests.

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Set at an altitude of over 2,000 meters in Colombia’s Eastern Andean range, Bogota boasts wonderful highland climate and natural beauty. The capital of Columbia is dotted with numerous national monuments and cultural landmarks.

Cartagena, Colombia’s very own Caribbean beauty, has a way of getting under your skin with its ageless charm. In sharp contrast to its colonial architecture, lies upscale, beachside neighborhoods with highrises, shopping malls and trendy eateries.

The wild and mystical San Agustín, riddled with architectural wonders, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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The oldest colonial city of South America, Santa Marta was established by the Spanish in the 16th century. The area around the old city dates back to the ancient Tayronas, who ruled the region before the Spanish invasion.

Santa Marta

Also known as La Ciudad Blanca in Spanish, or ‘the White City’, Popayán was an important 16th and 17th century Spanish settlement in the colonial era.

Aptly nicknamed the City of Eternal Spring, Medellin takes your breath away with the jagged mountain peaks of the Andes range providing a sharp contrast to the city’s modern skyline.

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The Best Time to Visit Colombia for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Colombia for ideal weather are

December 17th to March 4th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Colombia Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Colombia Travel Info

Weather in colombia.

Average temperatures in Colombia vary barely at all. Considering humidity, temperatures feel hot all year with a chance of rain throughout most of the year. The area is far less temperate than some — in the 5th percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Colombia, the hottest months are September, June, and then October. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally early October where highs are regularly around 86.8°F (30.4°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 69.6°F (20.9°C) at night.

Colombia Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Colombia temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Colombia Perceived Temperature (F)

Colombia perceived temperature (c), average colombia temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Colombia are January, February, and then September. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around late January and early February. For example, on the week of January 29th there is 1 day of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in mid April with an average of 2 days of significant precipitation the week of April 16th.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Colombia.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Colombia (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Colombia has some very humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is January (64.2% relative humidity), and the most humid month is November (73.8%).

Wind in Colombia is usually calm . The windiest month is February, followed by March and January. February’s average wind speed of around 4.8 knots (5.5 MPH or 8.8 KPH) is considered “a light breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in early March where average top sustained speeds reach 10.4 knots, which is considered a gentle breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Colombia.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to colombia.

Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe, but with extra warnings in a few regions. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are travel warnings and regional advisories for Colombia; exercise a high degree of caution and avoid some areas. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Nov 27, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Colombia is April, followed by January and May. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Colombia in July. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall colombia travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel warm. Highs range from 85.8°F (29.9°C) and 84.2°F (29°C) with similar temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 6 to 8 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have very comfortable weather with high temperatures that are quite warm. These months see moderate precipitation with about 5 days of precipitation per month. June – August is fairly slow season for tourism in Colombia, so lodging and other accommodations may cost slightly less.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 86.8°F (30.4°C) and 83.2°F (28.4°C), which will feel very nice given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 4 to 8 days per month. Tourism is the slowest during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be affordably priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is perfect this time of year in Colombia to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 86.2°F (30.1°C) and 84°F (28.9°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 3 to 5 times per month. These times of year are the second busiest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Colombia

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Soaring Andean summits, unspoiled Caribbean coast, enigmatic Amazon jungle and cryptic archaeological ruins. Colombia boasts all of South America's allure and more.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, leave the planning to a local expert.

Experience the real Colombia. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Museo del Oro

Bogotá's most famous museum and one of the most fascinating in South America, the Gold Museum contains more than 55,000 pieces of gold and other materials…

Piedra del Peñol

Also known as El Peñon de Guatapé, thanks to the fierce rivalry between the towns it straddles, this 200m-high granite monolith rises from near the edge…

Parque Arqueológico

Cauca & Huila

This 78-hectare archaeological park is 2.5km west of the town of San Agustín. There are over 130 statues in the park in total, either found in situ or…

Cartagena's old city is its principal attraction, particularly the inner walled town, consisting of the historical districts of El Centro and San Diego…

Museo Casa de la Memoria

This harrowing museum dedicated to the urban conflict in Medellín is a must-visit for travelers wanting to fully understand the city (and Colombia). There…

Parque Nacional Natural El Cocuy

One of Colombia's most spectacular national parks, PNN El Cocuy is mostly made up of a diverse ecosystem known as the páramo. This glacially formed,…

La Comuna 13

Once one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Medellín, the Comuna 13, which clings to the mountainside above the San Javier metro station, has…

Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

The greatest fortress ever built by the Spaniards in any of their colonies, the Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas still dominates an entire section of…

Top picks from our travel experts

14 best experiences in colombia in 2024.

Desierto de Tatacoa

Technically not a desert but a landscape of red and gray rock, sculpted by ancient waterways, the Desierto de Tatacoa is one of Colombia's most unique…

Cabo San Juan del Guía

Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona

Cabo San Juan del Guía is a beautiful cape with a knockout beach. It's also by far the most crowded area of the park, although lack of road access deters…

Museo Botero

Even if you've never heard of Fernando Botero, you'll probably recognize some of his highly distinctive paintings of oversized (read: chubby) characters,…

Hacienda Venecia

Zona Cafetera

This hacienda has won numerous awards for its coffee. It offers a tour in English that includes an informative presentation about Colombian coffee, an…

Topa Tolondra

Popular with locals and travelers alike, this large salsa bar near Loma de la Cruz is always buzzing. The tables are pushed right up against the walls,…

Museo del Oro Zenú

This museum is like a miniature version of Bogotá's world-class gold museum, the Museo del Oro. Though small, it offers a fascinating collection of the…

Parque Nacional Natural (PNN) Los Nevados

One of Colombia's most awe-inspiring national parks, PNN Los Nevados encompasses 583 sq km of rugged terrain in the heart of the Colombian Andes. Its…

El Cerro de Moravia

The densely populated neighborhood of Moravia was once Medellín's municipal rubbish dump with an open-air mountain of trash surrounded by a large shanty…

Observatorio Astronómico Astrosur

Former Tatacoa Observatory resident astronomer Javier Rua Restrepo now runs his own observatory around 1km further away from town. He is a dynamic teacher…

Hacienda Guayabal

This slow-paced working coffee farm near Chinchiná is a great place to come and unwind while surrounded by cafetero culture. It runs an excellent tour…

Cañaveral is as far as you can go in the park by road. From the car park a trail leads west to Arrecifes and Cabo San Juan del Guía. The beaches in…

Parque Nacional Natural (PNN) Old Providence McBean Lagoon

Providencia

To protect the unique marine life here, a 10-sq-km nature reserve in the island's northeast was established in 1995. About 10% of the park's area covers a…

Scattered across the hills around the little town of San Andrés de Pisimbalá, Tierradentro's Parque Arqueológico includes four tomb sites, an above-ground…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

Colombia attracts record numbers of visitors with its incredible landscapes, vibrant cities and warm welcome. These are the top 14 things to do in 2024.

Things to Know

Have an unforgettable trip to Colombia with these planning tips on everything from transport to health, safety and etiquette.

Transportation

Colombia's landscape is stunning and impressive but those features can be hard to navigate on the ground. Here's how to get around Colombia.

Visa Requirements

With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and jaw-dropping national parks and beaches, Colombia is a joy to visit, Here's what you need to know about visas.

Money and Costs

Colombia is one of the best-value destinations in South America. Stretch your cash even further with our top tips on how to visit on a budget.

Traveling with Kids

Discover the family-friendly side of Colombia with these age-appropriate destinations and activities for unforgettable vacations with kids.

Best Road Trips

From incredible mountainous landscapes to stunning uncrowded beaches, Colombia has some once-in-a-lifetime road trips. Here are 5 of the best.

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Colombia and beyond

The Best Times to Visit Colombia

From tropical Amazon jungle to Caribbean beaches, the Andean Mountains and the world's largest bird population (almost 2,000), it's time you visited Colombia , the second-most biodiverse country on the planet after Brazil. Tucked into the northwest corner of South America, its warm and friendly people are more than ready for visitors after its 52-year civil war officially ended in 2016, meaning it is now safe and welcoming to travelers.

TPG himself, Brian Kelly, just visited Colombia, as documented on his new vlog series, Being The Points Guy.

The three major hubs are the Andean capital of Bogotá; Medellín, surrounded by coffee country; and Cartagena de Indias, a beautiful colonial city that fuses laidback Caribbean vibes with a curious array of high-rise contemporary architecture. Colombia's mixed heritage, which includes European, Afro-Colombian and indigenous influences, means you could easily be visiting cities in three different countries.

The Best Times to Visit Colombian Cities

The best times to visit cartagena.

While most of Colombia is located in the northern hemisphere, it doesn't necessarily mean that seasons apply. Sitting on the Caribbean Sea, Cartagena de Indias' weather is hot and very humid all year, with an average temperature of 82 degrees Fahrenheit. "Dry season, December through April, is high season. And it gets particularly sticky between June and September, which is when many locals escape and the city is a lot quieter," guide Kristy Ellis of Cartagena Connections told The Points Guy. Given that Cartagena is a prime cruise-ship stop-off, expect to find the beautiful, colonial old town to be bustling with visitors at any given moment. The good news is that you're not competing with cruise-ship passengers for hotel rooms.

The Best Times to Visit Bogotá

At around 8,660 feet above sea level, the city of Bogotá can experience a few weather fronts in a single day; its average, year-round, top temperature is 66 degrees Fahrenheit. It cools down to 48 degrees come nightfall, so always go out with a coat. And, while the mountainous city is prone to frequent showers, the least rainy period is between January and March. Given the altitude, accept coca leaf tea when offered, which can help keep altitude sickness at bay.

The Best Times to Visit Medellín

Known as the "City of Eternal Spring" for its mild, year-round temperatures, the peak season in Medellín (whose leafy streets are buoyed by the chubby works of sculptor Fernando Botero) is also between January and March — and when flights and hotel room prices soar. December is low season, though Christmas light excitement might indicate otherwise.

When to Visit Colombia for Events

Every January, Cartagena hosts the Hay Festival, which specializes in literature, a fitting tribute to Nobel prize-winning author Gabriel García Márquez, the famous Colombian son who made the coastal city his home. In the days before Easter, don feathers and an abundance of glitter for the fabulously flamboyant four-day Barranquilla Carnival, a 90-minute drive from Cartagena, which gives Rio a run for its money.

Colombia's floral home, every August, Medellín hosts the seven-day Flower Festival, where cultivators parade their petaled beauties through the streets. Should you be visiting over the Christmas vacation, the seasonal lights are a sight for sore eyes.

Culture vultures should make a beeline to the capital in late March for the biannual Ibero-American Theater Festival . The world's largest of its kind, more than 900 productions are shown over the two-week duration. Bogotá is also known for its music fests (Rock in the Park, for example, takes place in Parque Simón Bolívar every summer) and its own Carnival, when revelers dancing to salsa and cumbia rhythms fill its streets.

The Best Times to See Wildlife in Colombia

The best time to see turtles.

Turtles head to Bahía Solano on the Pacific Coast to lay eggs September through December, a wonderful close-up of nature that takes places during evenings.

The Best Time to See Birds

Any time is a fantastic opportunity for spotters to spy on some of Colombia's 1,920 bird species, which includes 160 types of hummingbird: 73 of those are considered endemic. Other avi-fauna draws include the Andean cock-of-the-rock, which makes cloud forests its home, and the Amazon-dwelling green-backed trogon.

The Best Time to See Whales

Humpback whales travel 5,500 miles to take up residency off Colombia's Pacific coastline July through December, to mate and calf. It's a wonderful destination for enthusiastic whale watchers .

The Cheapest Times to Visit Colombia

Depending on where you are traveling to in Colombia, flights are usually priciest during peak season. If you need to keep an eye on your budget, wait for off-peak season, which varies between cities and regions.

Easter is a prime vacation time for Colombians, with many taking the entire week off, spelling a brief high season all over the country.

Affordable Airfare

As Cartagena is a tourist magnet all year, it might be cheaper to fly a major airline such as Avianca, Copa (both part of the Star Alliance), or LATAM (part of the OneWorld alliance) to Bogotá, then connect to Cartagena or Medellín with a budget airline such as Viva . The US legacy carriers all have flights to Bogotá, too.

Affordable Hotels

A favorite destination for backpackers as well as cruise-ship passengers, Cartagena offers an array of accommodation to suit all budgets, starting with $5-a-night hammocks on Isla Barú, a 90-minute boat ride, for a legit Robinson Crusoe experience. There's also an array of affordable hostels and hotels in the hip Getsemani neighborhood. While Zona Rosa is the heart and soul of Bogotá's nightlife scene, stay in La Candelaría, the capital's colonial gem of a district, for a variety of budget hotels. As for Medellín, El Poblado neighborhood is the best place to pitch up, thanks to its lively nightlife scene and assortment of accommodation.

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• The Best And Cheapest Time...

The Best and Cheapest Time to Visit Colombia

Colombia has the benefit of being a genuine year-round destination. Although there are wet and dry seasons, the weather is never extreme enough to prohibit travel. However, different regions are better to visit in certain months, and there are periods when travel through the country is less expensive. So here’s a quick guide to the best and cheapest times to visit Colombia.

Want to visit Colombia hassle-free? Join Culture Trip’s specially curated eight-day Colombian Andes adventure or our exclusive eight-day Colombian Caribbean tour – both led by our Local Insider.

Best time to visit Colombia

Colombia is a tropical country with a variety of climatic zones and, as such, the weather can often be unpredictable. It is practically impossible to find a period that works for all of Colombia, as the drier season in the Andes and the Caribbean coast coincides with the wettest period in the Amazon. However, on average, the country is at its driest between December and March, and this is generally recognized as the high season for travel on the Caribbean coast and in much of the Andean regions. The Eastern Plains also experience a particularly harsh dry season during this period. Although it can be punishingly hot, it’s the best time for wildlife safaris, as species are forced to cluster around the few remaining water sources.

Cheapest time to visit Colombia

However, the weather isn’t the only issue to consider when planning a trip to Colombia. The so-called high season coincides with large price increases and decreased availability of tours, flights and hotels. Although the weather is often at its best in December and early January, that’s also Colombian holiday season, meaning prices can skyrocket. Flight costs can double or triple, and hotels are often fully booked months in advance. The same applies to the Easter holidays, Colombian holiday weekends (of which there are many ) and, to a lesser extent, school and university holidays. Really, the weather is less of a consideration than the busy tourism periods. Even in the wet season it doesn’t rain all day, every day, but during Colombian holidays it is always busy.

The best time to visit Colombia, avoid these crowds and save some money would be the shoulder seasons leading up to the high season and following on from it: November, February and March are the best months for a magic combination of drier weather, fewer crowds and better prices. A popular destination like Tayrona National Park, for example, can be overwhelmingly busy in the high season and practically empty on a November weekday.

Ultimately, there’s really no bad time to visit Colombia. Tourists come 365 days a year and the vast majority have hugely positive experiences. However, with these tips for the best and cheapest time to visit Colombia, you can hopefully have the best trip possible.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Guides & Tips

Local insiders - culture trip's guide to authentic colombia.

Food & Drink

How to host a colombian-themed dinner party.

Meet the Women Who Helped Negotiate the Peace Agreement in Colombia

Places to Stay

The best resorts to book in colombia.

The Best Hotels to Book in Colombia for Every Traveler

7 Traditional Colombian Breakfasts You Must Try

A Guide to Whale Watching in Colombia

Molas: The Handmade Art That’s Growing in Popularity Around Colombia

See & Do

A beginner's guide to the six regions of colombia.

The Best Spa Hotels in Colombia

The Solo Traveler’s Guide to Colombia’s Caribbean Coast

Stay Curious: Experiencing Colombia From Your Living Room

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Immerse Yourself in Colombia: An Authentic Travel Guide

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Discover Colombia

If you asked someone 30-odd years ago what they knew about Colombia, you’d probably get responses relating to drug cartels, danger and of course Pablo Escobar.

Since then Colombia has moved on dramatically. Just take the constant 10% increase in tourists year on year as an example of how this country has changed for the better.

We’ve created this ultimate guide to Colombia to share with you everything that this diverse country has to offer. Decided that Colombia is somewhere you HAVE to visit? 

Check out our twelve in-depth guides to learn about the best things to do and see in Colombia.

Is Colombia worth visiting?

Colombia is one of the world’s most diverse countrie s, boasting two oceans, the Andes mountain range, cultural and thriving cities, flourishing jungles and with that native wildlife.

Housed across Colombia’s 59 national parks , you’ll find over 10% of the world’s animal species, making it a great country to explore if you love wildlife.

If exploring the wilderness is not what you are after, there’s no need to worry. Colombia has a number of energetic metropolitan cities that offer a great food scene, a number of historical sites and innovation spurred by the entrepreneurship that’s flourishing within the cities.

Destinations like Cartagena boast stunning colonial architecture that tells a story of years ago, transporting you back in time as you wander through its streets.

Throughout Colombia, you’ll come across a number of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities . Whether it be whitewater rafting, hiking, kitesurfing, horse riding, or diving…the list literally goes on and on!

Keep reading: Looking for inspiration on where to stay? Check out our list of 43 best places to stay In Colombia to discover the most unique and best-value accommodations out there.

Is Colombia safe?

Despite Colombia’s huge steps towards change, people are still asking the same question – ‘Is Colombia safe?’

In short, it’s safe to travel to Colombia , but you need to be aware of which places are better to avoid. We’ve put together a devoted blog that delves into travelling safely in Colombia . You can use this resource to help you decide whether Colombia is safe enough for you.

Best destinations in Colombia

Top 3 places to visit in Colombia

Colombia is a diverse country offering lots of different opportunities and adventures depending on where you go.

As hard as it is to pick, here are our top three places to visit in Colombia:

Medellin — an incredible and innovative city

Once home to the famous drug lord, Pablo Escobar, Medellin used to be considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world. Fast forward to now and Medellin has completely transformed itself into a thriving and innovative cosmopolitan city.

The city is considerably safer with a top-notch transport system via its metro system and cable cars, numerous stunning parks and delicious restaurants.

Another great thing about Medellin, due to its location, temperatures remain warm and pleasant , meaning you can visit all year round. If you are in Medellin, we also recommend taking the 2-hour bus journey from Medellin to Guatape as a day trip.

Cartagena — where the Caribbean and Colombia collide

Situated on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena boasts some of the best-preserved colonial architecture in all of the Americas.

Once a crown jewel of the Spanish empire, you’ll clearly understand why it’s been made a UNESCO World Heritage Site after a few hours of strolling around Cartagena. The 13 km of ancient walls seemed to have preserved the city, giving you the feeling of going back in time.

Being on the coast, Cartagena isn’t too far from some amazing beaches including Playa Blanca. Inevitably though, this kind of beauty has attracted tourists from all over the world, meaning some of the popular sites and beaches can get very busy! It’s only a 1 to 1.5-hour flight from Bogota to Cartagena .

Tayrona National Park — some of Colombia’s best nature

Tayrona National Park sits in northern Colombia at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta where they meet the Caribbean coast.

The national park is a large protected area perfect for travellers looking to explore some of the best beaches in Colombia or adventure through lagoons to picturesque cloud forests. The beaches offer great places to snorkel, whilst the jungles provide opportunities to hike amongst wildlife such as birds, lizards and monkeys.

It takes around 5 hours from Cartagena to Tayrona National Park , while it’s only 3 hours from Barranquilla and less than an hour from Santa Marta .

When is the best time to visit Colombia?

Due to Colombia’s proximity to the equator, temperatures remain stable throughout most of the year. Temperatures do vary depending on altitude, though. The higher you go, the colder it tends to be.

Here’s a rough guide of the average temperatures depending on altitude:

• < 1000 m –  More than 24°C (Cartagena, Santa Marta, Cali)
• 1000 – 2000 m – ~ 20°C (Medellín, Manizales)
• 2000 – 3000 m – ~ 14°C – (Bogota, Pasto)

Colombia has two seasons, a wet and a dry one. The dry season is between December and March , considered one of the best times to visit Colombia, and the wet season runs from April to June and October to November . July to September can also be a good time to visit because it’s mainly dry, plus it’s whale season!

December to February is the busiest time

However, you won’t be the only person wanting to travel at the best time, so if you chose to visit Colombia between December and February, expect a lot of tourists. With more tourists come higher prices as businesses have the leverage to increase prices.

Travelling outside of these months can save you some money and also provide the opportunity to explore tourist sites without thousands of other tourists.

How to get around in Colombia

Colombia is a huge country with plenty of amazing destinations to explore. Around a third of the country is taken up by the Amazon Jungle where moving around is extremely difficult, but luckily the rest of the country isn’t quite as tricky to navigate.

Here’s a short overview of the main transport options:

When travelling around Colombia, one of your main forms of transport will be its extensive bus network. Long-distance buses tend to be relatively comfortable with reclining seats, air conditioning and toilets.

You’ll be looking for comfort as journeys between the big cities are pretty long . For example, Medellin to Cartagena is 14 hours, and Bogota to Cali is 10 hours.

The main bus companies in Colombia are Expreso Palmira, Bolivariano and Trejos , which also provide good service and easy-to-use websites.

A big tip when travelling by bus in Colombia is to wear warm clothes. We all love a bit of air conditioning, but those buses get seriously cold. Ten hours in arctic temperatures isn’t exactly going to be enjoyable!

Flying in Colombia is a popular option, especially for those short on time or who have a larger budget to play around with.

There are a number of domestic airline providers including the two biggest Avianca and Copa. VivaColombia is also a big player in the airline space and tends to offer the cheapest flights, but watch out for the luggage restrictions.

The majority of the time flights are more expensive than the bus, but it’s worth checking just in case, because the cost-time ratio may be worth it. Do keep in mind that taking a short-haul flight can be up to ten times more polluting than taking a more environmentally-friendly option like the bus.

By colectivo

Colectivos are small minivans or truck-style vehicles that are mainly used for short journeys within a city or between two that are nearby. This form of transportation is predominantly used by locals, meaning they’re usually cheap.

Make sure to agree on the price to your destination before getting in, though. They’re definitely not as comfortable as the bus and don’t have much space for your luggage. Because they don’t have set pick-ups and drop-offs, they can get you closer to where you want to be than the bus.

A big downside though is that they don’t leave until they’re full , so you could be waiting around for a while!

Although renting a car in Colombia isn’t a very popular choice amongst travellers, it doesn’t mean it’s not an option. You’ll need a passport, credit card and international driver’s license in order to rent a car with prices starting from around $17.

Sure, having your own car gives you the freedom to explore at your own leisure, but do consider that the road quality between some cities isn’t great and Colombians aren’t known to be the most careful drivers. Bus travel is also very convenient, so we would recommend using the available transport.

Colombia doesn’t have a train network , so unfortunately this isn’t an option!

Entry requirements and visa for Colombia

We all love to hear it, travelling to Colombia is relatively stress-free when it comes to immigration and Visas. A large number of countries are able to enter Colombia visa-free for a period of up to 90 days.

This includes countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, New Zealand and those within the European Union, amongst others. These countries are all included in the list of countries that don’t require a Visa .

In addition, all visitors are required to have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry, so make sure to renew your passport if it’s going to run out soon.

Proof of exit

Sometimes Colombian border force will ask you for proof of exit from the country in the form of a plane, bus or boat ticket. Other times they won’t. If you don’t want to take your chances but don’t know when you want to leave Colombia, there’s a way around it.

‘Rent’ a plane ticket for $12.  Best Onward Travel  book a real plane ticket for you that is valid for 48 hours. It’s 100% legal and safe.

Must-try food in Colombia

Colombia’s food scene varies depending on which region you’re visiting, meaning if you’re backpacking through Colombia you’ll be treated to a variety of dishes and flavours.

Colombia is a country rich in natural ingredients which you’ll find in their predominantly meat-based dishes and delicious soups.

Of course, we couldn’t write about Colombia and not mention the coffee. Coffee in Colombia boasts a mild, well-balanced flavour that is popular all around the world. Their average annual coffee production is 11.5 million bags, the third highest in the world.

Here are some of our favourite dishes you have to try whilst you’re in Colombia:

• Bandeja Paisa — is the national dish of Colombia. It was originally created to provide peasant workers with enough energy for a hard day’s work. Nowadays it’s a substantial, high-calorie lunchtime meal which is perfect for anyone looking for a challenge. It consists of rice, plantain, arepa (corn cakes), avocado, minced meat, chorizo, black sausage, fried pork rind and then topped with a fried egg. We wish anyone who takes this dish the best of luck!
• Mondongo Soup — you’ll find this dish served in most Colombian restaurants, but the dish may not be for everyone. It consists of diced tripe (typically the stomach of a cow, slow-cooked chicken or beef stock and lots of vegetables. When in Rome as they say!
• Empanadas — are a popular snack throughout both Central and South America. They are typically deep-fried pastries stuffed with a variety of different fillings, from meat with potatoes to vegetarian options. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, you can also find baked versions too. Empanadas are usually super cheap and the perfect snack to tide you over till dinner.

Essential travel tips for Colombia

Here’s a selection of the best tips and pieces of information that may make your trip to Colombia that bit easier:

Paying with Colombian Pesos in Colombia

Colombia uses the Colombian Peso . The last time we checked (June 2023), $1 was equivalent to around 4170 COP.

It’s good to always have some cash on you. Not all establishments take cards. You’ll also need cash for taking the bus, markets and tips too.

In all of the big cities, there will be plenty of ATMs available to withdraw money and in more rural areas, you may have to rely on bank branches instead.

Most ATMs in Colombia charge between 10,000 and 14,000 COP to withdraw money. However, BBVA, Davivienda and Colpatria don’t apply charges to certain cards, so try these ones first.

Buying a sim card in Colombia

There are three main mobile providers in Colombia — Movistar, Tigo and Claro . You’ll be able to find stores for these providers all over Colombia, and in most of the international airports. Claro is the most popular of the three and offers great coverage, speed and packages.

Although it can be tempting to buy a sim card when you first arrive in a country, if you’re on a budget, I would avoid doing this. The sim cards at the airport are often a lot more expensive than buying it in a store in the city. They know that people will pay for convenience!

Colombia’s language cheat sheet

The language spoken in Colombia is Spanish .

It’s always good to know a few essential words before travelling to a place, so here are a few to get you started:

• Hello – Hola
• Thank you – Gracias
• Please – Por favour
• Sorry – Lo siento
• Beer – Cerveza

The perfect packing list for Colombia

For the majority of your time in Colombia, you’ll probably be enjoying warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. Meaning you’ll need cool and light clothes.

However, if you’re venturing to higher altitudes, make sure to bring some warmer clothes, especially for the nighttime. A rain jacket is also a good shout if you’re travelling outside of the dry seasons.

Aside from the essential travel gear, here are some that have become permanent fixtures on our packing list:

• Reusable water bottle – they’re better for the environment and can save you money on water.
• A portable charger – there’s probably going to be a time when your phone’s battery is on red, at a time that you desperately need it.
• An adaptor – Colombia uses plugs A and B, the same as the main plugs used in North and Central America. A universal travel adaptor is a great buy if you’re travelling between different continents.

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Kate is a writer, (ex)Management Consultant and avid traveller. She recently returned from a 2-year career break exploring the world and decided corporate life wasn’t for her. She’ll soon be testing life as a digital nomad. She’s visited over 40 countries and fell in love with Latin America in particular. Her travelling has inspired a passion for yoga, salsa, hiking and Spanish.

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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Travel and tourism in Colombia - statistics & facts

Performance of international and domestic tourism, tourism along with sustainability, key insights.

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Absolute economic contribution of tourism in Colombia 2014-2029

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Inbound visitors in Colombia 2015-2022, by type

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Other latin american destinations.

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Digitalization in tourism

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• Premium Statistic Quarterly hospitality GDP in Colombia 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Contribution of tourism to the gross value added in Colombia 2015-2022
• Basic Statistic Total contribution of tourism to employment in Colombia 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Colombia's tourism development 2021, by pillar

Quarterly hospitality GDP in Colombia 2015-2022

Contribution of accommodation and food services to the gross domestic product in Colombia from 1st quarter 2015 to 4th quarter 2022 (in trillion Colombian pesos)

Contribution of tourism to the gross value added in Colombia 2015-2022

Tourism sector as share of total value added in Colombia from 2015 to 2022

Number of jobs in the travel and tourism sector in Colombia from 2019 to 2022 (in millions)

Colombia's tourism development 2021, by pillar

Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) in Colombia in 2021, by pillar

International tourism

• Premium Statistic Inbound visitors in Colombia 2015-2022, by type
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Number of international tourists in Colombia from 2015 to 2022, by type (in 1,000s)

Inbound visitor spending in Colombia 2015-2022

Expenditures of international tourists in Colombia from 2015 to 2022 (in trillion Colombian pesos)

Inbound visitor spending in Colombia 2022, by category

Expenditures of international tourists in Colombia in 2022, by category (in billion Colombian pesos)

Outbound tourism volume from Colombia 2015-2022

Number of international tourists from Colombia from 2015 to 2022 (in 1,000s)

Outbound travel spending in Colombia 2015-2022

Expenditures of international tourists from Colombia from 2015 to 2022 (in trillion Colombian pesos)

International mobility for passport holders from Colombia 2023, by visa type

Number of countries where holders of a Colombian passport need or do not need a visa as of August 2023

Domestic tourism

• Premium Statistic Domestic trips taken by Colombians 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Domestic tourism spending in Colombia 2015-2022
• Premium Statistic Average domestic trip spending in Colombia 2022, by category
• Premium Statistic Share of domestic travelers in Colombia 2022, by age and gender
• Premium Statistic Share of domestic travelers in Colombia 2022, by motive
• Premium Statistic Obstacles to make a domestic trip in Colombia 2022

Domestic trips taken by Colombians 2015-2022

Number of domestic trips in Colombia from 2015 to 2022 (in millions)

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Expenditures of domestic tourists in Colombia from 2015 to 2022 (in trillion Colombian pesos)

Average domestic trip spending in Colombia 2022, by category

Average expenditure per trip of domestic tourists in Colombia in 2022, by category (in 1,000 Colombian pesos)

Share of domestic travelers in Colombia 2022, by age and gender

Distribution of domestic tourists in Colombia in 2022, by gender and age group

Share of domestic travelers in Colombia 2022, by motive

Distribution of domestic tourists in Colombia in 2022, by travel purpose

Obstacles to make a domestic trip in Colombia 2022

Main reasons not to travel domestically in Colombia in 2022

• Premium Statistic Number of tourism businesses in Colombia 2010-2022
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Number of tourism businesses in Colombia 2010-2022

Number of tourism service providers in Colombia from 2010 to 2022

Number of tourism businesses in Colombia 2022, by activity

Number of tourism service providers in Colombia in 2022, by main activity

Domestic air passenger traffic in Colombia 2022, by air carrier

Leading domestic airlines in Colombia in 2022, by number of passengers

Main hotel companies in Colombia 2022, by revenue

Leading hotel companies in Colombia in 2022, by operating revenue (in billion Colombian pesos)

Main restaurant companies in Colombia 2022, by revenue

Leading companies in the restaurant industry Colombia in 2022, by operating revenue (in billion Colombian pesos)

Main travel agencies in Colombia 2022, by revenue

Leading travel agencies and similar booking service providers in Colombia in 2022, by operating revenue (in billion Colombian pesos)

Travel agency market

• Premium Statistic Travel agencies' revenue in Colombia 2014-2021
• Premium Statistic Number of travel agencies and tour guides in Colombia 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Share of travel agencies sales in Colombia 2022, by segment
• Premium Statistic Share of travel agencies sales in Colombia 2022, by destination type
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Travel agencies' revenue in Colombia 2014-2021

Operating revenue of travel agencies in Colombia from 2014 to 2021 (in trillion Colombian pesos)

Number of travel agencies and tour guides in Colombia 2010-2022

Number of travel agencies and tour operators in Colombia from 2010 to 2022

Share of travel agencies sales in Colombia 2022, by segment

Distribution of sales of travel agencies in Colombia in 1st quarter 2022 by segment

Share of travel agencies sales in Colombia 2022, by destination type

Distribution of sales of travel agencies in Colombia in 1st quarter 2022, by type of destination

Main motives to choose travel destinations according to Colombia travel agencies 2022

Leading reasons for choosing a destination among travel agency users in Colombia in 2022

Destinations

• Premium Statistic Colombian departments with most foreign tourists 2023
• Premium Statistic Cruise travelers in Colombia 2010-2021, by port
• Premium Statistic Most visited Colombian national parks 2022
• Basic Statistic Attendance to Barranquilla's Carnival 2019-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of lodgings in Colombia 2022, by department
• Basic Statistic Number of Latin American and Caribbean World Heritage Sites 2022, by country

Colombian departments with most foreign tourists 2023

Leading departments for international tourism in Colombia in 2023, by number of visitors ( in 1,000s)

Cruise travelers in Colombia 2010-2021, by port

Number of cruise passengers in Colombia from 2010 to 2021, by port (in 1,000s)

Most visited Colombian national parks 2022

Leading national parks in Colombia in 2022, by number of visitors (in 1,000s)

Attendance to Barranquilla's Carnival 2019-2023

Number of attendees to the Carnival of Barranquilla, Colombia from 2019 to 2023 (in millions)

Number of accommodation establishments in Colombia in 2022, by department

Number of Latin American and Caribbean World Heritage Sites 2022, by country

Number of World Heritage properties in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2022, by country

Traveler preferences

• Premium Statistic Most popular holiday destination type for Colombians 2022
• Premium Statistic Favorite type of holidays for Colombians 2022
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• Premium Statistic Favorite aspects of domestic holiday trips for Colombians 2022
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• Premium Statistic Colombians' favorite season to make a trip 2021
• Premium Statistic Main media to get information on travel in Colombia 2021

Most popular holiday destination type for Colombians 2022

Most common type of travel destination for leisure travelers from Colombia as of June 2022

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Preferred type of vacation trips by tourists from Colombia as of June 2022

Most popular domestic holiday destinations in Colombia 2022

Most common domestic travel destinations in Colombia as of June 2022

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Preferred amenities of domestic leisure tourists in Colombia as of June 2022

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Preferred season to travel for people in Colombia as of February 2021

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Pablo Escobar’s legacy is an ‘open wound’ in Medellín. But tourists can’t get enough of it

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Three decades ago, this bustling metropolis was the world’s most dangerous city, an epicenter of assassinations, massacres and car bombs linked to the eponymous hometown cartel and its notorious boss, Pablo Escobar.

Even after Escobar’s shooting death here on a rooftop in 1993, the culmination of a massive manhunt by Colombian authorities aided by U.S. drug agents, levels of violence akin to open warfare continued to batter neighborhoods like Comuna 13, where guerrilla bands fought it out with soldiers, paramilitary gunmen and police.

Today, Medellin, home to 2.5 million, is benefiting from a stunning turnaround, drawing record numbers of tourists from the United States and elsewhere. Once atop the global homicide list — the city saw almost 19 slayings daily in 1991, in the heyday of the now-defunct Medellin Cartel — the rate of killings has since dropped well below that of many Latin American and U.S. cities.

These days, the city’s turbulent past, especially the legacy of Escobar, has emerged as a major tourism draw. A profound international fascination focuses on Medellin’s dark side. Articles, books and dramatizations about Colombia’s cocaine cartels, notably “Narcos,” the popular 2015-16 Netflix series, have amplified the allure of so-called narco-tourism.

“Once Netflix came out with ‘Narcos,’ that’s when everything blew up,” said Luis Ospina, one of many guides who provide tours of sites linked to Medellin’s violent past. “We started getting Europeans, Americans, mostly English-speaking tourists.”

Visitors seek out traces of Escobar’s sanguinary reign while also making the trek to Comuna 13 to hear stories of revolutionary mayhem. In addition, tourists frequent upscale cafes, bars and shopping venues in swanky zones like El Poblado and Laureles, and peruse galleries featuring the paintings of Fernando Botero, a Medellin native and perhaps Colombia ’s best-known artist.

Escobar, though, has become a commodity. He may have been best avoided in life, but in death a lot of people want a piece of the action. Key destinations on the narco-tour are the gritty Barrio Pablo Escobar, where the drug lord helped build hundreds of homes for impoverished residents, many former denizens of a city dump; the tree-lined Los Olivos zone, where police snipers shot a barefoot Escobar, 44, on a rooftop on Dec. 2, 1993, as he tried to escape; and the cemetery where the billionaire’s remains were interred.

A museum run by family members in what they call a former “safe house” features Escobar artifacts — a bullet-riddled Mercedes sedan, the remains of personal aircraft, a Wet Bike (an early jet-ski featured in the 1977 James Bond film, “The Spy Who Loved Me,” which dazzled Escobar), and desks with hidden compartments in which millions of dollars were supposedly stashed — along with themed merchandise: liquor bottles, T-shirts, keychains and coasters, all embossed with the former capo’s mug.

Despite the profligacy of Escobar’s image, his legend is a point of considerable tension and a battle about memory. Many, perhaps most, in Medellin revile him as a homicidal fanatic who turned the town into a free-fire zone. The sight of tourists wearing Pablo Escobar T-shirts is especially repulsive to many.

“If you go to Berlin, you don’t buy a Hitler T-shirt,” noted Marcelo Jaramillo, whose tour company offers a “transformation of Medellin” itinerary, but not a specific “Pablo tour” that some guides offer.

Those who lived through the city’s bleak days, he said, generally prefer not to talk about it — much less glorify the gangster behind the carnage.

“It’s still an open wound,” said Jaramillo, 40, who was a youth when chaos defined his hometown. “That doesn’t change with a television series.... The city is still split between these two worlds, between the dark and the light. And both sides benefit from tourism.”

But a minority still view Escobar as a kind of Robin Hood who built homes and schools for the poor and erected soccer fields and power lines as he rose from humble origins and a career in car theft and other petty crime to the Forbes list of the world’s wealthiest individuals. His aura seems only to grow with the years.

“You can’t say anything bad about Pablo Escobar around here,” said María Diocelina Guerra Willis, 85, a grandmother who still lives in a home in the Barrio Pablo Escobar that she says is hers thanks to the late trafficker’s generosity. “It is because of Pablo that we have this place.”

Up the concrete stairs that mark the hillside barrio, Edwín Alexander Montoya, 20, and María José Jaramillo Montoya, 8 — siblings who reside in a home that they say was gifted by Escobar to their grandmother — display for visitors framed photos of the late drug baron. “For us, God has forgiven Pablo for everything he did, and he is with him now in his Holy Glory,” said María Eugenia Castaño, 47, mother of the two. “We have a lot to thank him for.”

Rumors persist that Escobar is still alive, mocking his pursuers — even though thousands of mourners attended his raucous wake and funeral in 1993. “I think that Pablo is in Buenos Aires [Argentina],” said Luis Felipe Méndez, a Colombian tourist visiting the neighborhood. “He is alive. I believe it.”

Alternately, some refuse to give credit to police for Escobar’s ultimate demise, insisting that the fatal shot to Escobar’s head as he was being chased was a case of suicide.

A mural of Escobar’s mustachioed visage — featuring his trademark leering smile and bald-spot comb-over — welcomes hundreds of visitors who arrive weekly, often in tour vans, to Barrio Pablo Escobar , where a kind of shrine exalts the former cartel chieftain. Peering down from an elevated niche is a likeness of the Holy Infant of Atocha , a figure of Roman Catholic devotion that was beloved by Escobar’s mother.

A gallery features a mannequin of Escobar holding a walkie-talkie — with a pair of AK-47 rifles mounted on the wall behind him — amid a greatest-hits array of images: A defiant Pablo in police mug shots; Pablo as a glad-handing politician (he once aspired to be president); a grinning Pablo in family snaps, pressing the flesh at sports and vacation venues. A mural depicts the entry to his infamous rural getaway, Hacienda Napoles, which featured, among other attractions, a zoo from which imported hippopotamuses have since escaped into the nearby countryside, causing environmental havoc.

Handwritten comments in a guest book at the gallery site attest to the ongoing appeal of Escobar.

“Dear Pablo,” wrote Felix Malanog, a 25-year-old Californian, in an entry dated May 30, 2022. “I hope that you are doing well in heaven right now. Too bad, I wasn’t born during your time. Thanks for the memories that you created in Colombian history and to the world. You are a legend.”

The Escobar fascination also fuels a thriving memorabilia market.

“His whole story is just amazing,” said Jani Perkonmäki, 46, who has turned part of his home in rural Finland into a kind of Escobar museum, featuring photos and mementos — including what he says is one of the mobster’s shirts, a pair of his aviator shades (in their original leather case), a pager and a transistor radio. “Yes the deaths are very sad. And I don’t support this violence,” he said by telephone from his home in Hameenkyro, Finland. “But how can one person accomplish all that Pablo did?”

A frequent visitor to Medellin, Perkonmäki hopes to move here. Tattoos of Escobar and other cartel members embellish his body. A tattoo on his back, next to a life-size image of Escobar’s face, reads “Plata o Plomo,” literally, Silver or Lead. It was a signature cartel threat demanding that debtors pay up or face a cheerless alternative — a shower of lead, i.e., bullets.

With permission from the Escobar family, Perkonmäki said, he is planning to market in Europe a Nordic-style cocktail — gin and grapefruit juice — featuring Escobar’s face on the label of cans and bottles.

Adam Chaitin-Lefcourt, a criminal defense lawyer who runs a boutique California caviar company, said he first went to Medellin on a whim in 2017 but soon got deeper into the Escobar saga , though he deplores the violence and loss of life.

“Look at Tony Soprano — why are so many people attracted to that?” said Chaitin-Lefcourt, 37, referring to the protagonist of the HBO series. “It’s the allure of the anti-hero.... Anyone, as long as they have the intellect, desire and ingenuity, no matter the depth of depression and poverty, can pick themselves up to become one the most famous, influential people in the world.”

He plans a return trip to Medellin. He’s looking to purchase a bag , crafted from the fur of a wild spotted cat, from which Escobar is said to have dispensed cash to the needy.

The Escobar mystique is not something that Medellin’s city leaders embrace. They prefer to stress other charms in a town featuring a diverse culinary scene, a burgeoning high-tech industry and a balmy climate — “The City of Eternal Spring,” as Medellin, nestled in the Andes and perennially dappled with flowers, is called.

“Today, Medellin has gone from being the most violent city in the world to being a center for science, technology and innovation,” said Alejandro Macías, the city’s tourism secretary. “We can’t deny our history. But we are seeing a new narrative in which Medellin is transformed.”

Petty crime remains a problem, especially in rough precincts in and around downtown. Some tourists come for drugs and sex, mixing with criminal elements. Mafias are keeping a lower profile but remain a force in Medellin, experts say, controlling drug smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering and other rackets in Colombia’s second city.

“The Medellin Cartel is gone,” noted Pedro Piedrahita, a political scientist at the University of Medellin. “But Medellin remains one of the primary logistical centers for transnational organized crime.”

Still, the sight of foreigners lugging laptops in their backpacks, seeking daily workspaces, is testament to the large numbers of so-called digital nomads from the United States and elsewhere calling Medellin home. With favorable exchange rates, some are purchasing condos in the multi-storied towers that soar up the verdant slopes. For many expatriates, the Escobar period is little more than a historic curiosity.

“Some Americans still believe in the Medellin of Netflix’s ‘Narcos’ — but it’s not that anymore,” said Croix Sather, 51, an author and inspirational speaker who splits time between here and the United States. “I was scared when I got here, but quickly learned that the city is not dangerous like the perception.”

The transformation is especially evident in the sprawling hillside Comuna 13 neighborhood, home to some 150,000. Comuna 13 was largely a no-go area for police during the 1990s and early 2000s, when it was Colombia’s largest urban rebel stronghold. A series of military operations scattered the guerrillas, but also left many civilian casualties and lingering bitterness.

Residents reclaimed their neighborhood, and turned it into an improbable cultural and tourist hotspot — now visited by 12,000 or more each week, making it one of Colombia’s most popular tourist destinations. It is a venue for street art, hip-hop performers, rappers, traditional musicians and oral historians recounting the trajectory of the barrio, all amid a plethora of galleries, bars and restaurants, many with blaring music. A carnival atmosphere prevails.

“Armed groups used to come down from the hills, force people on their knees and execute them right here,” said Jhona Marín, 27, a Comuna 13 native who now guides visitors to the district. “Dead people in the streets — that used to be the norm here.”

Alejandra Mejía, 21, one of many young entrepreneurs in Comuna 13, deploys a drone to snap photos of tourists with a backdrop of panoramic views of the city. Visitors line up for the souvenirs.

Colorful murals tell the history of Comuna 13’s re-imagining. Six escalators help residents and visitors climb the steep slopes of the community, which bears a resemblance to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. The frequent elephant motifs spray-painted on walls carry a message: The people of Comuna 13 don’t forget their past.

That is the point, too, at Medellin’s Inflexion Memorial Park. The contemplative monument was built on the site of Escobar’s former fortress, the Monaco Building, which the city demolished in 2019 as part of its effort to reshape the collective memory. A sloping wall of black granite now features 46,612 perforations — one for each person lost to drug violence during Escobar’s rule as Colombia’s cocaine king, including hundreds of slain police officers.

Among the carved inscriptions at the site are the words of Hernando Baquero Borda, a Colombian Supreme Court judge who handled U.S. extradition requests, fiercely resisted by drug lords. In 1986, assassins on a motorcycle shot the jurist and two others dead.

The judge’s now-memorialized words: “We are what we leave to others.”

Special correspondents Liliana Nieto del Río in Medellin, Jenny Carolina González in Bogota and Cecilia Sánchez in Mexico City contributed to this report.

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Foreign correspondent Patrick J. McDonnell is the Los Angeles Times Mexico City bureau chief and previously headed Times bureaus in Beirut, Buenos Aires and Baghdad. A native of the Bronx, McDonnell is a graduate of Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism and was a Nieman fellow at Harvard.

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Huge crowds protest Colombian president’s planned reforms

Protesters call Gustavo Petro’s policies ‘dire’ as his government attempts to reform healthcare and other sectors.

Tens of thousands of Colombians have taken to the streets in several cities to protest against President Gustavo Petro’s social reform agenda.

About 70,000 people demonstrated in Bogota on Sunday, according to estimates provided by the city government. Large rallies also took place in other cities across the country in opposition to Petro’s proposed economic and social reforms.

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Protests have been a constant since the former leftist fighter took office in 2022, but have gained momentum as Petro has floated the possibility of rewriting the constitution to spur social reforms blocked by a hostile congress and conservative business groups.

A Senate committee earlier this month rejected a proposed health reform aimed at stripping power from insurers and expanding access to healthcare. The opposition has been angered by the government’s move to take control of two main insurers it said had failed to correctly care for patients.

The government is expected to propose a new version of the health reform once the new legislative session begins in July. Pension and labour reforms are also being debated by lawmakers.

Marches have also previously taken place in support of Petro’s reforms.

“This government’s policies are dire. The health system, despite its flaws, was working and now Petro is putting an end to it by plunging patients who have no healthcare or medicine into a crisis,” Monica Leon, a 45-year-old doctor told the Reuters news agency.

‘Topple the government’

President Petro said in a post on X that the protests were large in Medellin, Bogota and Bucaramanga but “weak” in 18 other cities.

“The main goal of the marches is to shout ‘Petro Out’ and to topple the government,” Petro said, calling the protests a “soft coup” to thwart reforms. He called for a massive pro-government march on May 1.

When Petro came to power two years ago he was the first leftist to govern a country traditionally run by conservative elites.

However, he lost majorities in the legislature a few months after his inauguration, and his approval rating has plummeted.

Seventy percent of Colombians say the situation in the country “is getting worse”, according to the Invamer polling group.

Petro’s ambitious policy of “total peace” – attempting to bring an end to six decades of armed conflict – has also faced reversals.

Concessions to armed groups have been controversial, with frequent violations reported.

From Tip to Top: The Journey of a Lifetime, From Chile to Alaska is an inspiring and absorbing read

Peter murtagh delivers a pacey, age-defying ride along the pan-american highway.

Peter Murtagh and his trusty motorbike on his solo ride along the famous Pan-American Highway

Staying active, as Peter Murtagh is told by a well-meaning Pilates instructor at the start of this book, is the key to a happy retirement. It’s advice he takes on board, as, at the age of 69, he loads up his motorbike to complete, solo, a ride along the famous Pan-American Highway, from the bottom tip of Chile in South America right up to the very top of Alaska – a place called Deadhorse, where he can go no further.

Tip to Top weaves together his writing over the seven months of the journey – from reporting for The Irish Times , to blogs and notebooks. After a false start caused by Covid – the blight of many a recent travelogue – this turns into an exhilarating read, full of adventure. From getting lost in the woods of the Ukika Valley in Chile, where he’s lulled to sleep by the sound of wild dogs, to visiting the world’s most polite gun fair in Tucson, Arizona.

The book is most absorbing when Murtagh’s journalistic nouse takes over, leading him to investigate human drama. He makes his way through the Peruvian protests that followed the ousting of President Pedro Castillo and engages empathetically with the fate of migrants in Colombia, following the trail that thousands take across the jungle to Panama in their quest to reach a new life in North America.

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This is an inspiring read, and Murtagh captures well the almost-unreal feeling of travel as his mind struggles to take in the breathtaking landscapes that flash past. His journey will particularly appeal to those who love the open road as Murtagh charts the challenges of steering, refuelling and mechanically tending to a motorbike in all sorts of conditions – from the blindingly white salt flats of Uyuni in Bolivia to the ‘caminos de la meurte’ of highland Peru.

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Completing such a mammoth undertaking means Murtagh has to be selective about where to linger and where to pass through, which can at times be a little jarring, but such a conundrum is in the nature of any road trip and indeed only adds to the pace.

Gráinne Lyons is the author of Wild Atlantic Women: Walking Ireland’s West Coast (New Island Books)

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A Hazard for Visitors to Colombia: ‘Devil’s Breath’

Powerful sedatives are behind a spate of violent crimes, U.S. officials say. Many victims are Americans in Medellín who use dating apps.

Steven Valdez, 31, at his home in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The travel blogger was drugged and robbed last year in Medellín, Colombia, after meeting a date on Tinder. Credit... Erika P. Rodríguez for The New York Times

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By Annie Correal and Genevieve Glatsky

Annie Correal and Genevieve Glatsky reported from Bogotá.

• Published Jan. 23, 2024 Updated Jan. 24, 2024

Steven Valdez thought he recognized the woman in the Medellín park. Chatting, the two realized they had matched on the dating platform Tinder. They exchanged numbers and made plans.

On their date last spring, he said the woman suggested that he try a typical Colombian dish — a creamy soup called ajiaco. She carried it from a restaurant counter to their table.

He had two spoonfuls, Mr. Valdez, 31, said. “And that’s the last thing I remember.”

Like scores of visitors to the Colombian city last year, Mr. Valdez, a travel blogger, said he was told at the hospital that he had ingested a powerful, potentially fatal cocktail of sedatives, including a drug called scopolamine.

Scopolamine makes its victims black out, and experts say it can also make them unusually open to suggestion — including agreeing to hand over a wallet or reveal passwords.

American officials are so concerned that they issued a security alert this month about the sedatives and a wave of violent crime targeting visitors to Colombia, especially in the increasingly popular tourist destination of Medellín, a city of 2.6 million in a valley of the Andes Mountains.

Caribbean Sea

The U.S. Embassy, in a previous security alert , describes scopolamine as an “odorless, tasteless, memory-blocking substance used to incapacitate and rob unwary victims” and warns of using dating applications in Colombia or visiting nightclubs and bars.

Colombian officials say many of the incidents involve the city’s sex industry.

“Unfortunately, due to word of mouth, people are identifying that in Medellín there are pretty girls and you can party really hard at a very low cost,” said Carlos Calle, who monitors the tourism industry for the city government. “Criminals are taking advantage of that.”

Since the pandemic, Medellín has also drawn thousands of digital nomads seeking cultural immersion and a cheap Airbnb, and investigators and lawyers say that they, too, are being targeted on mainstream dating platforms like Tinder.

Tinder did not respond to a request for comment.

While deaths are relatively rare, authorities in Medellín said the number of robberies involving scopolamine and other sedatives has risen sharply in recent years, though the exact number is unknown, since many victims do not go to the police.

“There are people who feel too embarrassed because if they file a report, people will know what they were doing,” said Manuel Villa Mejía, the city’s security secretary.

Jorge Wilson Vélez, a forensic criminologist who works with victims and their families, said there were likely hundreds of victims last year.

Perpetrators see the robberies as a tax on tourists whom they view as wealthy and in Colombia to prey on women, Mr. Vélez said. The intent is not to kill anybody, he added. “They call it, ‘giving the guys something to sleep.’”

Last year, Medellín saw 1.4 million foreign visitors, nearly 40 percent of whom were American, according to city data.

Crimes against American visitors have stirred fears in the expat community. An English-language Facebook group, Colombia Scopolamine Victims & Alerts , has about 3,800 members.

Americans are being hit, Mr. Vélez said, because they’re going online “looking for company, a relationship,” and especially when they go on dates alone.

Scopolamine, also known as “devil’s breath,” has been reported elsewhere in Latin America and beyond, with cases popping up from London to Bangkok.

But the drug’s rise in Colombia, and the embassy’s warning to Americans, comes as a particular blow to a country trying hard to change its image .

Medellín, in particular, has struggled to shed associations with drugs, violence and Pablo Escobar . The city has undergone a major transformation since the 1990s, boasting sleek museums, cafes on tree-lined streets, and the country’s only metro system. While some criminal gangs remain, the city’s homicide rates have plunged.

Crimes targeting tourists may tarnish that rosy picture — but so, too, do the tourists themselves, according to officials and lawyers who represent men targeted by thieves, who say some are treating Medellín like a lurid playground.

“There’s this weird mystique. You come to Medellín, and the normal rules don’t apply,” said Alan Gongora, an American lawyer in Medellín. “Like, anything is possible.”

Some crime victims said they were just looking for a date.

During the pandemic, Mr. Valdez left Los Angeles, where he worked in television production, to travel and work on his blogs, including one called We Like Colombia. He was in Medellín last May, working and taking bachata lessons, he said, when he opened Tinder to find a dance partner.

After his date with a woman who called herself Luisa, he said he woke up in his Airbnb, alone and unable to stand up. His right leg felt broken.

The police later told him his captors had beat him, likely because he had resisted being robbed, Mr. Valdez said. Hospital blood tests revealed the presence of scopolamine and another drug, clonazepam, a depressant.

He lost his phones, laptop, wallet and about $7,000, he said.

But he felt lucky to be alive.

Mr. Valdez reported the attack, and his date and several others were arrested after trying to use his bank cards to purchase appliances at a store, according to the police.

He tries to keep what happened in perspective. “I’ve been to Colombia, like, eight times now since the pandemic,” said Mr. Valdez, who now lives in Puerto Rico. “I’ve seen organized crime is rampant because prices are going so high over there. You know, the regular citizens can’t afford it.”

Criminal groups that lure victims through dating platforms are typically small, unaffiliated crews from poor neighborhoods, investigators in Medellín said.

One 42-year-old man from New York recalled being drugged by a Tinder date who served him a rum and coke that he said knocked him out for 24 hours.

She stole his electronic devices, silver jewelry, a bank card and cash. “I thought I had lost everything,” said the man, who asked to go by his initials, R.J., to protect future job prospects. But his passport and IDs were right where he had hidden them. A police report viewed by The Times corroborated details of the crime.

Leaving a passport, investigators said, is a signature of these crimes — meant to encourage victims to leave without reporting the robbery or pressing charges.

Some thieves can be sophisticated.

In December, a young German scientist touring Latin America and posting videos under the name Dr. Travel said he was robbed in Medellín by a woman he was “chatting with” after joining her and her friend for a meal.

He drank a pink soda, he said in a video , and later awoke to find his wallet and phone gone. His phone’s tracking function was deactivated, his Apple ID password changed and his bank account drained. Holdings in several cryptocurrency exchanges were sold, the funds moved to other crypto wallets.

He lost more than $16,000, he said. Attempts to reach the man were unsuccessful.

Scopolamine has long been used to treat motion sickness and nausea, but became popular in larger doses around three decades ago as a recreational drug and to commit crimes, said Guillermo Castaño, a senior investigator for Colombia’s science ministry.

Around 10 years ago, criminals in Colombia started using it to target tourists, Dr. Castaño said, often mixing it with benzodiazepines, depressants that typically treat insomnia and anxiety, to further incapacitate victims.

In a widely publicized case, Paul Nguyen, a 27-year-old from California, was fatally drugged by a Tinder date in Medellín in late 2022 , his body found near a dumpster. An autopsy determined he had been drugged with clonazepam, which, combined with alcohol, had caused his death.

His date and several accomplices were arrested and are now on trial, tracked down with the help of a photo of the woman that Mr. Nguyen posted on Snapchat before he disappeared.

Medellín authorities have said stopping the attacks is a top priority. Four people were recently arrested in connection with the murder of another American tourist who may have met a date online.

Still, arrests are rare.

Mr. Nguyen’s mother, Kimberly Dao, said the family had to hire Mr. Vélez, the investigator, to push the police to pursue the case.

For Ms. Dao, the U.S. Embassy alert about online dating in Colombia is a sign the issue is being taken seriously — though she wished it had come sooner.

If it had, she said, “I would beg him, I would not let him go.”

Federico Rios contributed reporting from Medellín, Colombia, and Simon Posada contributed reporting from Bogotá, Colombia.

Annie Correal reports from the U.S. and Latin America for The Times. More about Annie Correal

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