Travel to Colombia 2026

Colombia is a country of contrasts that can surprise even experienced travelers. From the misty wax palms of Cocora Valley to the lively streets of Getsemaní in Cartagena, each region feels like a different world. For first-time visitors, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the choices—but knowing which regions to focus on, when to visit, and how to navigate local rules makes your trip smoother and far more enjoyable. This guide cuts through the noise, showing you how to plan your itinerary, handle entry requirements, and explore Colombia like someone who’s done their homework—without needing a local guide at every step.

2026 Visa & Entry Requirements: What You Need to Know

Colombia is welcoming to tourists, but it’s strict when it comes to digital tracking and paperwork. Here’s what you need to know:

1. The 90-Day Rule

Travelers from the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. If you fall in love with the country (and you likely will), you can extend your stay for another 90 days through Migración Colombia or at local offices. Make sure you extend before your first 90 days expire, or fines can be steep.

2. The Check-Mig Form

Every traveler must complete this mandatory online form between 72 hours and 1 hour before your flight. After submission, you’ll receive a QR code that immigration officers scan at the airport, so keep it handy—on your phone or printed.

3. Proof of Exit

Immigration may ask for return or onward travel proof. A domestic flight from Bogotá or a bus ride to Ecuador is sufficient.

4. San Andrés Tourist Card

If you’re flying to San Andrés or Providencia, purchase the Tourist Card (~$35 USD) at your departure airport. Without it, airlines won’t let you board.

When to Visit: Understanding Colombia’s Microclimates

Because Colombia straddles the equator, temperature remains steady, but rainfall defines seasons. Timing your visit depends on what you want to do:

• Dry Season (December–March): Best for hiking Ciudad Perdida or exploring beaches in Tayrona National Park.

• Whale Watching (July–October): Head to the Pacific coast (Nuquí, Bahía Solano) to see humpback whales.

• “Eternal Spring” (Medellín): Temperatures hover around 22–28°C year-round. Medellín is ideal any time of year.

Pro Tip: Check local weather forecasts and public holidays for your region. National parks like Tayrona sometimes close temporarily for indigenous spiritual ceremonies.

Planning Your Itinerary: Go Deep, Not Wide

Trying to see all of Colombia in one trip can be exhausting. Instead, pick one or two regions and explore them thoroughly.

1. Coffee Cultural Landscape (Eje Cafetero)

Base yourself in Salento, a colorful town surrounded by rolling hills.

• Hike the Cocora Valley: Mist rises through fields of wax palms, the tallest palms on earth.

• Coffee Farm Visits: Skip the tourist-only tastings. Visit Finca El Ocaso or other family-owned fincas to watch coffee grow, learn how it’s harvested, and see the roasting process.

Insider Tip: Use the local Willy jeep service to explore nearby towns, but the best way to experience the valley is on foot.

2. Cartagena: Walled City & Getsemaní

Cartagena combines colonial architecture with a vibrant Caribbean vibe.

• Old Town: Walk the cobbled streets, explore the city walls, and watch local vendors sell tropical fruits and handmade crafts.

• Getsemaní: This is where the city’s creative pulse beats—street art, live champeta music, and fried arepas everywhere.

Pro Tip: Cartagena can be humid. Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon, and hydrate frequently.

3. Medellín: Transformation and Views

Medellín has evolved dramatically in the last few decades.

• Metrocable to Parque Arví: Cable cars connect hillside communities to the city center, offering unmatched views of the Aburrá Valley.

• Neighborhoods to Explore: El Poblado is lively with cafés and nightlife, while Comuna 13 shows Medellín’s street art and social history.

Pro Tip: Medellín sits at 1,500 m elevation. Take it easy on the first day if you’re arriving from sea level.

4. Tayrona National Park

Where Sierra Nevada mountains meet the Caribbean, Tayrona is a mix of jungle and pristine beaches.

• Hiking & Beaches: Trails lead to hidden beaches like Cabo San Juan, accessible only on foot.

• Closures: Check for temporary closures due to indigenous ceremonies, usually in February.

Pro Tip: Bring Colombian pesos for entrance fees and light snacks; ATMs are not available inside the park.

2026 Travel Budget: What to Expect

Colombia is high-value, but popular spots like Cartagena have seen rising prices.

Money Tip: Use ATMs attached to Bancolombia or Davivienda, and always decline the ATM’s conversion rate—your home bank usually offers a better rate.

Safety Tips: “No Dar Papaya”

Colombians use the phrase “No dar papaya”, meaning don’t give anyone an easy opportunity. For first-time visitors:

• Phone Safety: Avoid walking the streets with your phone visible. Step into a shop or café to check directions.

• Taxis & Rideshares: Use Uber, Cabify, or InDrive rather than hailing on the street.

• Dating Apps: Be careful; there have been reports of drink-related scams. Meet in public, crowded locations.

• Altitude: Bogotá sits at 2,640 m. Avoid drinking too much Aguardiente on your first night to prevent soroche (altitude sickness).

Quick Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Spanish Matters: In small towns like Salento or Nuquí, English is rare. Learn phrases like “¿Dónde está la finca de café?” to interact smoothly.

• Connectivity: Buy a Claro SIM at Bogotá airport. It works in Medellín, Cartagena, and Tayrona. Use Maps.me for offline hiking trails.

• Health & Hiking: Tap water is safe in cities, but bring water for hikes in Cocora Valley or Tayrona. Mosquito repellent is essential in Pacific regions.

• Domestic Travel: Flights save time. Avianca and Wingo connect major cities efficiently; buses are scenic but slower.

• Cash & Payments: Many towns and parks only accept pesos. Keep small bills for tips, transport, and entrance fees.

Final Thoughts: How to Make Your First Trip Memorable

Colombia rewards travelers who immerse themselves in one or two regions rather than rushing to see everything. Hike the misty Cocora Valley, sip coffee on a family-owned finca, feel the rhythm of champeta in Getsemaní, and watch the sunset over Tayrona’s Caribbean beaches. Plan ahead for park closures, complete your Check-Mig form, and follow local safety tips like “No dar papaya.”

This approach transforms your first trip from a sightseeing checklist into a true introduction to Colombia’s landscapes, culture, and urban life. For those looking to continue exploring beyond Colombia, you can compare notes with our Tanzania 2026 travel guide for another adventure.

Visa & Entry Requirements

1. Migración Colombia – Official Website
   https://www.migracioncolombia.gov.co
   Official source for visa rules, Check-Mig forms, extensions, and entry requirements.

2. IATA Travel Centre – Colombia
   https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/world.php
   Provides up-to-date entry requirements and airline travel advisories.

Flights & Domestic Transport

3. Avianca – Domestic & International Flights
   https://www.avianca.com

4. Wingo Airlines – Budget Flights in Colombia
   https://www.wingo.com

5. Rome2Rio – Transport Planning
   https://www.rome2rio.com
   Shows buses, flights, and connections within Colombia.

National Parks & Attractions

6. Tayrona National Park Official Information
   https://www.parquesnacionales.gov.co
   Entrance fees, closures, and indigenous ceremonial schedules.

7. Lost City (Ciudad Perdida) Tours & Info
   https://ciudadperdida.info
   Guided tours, hiking tips, and permits.

8. Colombia Coffee Route – UNESCO World Heritage Site
   https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1121/
   Information about the Coffee Cultural Landscape.

Safety & Local Advice

9. Colombia Travel Advisory – US State Department
   https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Colombia.html
   Up-to-date safety tips for first-time travelers.

10. Lonely Planet – Colombia Safety Guide
    https://www.lonelyplanet.com/colombia

Culture & Local Experiences

11. Colombia Tourism Official Website
    https://www.colombia.travel/en
    Tips on events, festivals, local culture, and cuisine.

12. Street Art in Comuna 13, Medellín
    https://www.medellin.travel/en/comuna-13

13. Whale Watching in Nuquí & Bahía Solano
    https://www.colombia.co/en/what-to-do/whale-watching-in-nuqui/