Colombia Travel Guide
Did you know?
The population of Colombia is around 50.88 mil., which puts the country in 44. place in terms of population (out of 231 countries and dependent territories).
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Bogotá (CO) and Washington D.C. (US) is 2375 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Bogotá click here
Time • Timezone
Safety
General travel safety level in Colombia on a scale of 1 (safe) to 4 (unsafe).
Level 2 • Exercise a high degree of caution (plus additional regional warnings).
Update: 25 Mar 2024Currency
Colombian Peso (COP) - rate compared to selected currencies
EUR 
GBP 
USD Get ready for your next trip
With just a few clicks you can find the best accommodation, airline tickets, or buy insurance that provides comprehensive protection for your next journey.
Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Colombia
| Miles | Bogotá | Medellín | Cali | Cartagena | Barranquilla | Pereira | Santa Marta | Bucaramanga |
| Bogotá | - | 152 | 188 | 413 | 444 | 112 | 455 | 185 |
| Medellín | 152 | - | 204 | 288 | 333 | 100 | 355 | 179 |
| Cali | 188 | 204 | - | 486 | 535 | 111 | 559 | 346 |
| Cartagena | 413 | 288 | 486 | - | 64 | 388 | 105 | 283 |
| Barranquilla | 444 | 333 | 535 | 64 | - | 432 | 42 | 293 |
| Pereira | 112 | 100 | 111 | 388 | 432 | - | 453 | 238 |
| Santa Marta | 455 | 355 | 559 | 105 | 42 | 453 | - | 293 |
| Bucaramanga | 185 | 179 | 346 | 283 | 293 | 238 | 293 | - |
A Brief History of Colombia
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
3,000 B.C.
The beginnings of settlementNative people create villages along the Caribbean coast.
1400s A.D.
Complex villagesThe Chibcha, or Muisca, organize complex villages, mainly in the Andes mountains. They are farmers and skilled goldsmiths.
1538
Santa Fé de BogotáGonzalo Jiménez de Quesada conquers the Chibcha. He founds Santa Fé de Bogotá, and names the area Nueva Granada.
1550
{TITLE}Slaves from Africa are brought in to work in gold mines.
1700s
Viceroyalty of Nueva GranadaSpain combines Nueva Granada with what are now Venezuela, Ecuador and Panama to form the Viceroyalty of Nueva Granada.
1819
Gran ColombiaSimón Bolívar, fighting for independence, defeats Spain in the Battle of Boyacá. The nation of Gran Colombia is formed. In 1830, Venezuela and Ecuador become separate nations. Colombia and Panama remain as Nueva Granada.
1863
United States of ColombiaThe nation becomes known as the United States of Colombia.
1899–1903
War of a Thousand DaysThe Conservative and Liberal political parties battle in a civil war called the War of a Thousand Days. With U.S. support, Panama declares its independence.
1948–1958
FARCAfter another civil war "La Violencia" Conservatives and Liberals agree to share power. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a guerilla group, is formed. Later, more guerilla groups form.
1960s–1970s
DrugsColombia becomes a leading supplier of illegal drugs.
Early 2000s
Plan ColombiaPresident Andrés Pastrana Arango develops Plan Colombia, an antidrug policy. The U.S. provides financial and military support for it.
Best Ways to Experience Colombia
- Cuisine
- Art
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreColombian Peso (COP)
- COP
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- COP
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Colombia.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Colombia
Areas with malaria
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Colombia for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
- Extendable up to 180-days stay within a one-year period
- Colombian-born U.S. citizens and U.S. citizens traveling with children may face special exit requirements.
Electricity
110V (60 Hz)
In Colombia the standard voltage is 110V and the frequency is 60 Hz. Type A, B sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type A
Type BFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 44 / 231 Ranking | 50 882 891 mestizo 58%, white 20%, mulatto 14%, black 4%, mixed black-Amerindian 3%, Amerindian 1% |
Area | 45 / 232 Ranking | 440.8 thous. mi² It is approximately 12% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 43 / 221 Ranking | 76.9 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 73.8women 80.2 |
Median age | 44 / 222 Ranking | 31.2 Average age of population expressed in years.men 30.2women 32.2 |
Population growth | 43 / 224 Ranking | 1.04% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 42 / 210 Ranking | 95.6% Ability to read, write and count.men 95.4%women 95.9% |
GDP | 39 / 194 Ranking | 14 570 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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