5 Things to Know Before Traveling to Colombia
Planning on exploring Colombia soon? This iconic country is full of wild landscapes, picture-perfect beaches as well as a really vivid culture.
However it’s worth knowing a few things before you come, which include how to plan for your trip as well as things to avoid.
5 Things to Know Before You Go Backpacking In Colombia
In this guide we’ll cover everything you’ll need to know before backpacking around Colombia. Be sure to bookmark this guide and re-visit when you need more help.
Let’s explore 5 of our very best tips which you can use both before and during your backpacking trip through Colombia.
Prepare Well Before Your Trip
The first vital step is to make sure you have all of your correct documentation before coming. Most countries don’t require a visa to be arranged before you visit, however this can vary depending on where you’re from.
At this time of writing (May 2024), you will need to fill-out a CheckMig Form online which is one of Colombia’s entry requirements.
Get Off The Tourist Path
We completely get it – places like Medellín and Cartagena really do have their value, and you’ll see a lot of amazing places.
However tourism has skyrocketed in this country in the last decade, and if you just stick to these areas then you may feel that you’re constantly surrounded by gringos and tourist-focused amenities.
We recommend adding other destinations to your travels which aren’t so touristy, which will keep your experience authentic. This includes Santander, Bahía Solano and beaches along the Guajira Peninsula.
Pack Properly
Colombia is a really diverse country. Often we think that it will always be hot and nothing else – however temperatures can dip in regions.
These include Bogotá and other towns around the Colombian Andes. For this reason it’s wise to pack clothing for both warm and cool environments, which will prevent you from getting caught-out when you arrive somewhere new. Be sure to look at our South America packing list for some ideas on what to carry with you.
Keep Yourself Safe
Every South American country has its own issues with safety, however it’s worth knowing what are the most prominent issues in Colombia.
Poverty can be high here, so it’s worth dressing down and to avoid taking out expensive gadgets or accessories with you (which will make you less of a target).
It’s also wise to be street-smart here too, given any issues with tourists (such as pickpocketing) are spontaneous and those who are targeted are chosen in the moment. So be sure to dress-down and avoid looking lost when walking around.
Keep An Open Mind
Colombia as a whole has a culture which is really “out there”, and may take a bit of time to get accustomed with. However those who stay open and try new things will be really rewarded here, especially with the diversity of things on offer.
This includes trying regional dishes such as Ajiaco from Bogotá or even Hormigas Culonas in San Gil, or having different experiences such as camping in Tayrona or learning how to dive off the Caribbean coast. When it comes to your tastebuds though, it pays to know what foods to eat while here so look for the dishes local to each region.
Got Travel Insurance for Colombia?
Summary of Preparing for a Colombia Backpacking Trip
And that’s all for our intro list of things to know before backpacking around Colombia.
As always the best things we learn or experience will be out there in the moment, however these tips are a great starting point to make sure your trip is a really memorable one.
Still planning where to go in Colombia? Be sure to check out our customized Backpacking Colombia Itinerary which has a boatload of tips that you can use for your trips.
👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.
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