Colombia FAQ’s
Do I need a visa?
A tourist visa is NOT required for US or Canadian citizens for stays up to 90 days. To enter the country, you need a valid passport and a valid airline ticket for onward or return travel. For those traveling with a passport from a country other than the US or Canada; visit projectvisa.com for more information.
Is my passport valid?
US passport must be valid for the length of your stay. Canadian passports must have an expiration date at least 6 months after your scheduled trip’s end. If it expires earlier, be sure to get a renewal.
Do I need any shots?
No vaccinations are required for travel from the USA to Colombia. Hepatitis A, Measles (MMR), Tetanus and Typhoid vaccines are recommended but not required. Yellow fever vaccinations are required if arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever. See the CDC website for details.
When can I expect more details on my trip?
You will receive two sets of information by email: 1. Pre-departure materials once your trip is guaranteed, typically a few months prior to your departure; and 2. Final Documents sent by email one to two weeks before you leave. The final documents will cover your final itinerary, travel tips and contact information.
When is my balance due?
Your land balance is due 90 days prior to departure for Signature Trips and generally due at 120 days for Custom Trips. An invoice indicating your balance due will be sent with your pre-departure information.
Will I be met at the airport?
Yes, if you arrive according to schedule or have arranged extra transfers through our office. Meeting instructions and local contact information will be given with your Final Documents.
Are there local flights within Colombia? Who books them?
Travelers will generally arrive and depart into/from the El Dorado international airport in Bogota (BOG) or the Rafael Núñez international airport in Cartagena (CTG). Some of Colombia’s inland areas or to reach Pereira require local flights for convenience; in this case, Southwind will reserve your flights with a schedule to best match your itinerary in the country. We can also recommend a Latin American ticketing specialist to assist you with all your airline ticketing needs.
How much money should I bring?
Depending on the length of your trip, plan to bring $300-500 per person for spending money, tips, additional visits, souvenirs and those meals not included in the itinerary.
Should I bring cash or bank cards?
Cash is the easiest to exchange and many places accept US dollars in addition to the Colombian Peso. Credit or debit cards are also easy to use at most establishments. Be sure to check with your bank prior to your departure to inform them that you will be using your card in a foreign country. Traveler’s checks are not recommended as they are rarely internationally accepted. Find current exchange rates.
Are ATM machines available?
Yes. There are ATM machines in the main cities such as Bogota, Pereira and Cartagena. We recommend using the ones located inside some hotels, stores, restaurants, shopping malls or banks. Be cautious as some thieves may watch these machines and target tourists and others who take out large amounts of cash. Consult with your guide for safety recommendations on ATM’s or exchanging money.
Is Colombia safe?
The country has improved since the past decade. Currently, we consider Colombia’s main tourist destinations to be safe for travel. We recommend avoiding the border areas and certain departments such as Arauca, Cauca, Chocó and Nariño. These are regions in the country we don’t travel to. After 30 years of operating trips to South America, Southwind’s travelers have never experienced a problem with safety, whether in the cities or hiking routes. You can review an updated Country information page from the US State Department’s website
What will the weather be like?
Due to Colombia’s close proximity to the equator, the climate is warm and tropical along the coast and eastern plains while cooler in the highlands. With no noticeable change of seasons, travel in the country is feasible year round as long as you are comfortable with the occasional semi-tropical showers. The best time to travel is December-March and July-August. In Bogota, highs are in the upper 60’s and lows in the upper 40’s, with more rain occurring April, May & October. The coffee region has highs in the upper 70’s and lows in mid 60’s, with rain more common April-May and October-November. Cartagena on the Caribbean coast is warmer with highs of 90°F and lows in the upper 70’s, rains concentrate during June and August-October. The “wet” season is approx April-May and October-November with rainfall of 40-70 inches according to the region. See more Colombia weather and climate info.
How do I adjust to the altitude?
Gradual exposure to higher elevations and time are the best ways to acclimatize. If possible, try to arrive to Bogota (elevation 8,860′) a day early. Drink plenty of water, eat lightly and avoid alcoholic beverages for the first day. Many travelers find that drinking coca tea is also effective.
Coca tea is not allowed back in the US.
How do I train for my trip?
If you lead an active lifestyle (walking, cycling, swimming, tennis, etc. on a regular basis) you will do fine on a Grade I or II trip. View more details on Trip Ratings
Who will be my guide?
We work with the most respected and experienced resident guides, many of whom have advanced degrees in tourism, biology, history, culture or other specialties. All are knowledgeable, patient and fun to be around. Your Final Documents will provide guide details.