Colombia Travel Guide – Travel Information & Requirements
Colombia: Essential information
What are the most important things to keep in mind while planning your Colombia vacation? When is the best time of the year to visit Colombia? Is it safe to exchange money in the country? Is it safe to exchange money in the country? Find answers to all these questions and more in our Colombia travel guide.
Our travel experts can advise you on the best things to do in Colombia, answer any questions you might have, and craft a personalized travel experience for you.
Language in Colombia
Spanish is the official language of Colombia and more than 99% of the population speak it. Colombian Spanish however, is somewhat different from Spanish spoken in Spain.
Colombia is one of the most populated countries in Latin America with a staggering ethnic diversity. It is little wonder then that there exists a diverse linguistic variety, and over 100 languages are spoken throughout the country, many of them indigenous Amerindian.
English is spoken in major tourist destinations and cities. However, English-speakers are rare in the countryside. During your Enchanting Travels tour, we will ensure that you are accompanied everywhere by your English-speaking guide or chauffeur so you can make the most of your vacation. Should you need further assistance, your personal Trip Coordinator will be available for you 24/7.
Currency, Cash and Cards
Currency
The Colombia Peso (COL$) is the official currency of Colombia. Counterfeit currency is an issue in Colombia – to ensure that you are not scammed, check that the notes you are handed are in good condition. Always ensure that you change money at a trusted source such as a bank or at the airport.
Money
ATMs are widely available throughout the country although most banks have a maximum withdrawal limit of COP$ 300,000. Some ATM machines only accept chip or PIN debit cards. If you need to use the ATM after dark, always visit one inside a gas station or mall. Your Enchanting Travels chauffeur or guide will be happy to locate a trusted one for you.
Cards
VISA and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards in Colombia. Moneygram and Western Union are your best options for having money transferred to you quickly. Traveler’s Checks are not commonly used in Colombia.
Tipping
While it is common practice to tip in Colombia, this is completely optional and entirely up to you. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge to the menu however, the staff is expected to inform you about this in advance. Usually, tipping 10% of your bill is considered adequate. Tipping taxi drivers is not a common practice however, if you wish, you can round off your fare by 500 or 1000 COL$. We recommend an amount of between USD 5 – 10 for your personal guide or chauffeur, should you choose to tip them.
Our travel experts can advise you on the best things to do in Colombia, answer any questions you might have, and craft a personalized travel experience for you.
From the Blog
Popular Trips to Colombia
Best Places To Visit
History
As the gateway to South America from the North American continent, and owing to its strategic location at the confluence the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans, expect an incredible diverse history on your tour!
Culture
Descended from a mix of European, Asian and native Indian ethnic groups, Colombia’s diverse mix of cultures is evident in the country’s heritage, music, arts and cuisine.
Cuisine
Colombian cuisine is a delightful smorgasbord of European influence and Andean ingredients. Nestled by the towering Andes and set on the equator, when it comes to fresh produce, your choices are endless!
The Enchanting Travels Difference
What Our Guests Say
What Our Guests Say
“We use Enchanting Travels a few times a year, and they never disappoint. I often have a few custom requests for sightseeing, and they’re always accommodating and enthusiastic about having a client scout out some place new. I have 2 more trips booked with them on the calendar in the 12 months ahead. This will have been my 6th trip using them and have never had any issues.”
February 2025 Rating 5/5
“We had a phenomenal experience on our trip to Colombia! The planning phase of the trip was seamless given that Katie had worked with us before and knew exactly what we enjoyed, which allowed her to put together an itinerary that suited us perfectly. The trip provided a lot of variety – from exploring big cities such as Medellin and Bogota, to hiking in the Cocora Valley in the coffee region and relaxing in the Caribbean city of Cartagena, each location felt like its own trip. We loved the different experiences we had, including street food tours, museum visits, hiking/nature exploration and learning about the fascinating history of the country. We would 100% recommend both Colombia and Enchanting Travels.”
January 2025 Rating 5/5
“Incredible agency that pulled together an incredible trip with thoughtful details. Everyone’s seamless and safe, letting me fully enjoy the adventure. The price was 100% worth it!”
October 2023 Rating 5/5
“Our trip to Colombia was absolutely amazing! Every detail was organized, and the local guides were excellent! The hotels, excursions, food, and travel details were perfect. There was excellent communication from the team during the entire process, and we were able to navigate smoothly even when traveling with two small kids. We had a wonderful vacation and will absolutely be booking with Enchanting Travels again!”
July 2023 Rating 5/5
“Enchanting Travels kept in touch everyday. There was a day we wanted to change itinerary and Kevin got that arranged right away and kept us informed.”
February 2023 Rating 5/5
“Enchanting Travels was a dream to work with and I highly recommend! They created a custom trip and really listened to everything we wanted to incorporate and took care of all the details from start to finish. The hotels, activities and guides they vetted were all incredible. I look forward to planning another vacation with them!”
January 2023 Rating 5/5