Custom travel to Colombia

Colombia is one of South America's most surprising destinations, where the turquoise Caribbean meets the snowy peaks of the Andes, where Cali salsa dialogues with the magical realism of Gabriel García Márquez, and where every region reveals its own character. From the fortified city of Cartagena to the coffee farms of Quindío, from Tayrona Park to the wax palms of Cocora (the world's tallest), through transformed Medellín and cultural Bogotá, the country has turned the page on its dark years to become one of the continent's most exciting destinations.

Highlights

• Cartagena: UNESCO walled colonial city on the Caribbean
• Coffee axis (Quindío, Caldas, Risaralda): fincas and wax palms
• Medellín: urban transformation and paisa culture
• Tayrona Park: jungle and Caribbean beaches
• Bogotá: Gold Museum, La Candelaria, altitude gastronomy
• Cocora Valley and wax palms (60 m tall)

Sample itineraries

When to go

Colombia has a tropical climate without marked seasons (close to the equator), but rain and sun alternate. The best periods are December to March (dry season, stable weather everywhere) and July-August (secondary dry season). Avoid April-May and October-November (rainy seasons in the Andes). For humpback whales on the Pacific coast, it's July-October. For Caño Cristales, it's June-November (algae in bloom). Cartagena and Caribbean coast: stable temperatures 28-32 °C year-round. Bogotá: 14-19 °C on average (cool at altitude).

• Main dry season (December – March), Cartagena, Tayrona, coffee, Andes, perfect everywhere
• Rainy season (Andes) (April – May), Caribbean coast still dry, very green Andean landscapes
• Secondary dry season (June – August), Pacific (whales), Caño Cristales (June-Nov)
• Secondary rainy season (September – November), Caño Cristales (Oct), Pacific (whales late Sept)

Practical information

Colombia is much safer than before, main risks are pickpocketing and taxi scams (prefer Uber). Areas to avoid in the evening: Cartucho in Bogotá, some popular Medellín barrios, port surroundings. Bogotá and Medellín are at altitude (2,640 m and 1,500 m), usual precautions, don't arrive and exert yourself the same day. Tap water not recommended, prefer bottled water (or LifeStraw filter). Yellow fever vaccine mandatory if going to the Amazon. Cards accepted in cities, cash useful in rural areas. Some Spanish words essential outside tourist zones (English is limited).

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for a Colombia trip?

December to March is the main dry season, ideal everywhere in the country, clear skies and little rain, but it's also high season (end-of-year holidays, carnival), with higher prices and busier sites. July-August is an equally pleasant secondary dry season, and it's the period for spotting humpback whales on the Pacific coast (Bahía Solano, Nuquí) as well as for visiting Caño Cristales, the 7-color river, accessible only June to November. Avoid April-May and September-November, the two rainy seasons in the Andes (Bogotá, coffee axis, Medellín), while the Caribbean coast stays generally more stable with temperatures of 28-32 °C year-round. Bogotá, at altitude, stays cool in any season (14-19 °C on average), so pack layers even in full dry season.

How long for a Colombia trip?

Allow a minimum of 10 days for the essentials: 2 nights in Bogotá (Gold Museum), 3 nights in the coffee axis (finca visit, Cocora Valley), 4 nights in Cartagena as a beach finale, the most requested itinerary for a first trip. To add Medellín (Comuna 13, Guatapé), Cali (salsa capital), or Tayrona Park on the Caribbean coast, allow 14-16 days, the grand Colombia tour format. For travelers seeking more off-the-beaten-path nature, Caño Cristales (June-November only) or Pacific humpback whales (July-October) demand 14 days on their own alongside the coffee zone and Cartagena. Beyond 21 days, Colombia pairs well with Ecuador (Quito, Galápagos) or Peru (Machu Picchu).

What budget for a custom Colombia trip?

As a guideline, expect €1,800 per person for 10-12 days in the Comfort package (3-4★ boutique hotels in Cartagena and Medellín, restored coffee fincas, eco-lodges in Tayrona, Avianca domestic flights included), excluding international flights. In Premium, 12-14 days with addresses like the Sofitel Santa Clara or Casa San Agustín in Cartagena and a private French-speaking guide on key stops, expect from €3,200 per person. The fully bespoke 14-to-18-day Exclusive package, with 5★ hotels throughout, a panoramic helicopter flight, and a private yacht cruise, starts at €6,500 per person. Add €600-€1,200 per person for a Paris-Bogotá round trip in Economy, with rates climbing in December-January (school holidays).

Do I need a visa for Colombia?

No visa is required for French, Belgian, Swiss, or Canadian nationals for a tourist stay under 90 days. The passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the return date. If your itinerary includes the Colombian Amazon (Leticia), the yellow fever vaccine is mandatory and must be done at least 10 days before departure. For a stay beyond 90 days, an extension must be requested locally through Colombian migration services (Migración Colombia).

Is Colombia safe for a trip?

Yes, Colombia has become much safer over the past fifteen years, particularly since the 2016 peace agreement with the FARC. Tourist zones (Cartagena, coffee axis, Medellín, Bogotá, Tayrona) are very safe and can be visited without particular concern. Precautions remain those of any major Latin American city: pickpocketing, taxi scams (always prefer Uber), areas to avoid at night such as Cartucho in Bogotá or some popular Medellín barrios. Avoid rural areas near the Venezuelan and Ecuadorian borders, still unstable. Drink bottled water rather than tap water, and plan for the yellow fever vaccine if the Amazon is on your itinerary.

How do I get around in Colombia?

Avianca, Latam, and Viva domestic flights are essential for long distances: Bogotá-Cartagena 1.5 h (versus 16 h by bus), Bogotá-Medellín 1 h, Bogotá-Pereira or Armenia 50 min for the coffee zone, Bogotá-Santa Marta 1.5 h for Tayrona. A rental car is useful in the coffee axis, where fincas are far apart from each other and public transport is scarce. In cities, Uber is much more practical and safer than traditional taxis (officially gray but widely tolerated by authorities). In Medellín, the metro and metrocable are very efficient and make it easy to reach Comuna 13 or El Poblado. Long-distance buses remain an option for smaller budgets but considerably lengthen journeys.

How to handle altitude in Bogotá and Medellín?

Bogotá (2,640 m) can cause mild acute mountain sickness the first days (headaches, fatigue). Precautions: drink plenty, avoid alcohol and exertion the first days, possibly chew coca leaves. Medellín (1,500 m) generally doesn't pose problems.

When to see humpback whales?

On the Colombian Pacific coast (Bahía Solano, Nuquí, Buenaventura) from mid-July to late October. It's one of the world's largest migrations, 8,000 whales come to give birth after leaving Antarctica.

How does Caño Cristales (the 7-color river) work?

Accessible only from June to November, when macarenia clavigera algae bloom in red, yellow, blue, green, purple. Flight from Bogotá to La Macarena (50 min), then trek in the Sierra de la Macarena. 3-4 days minimum.

Is Colombia suitable for a family trip?

Yes, from age 8 (altitude and domestic flights can tire younger children). Restored safety, warm welcome, kid-friendly experiences (coffee finca, Tayrona beach, Medellín metrocable). Favor Cartagena + coffee axis + Medellín for a first family trip.

How do I pay in Colombia: card or cash?

Bank cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and large shops in cities (Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena). Still, keep some pesos in cash for markets, small coffee-zone fincas, tips, and rural areas where ATMs become scarce. ATMs are plentiful in major cities but apply fairly high flat fees, so it's better to withdraw larger sums less often. Notify your bank before departure to avoid a card block abroad.

Do I need to speak Spanish to travel in Colombia?

English remains limited outside tourist zones (hotels, agencies, big cities), so a little Spanish greatly eases the trip, particularly in the coffee zone or more remote villages. My trips systematically include an English-speaking driver or guide, and a private French-speaking guide can be added in Cartagena, Medellín, Bogotá, or the coffee zone if you'd like. A few words of Spanish (gracias, buenos días) are always appreciated and easily open dialogue with Colombians, known for their warmth and hospitality.