7 Things to Know Before Traveling to Colombia

Colombia is a tropical country with modern cities, farmlands, colonial beauty, incredible diversity and charm, and a history loaded with mystery and adventure where its people and cultures have fascinated the world for centuries.

Over the past 8 years we have collated feedback from our international interns about what they would have liked to have known before traveling to Colombia. So, here are 7 things to know before traveling to Colombia:

The Weather is unpredictable.

As Colombia sits on the equator the country does not really have seasons, yet you can experience four seasons all in one day! The weather is unpredictable and you can have clear blue skies in the morning, sudden rain showers & storms and blue skies again. One city to note is Bogotá, Colombia's capital city sits around 2,600 meters or 8,661 feet above sea level and temperatures can drop & rise throughout the day, especially in the evening.

Top tip: Bring a mix of clothing for variable temperatures e.g. a warm jacket or jumper for chilly evenings & a waterproof jacket.

Size of the country.

Maps often deceive us about the true size of Colombia. As the fourth largest country in South America, Colombia is actually the same size as Texas & California combined, or France, Portugal & Spain combined. Its size is one of the many reasons Colombia encompasses diverse landscapes & climates, from snow-capped mountains to the Amazon rainforest and even pristine Caribbean beaches.

Top tip: Efficient travel is vital. It is best to select places to visit well in advance and spend enough time to truly enjoy & embrace them, rather than hopping between locations and just touching the surface.

Despite its size, it is easy & cheap to get around.

A great thing about Colombia is that it has a very well established network of low-cost airlines which help connect major cities to different parts of the country. An even more economic option is the national bus network, but journey times are extreme due to the Andes Mountains spread through the center of Colombia.

Top tip: The cheapest flights tend to be first thing in the morning or last thing at night, research different times & days to get a local understanding about the pricing for flights within the country.

Embracing local culture never goes unnoticed.

Colombians are incredibly proud of their history, culture, traditions, festivals, cuisine, local slang and they love to share all of it with international visitors. The local hospitality can be unique in Colombia if you approach it the right way, such as embracing & trying traditional foods, participating in local festivals, dancing Salsa (at least give it a go!) or simply starting up conversations with the locals - it will most certainly enrich your experience to another level!

Top tip: Your efforts to engage with the local culture are always appreciated & valued by the Colombian people. Learning some local slang will earn you bonus points (blog post coming about that!).

Time in Colombia is flexible.

Punctuality & the concept of time in certain situations could differ significantly from what you are used to. It is best to embrace it with an open mind and not get stressed. In particular, social situations can notoriously be more relaxed when it comes to 'being on time' & even in some professional settings meetings may start or end later than the scheduled time. Punctuality is still highly valued, but be prepared for a bit of a spontaneity.

Top tip: Approach time & punctuality with flexibility. Having a more laid-back approach will allow you to enjoy the unpredictability that can sometimes occur in Colombia.

Colombia’s past is taboo.

It is best not to bring up Colombia's past with the locals unless they take the initiative in doing so. The country and its people have faced challenges related to an internal armed conflict and violence which can be very sensitive to Colombians. They have a very positive attitude, and part of the culture is always focusing on the good things in any situation. Colombia is certainly so much more than its past, so go & explore and find out what Colombia is truly all about and forget about stereotypes.

Top tip: Avoid having misunderstandings or preconceptions based on Netflix series, Hollywood movies or the like. Once you are in Colombia you won't quite believe how misrepresented the country is.

Don’t be scared.

Over the last 20 years or so, Colombia has undergone an absolutely massive transformation and is now a safe & welcoming destination for internationals. In 2024, Colombia received their highest number of visitors ever with 6.2 million people choosing to visit the country, surpassing Peru as the 5th most popular destination in Latin America. Locations across the country have been revitalized with both national & foreign investment, improved security and general well-being among residents, most notably Medellín. Connect & build relations with locals & you will feel more secure in your new surroundings.

Top tip: Like any other place you are visiting around the world it is important to keep your bearings, take notice of what is going on around you & follow local safety tips.

We hope you have enjoyed our expert insight into 7 things to know before traveling to Colombia.

As they have said for many years in Colombia, the only risk is wanting to stay!

Would you like to do an internship in Colombia? Connect with our team & discuss available opportunities here.

This blog post was written & published by Intern Colombia on 27 May 2025