Our group trips to Colombia

If you are a UK citizen, to find out the entry requirements for Colombia, you can check this informational page from our partner Sherpa. If you need a visa, you can apply for it through Sherpa. If you are not a UK citizen, you can still use Sherpa by changing the nationality in the 'Passport' section.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Colombia – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Colombia is in the Colombia Time Zone, which is 5 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time (UTC-5). Colombia does not observe daylight saving time. If it's 12pm in the UK, it will be 7am in Colombia. If it's 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 12pm in Colombia as both share the same time zone. However, if you're in Los Angeles, USA, and it's 12pm, it will be 3pm in Colombia.

Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (COP). The exchange rates are approximately:

• 1 GBP to 5,000 COP
• 1 USD to 4,000 COP
• 1 EUR to 4,500 COP

You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, or airports. Always check for the latest rates and compare options for the best deal.

In Colombia, you can pay using cash, credit cards, and debit cards. Most places accept major credit cards like Visa and MasterCard, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash for smaller vendors or rural areas. ATMs are widely available for withdrawing Colombian pesos. Keep in mind that some places might charge a fee for card transactions, so having a mix of payment options is advisable.

Tipping in Colombia is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a service charge of around 10 percent is often added to your bill, but it is customary to leave an additional tip if you are happy with the service. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is a nice gesture. Hotel staff and tour guides would appreciate a small tip too. Always check your bill to see if a service charge is included before deciding on the extra tip.

In Colombia, you will find that Wi-Fi is widely available in most urban areas, especially in hotels, cafes, and restaurants. However, if you plan to explore rural areas or need constant connectivity, we recommend you buy a local SIM card. Major providers like Claro, Movistar, and Tigo offer affordable prepaid plans with data. You can purchase these SIM cards at airports, convenience stores, or provider shops. If your phone supports it, consider an e-SIM for even greater convenience.

In Colombia, the official language is Spanish. You'll find that most Colombians are friendly and helpful, and knowing a few basic Spanish phrases can enhance your travel experience. Here are some useful expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Hola
• Thank you: Gracias
• Please: Por favor
• Excuse me: Perdón
• How much is it?: ¿Cuánto cuesta?
• Do you speak English?: ¿Hablas inglés?

While English is understood in some tourist areas, it's always helpful to have a translation app or a phrasebook handy.

In Colombia, you'll find that they use Type A and Type B plugs. These are the same as those used in the US, with two flat parallel pins and sometimes an additional grounding pin. The electrical voltage is 110V, and the frequency is 60Hz. If your devices aren't compatible, bring a universal adapter to ensure you can charge and use your electronics smoothly.

The main religion in Colombia is Roman Catholicism. It's important to note that Colombians celebrate several religious holidays, which are widely observed throughout the country. Some key holidays include:

• Holy Week (Semana Santa): A major religious event celebrated with processions and events in the week leading up to Easter Sunday.
• Christmas (Navidad): Celebrated with various festivities, including the Novena de Aguinaldos, which are gatherings for prayer and singing in the nine days before Christmas.

When visiting churches or attending religious events, modest dress is appreciated, although there's no strict dress code.

When packing for Colombia, consider its diverse climates from tropical coasts to cooler highlands. Here's a practical list for your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Lightweight shirts and shorts
  • Long-sleeve shirts and pants for cooler areas
  • A light sweater or jacket
  • Swimwear
  • Raincoat or poncho
• Shoes:
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals
  • Hiking boots for outdoor adventures
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses and hat
  • Travel adapter (Colombia uses Type A and B plugs)
  • Power bank
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Basic toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo
  • Personal medications
  • Common travel medication: pain relievers, anti-diarrheal tablets, motion sickness tablets

This list should help you prepare for your Colombian adventure, keeping in mind the varied weather conditions you'll encounter.

Colombia's weather varies greatly depending on the region due to its diverse geography:

• Bogotá (Andean region): Cool and mild throughout the year, with temperatures averaging 14°C to 18°C. The rainy season is from April to May and October to November.
• Medellín (Aburrá Valley): Known as the "City of Eternal Spring," with pleasant temperatures around 22°C to 25°C year-round. Rainy months are April to May and September to November.
• Cartagena (Caribbean coast): Hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 31°C. The dry season is from December to March, making it a popular time to visit.
• Amazon region: Hot and humid with frequent rain. Temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C. The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to September.

The best time to visit Colombia varies by region, but generally, December to March and June to August are favorable for most areas.