colombia travel prices

Colombia Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 3, 2024

Colombia is fast becoming the travel highlight of South America. After decades of struggling with crime and cartels, Colombia has become a hub for digital nomads and budget backpackers. More and more people are visiting to soak up the sun and enjoy the country’s low cost of living.

I loved my time in the country. I had falsely assumed that six weeks would be enough to get a good sense of Colombia. After all, six weeks is a fair amount of time to spend anywhere.

But I was wrong. Given its size and the sheer number of activities, it was barely enough to scratch the surface. (Though I did manage to see a lot more than I thought I would!)

From unbelievable scenery and lush jungles (Colombia is home to 10% of the world’s biodiversity), beautiful beaches, incredible street are, stunning architecture, salsa dancing, delicious food and cutting edge culinary trends, the ancient sites of Tierradentro and San Agustín, hip cities like Medellín and Bogotá, Colombia is a travel paradise

I had such high expectations based on what I heard from other travelers, but the country lived up to all the hype. I wish I had more time there, but I’ll just have to go back!

This comprehensive Colombia travel guide gives you all the tips and tricks you need to plan your dream trip!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• How to Stay Safe
• Where to Stay
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• How to Get Around
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Colombia

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Top 5 things to see and do in colombia.

1. Get lost in Bogotá

Bogotá is Colombia’s vibrant capital. The historic downtown, La Candelaria, is filled with bright colonial buildings, museums, restaurants, bars, churches, and centuries-old houses. The foodie scene in the city is incredible, with a lot of international options and cutting-edge gastronomy.

2. Explore Tierradentro National Park

Located in southwestern Colombia, Tierradentro is one of the most important archaeological sites in South America. It contains over 100 underground tombs dating from the 10th century BCE that are the only examples of their kind in the Americas. It takes a day or two to hike all the paths around the tombs.

3. Walk the Cocora Valley

The Cocora Valley is home to Colombia’s national tree, the wax palm, which grows nearly 200 feet tall. This area also has one of the most popular day hikes in the country. You’ll cross jungle rivers, visit a bird sanctuary, and enjoy some stellar views and forest scenery. The route takes about five hours to hike.

4. Fall in love with Medellín

Medellín is one of the fastest-growing cities in Colombia. It has enough activities and things to do to fill weeks on end: microbreweries, museums, walking tours, spacious parks, street art, food tours and markets, incredible nightlife, and more. I loved it so much I spent a few weeks here.

5. Trek to the Lost City

The Lost City was built around 800 CE and contains 169 terraces carved into the mountains. It’s one of the most beautiful treks in the country, and the site is older than Machu Picchu! To visit, you need to hire a tour operator (you can’t do it by yourself). Treks last 4-6 days and cost 1,150,000 COP.

Other Things to See and Do in Colombia

1. journey to isla gorgona.

Once a prison island, Isla Gorgona is now part of a national park that lies 48 kilometers (30 miles) off the Pacific coast just southwest of Cali . You’ll see snakes, bats, monkeys, and sloths and the boat journey over also offers some chances to see humpback whales, sharks, and giant sea turtles. The remains of the prison can be seen too. Admission to the park is 51,000 COP per person.

2. Visit San Agustín

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, San Agustín is a small mountain town in the southwest that’s home to hundreds of pre-Columbian statues and burial mounds. Its collection of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures is the largest in Latin America. You need at least one full day (two to see it all in-depth). Admission to the park is 25,000 COP per person.

3. Journey into the Amazon

The Amazon basin covers almost one-third of Colombia and is the perfect place to experience the jungle. Leticia is a town bordering Peru and Brazil and is considered the jumping-off point for jungle excursions and visiting the indigenous villages on the Amazon River. The regions of Guaviare, Putumayo, and Caqueta are also popular for birding, waterfall hikes, and white-water rafting trips. For trekking, most tours involve taking a boat up the river from Leticia and a stop off with an indigenous tribe before arriving at Amacayacu National Park to begin your trek. Prices vary depending on the duration of your trip but expect to pay at least 150,000 COP.

4. Go diving

Colombia is home to some excellent dive sites. The tropical waters around San Andrés and Providencia (both of which are just off the coast of Nicaragua) are home to all kinds of fish and coral species. Tayrona National Park is an ideal place to go if you’re interested in getting up close to some sunken ships, while Gorgona Island is another hotspot for marine life. Humpback whales are common around Gorgona Island between August and October, and it’s also the only place in Colombia to see whale sharks. Expect to pay around 200,000-300,000 COP for a two-tank dive.

5. Learn about coffee

Colombia is home to some of the world’s best coffee, and a tour of a plantation is the best way to find out how your morning brew gets from farm to cup. Salento is the best base for doing coffee tours as it’s one of the oldest towns in the coffee-growing region. The Finca El Ocaso Salento plantation offers one of the most in-depth visits for learning about how the entire process works. Even if you’re not a coffee drinker (I’m not) it’s worth taking a tour to learn about this important industry. Tours start from 25,000 COP.

6. Take in the chaos of Cali

As Colombia’s third-largest city, Cali is the center of the sugar and coffee industry for the country, as well as being host to a terrific nightlife. The city is also the salsa capital of the world and there are tons of places to learn how to salsa dance here. Be sure to also relax in the famous Plaza de los Poetas (Square of the Poets), a park filled with life-like statues of local poets and visit the Iglesia de la Ermita (Ermita Church), one of the city’s most striking pieces of architecture thanks to its 20th-century Gothic design. Eat at the restaurants on Ave 9N in Granada, and try some chuleta valluna (a delicious Colombian dish of breaded and marinated fried pork cutlets).

7. Day trip to Popayán

Popayán rivals Cartagena as Colombia’s most impressive colonial town. It’s known as La Ciudad Blanca (The White City) because all the buildings are painted white. Popayán is also a college town (there are three universities here), and it has produced 17 presidents too. I really loved the slow pace of life and the surprisingly robust food scene here (eat at La Cosecha Parrillada, Restaurante Italiano y Pizzeria, La Fresa, and Mora de Castilla). While you don’t need a lot of time here (take the walking tour, climb the hill, see the churches, and you’re done), I do suggest staying longer to enjoy the slow pace of life. So much of Colombia is go-go-go; it’s nice to find a place that’s more “stay and relax awhile.”

8. Dance and party through Carnival

It may not be Rio de Janeiro, but Colombia has a great Carnival season. Although the Carnival in Barranquilla (which is the largest) takes place in February, Pasto and Manizales offer carnivals in the first week of January. The Carnaval de Blanco y Negro in Manizales is a wild few days of revelry (make sure you bring old black and white clothes if you attend as you’re certain to get doused in flour, paint, and foam!).

9. Do some extreme sports in San Gil

San Gil, located 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of Bogotá, is considered the outdoors capital of the country. Extreme sports fans love it here. You can go white-water rafting, paragliding, caving, rappelling, jungle trekking, and more here. Prices vary but expect to pay around 80,000 COP for paragliding and closer to 200,000 COP for a white-water rafting trip.

10. Relax in Tayrona National Park

Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Tayrona boasts long stretches of golden beaches lined with coconut palms and a dense rainforest with lots of easy day hikes. I highly suggest you start early at the big entrance at El Zaino and exit the park through Calabazo. This underused route takes a whole day, and once you pass the Cabo San Juan campground, you get the last half of the trail to yourself. Tayrona is also home to over 20 dive sites, including shipwrecks and coral reefs, and two-tank dives are as little as 300,000 COP. For some beach time, head to picturesque Cabo San Juan. At the end of the sandy stretch of beach is a lookout point, topped with a hut of hammocks.

11. Head to the Providencia and San Andrés Islands

These islands, which are actually closer to Nicaragua than Colombia, are considered some of the most unspoiled places in the Caribbean. They have white-sand beaches, stunningly clear blue water, and few crowds (though, thanks to some recent press, Providencia is becoming a lot busier). Try to make it when tens of thousands of black crabs migrate to the sea, which happens twice a year for 1-2-weeks between April and July. It’s not always easy to nail the timing but the sight is truly something to see! As mentioned, the region is also perfect for diving.

12. Visit Guatapé

This pueblo is one of the most picturesque towns in Colombia and one of the most colorful in the world as most of the traditional homes have murals painted on the bottom half of their façades that depict animals, people, and shapes. Most people come to climb the steep (and difficult) staircase to the top of the monolithic Rock of Guatapé (La Piedra) for some of the best views in the country. Guatapé is a long day trip from Medellín (hostels in the city organize them throughout the week), so I recommend trying to spend at least a night here so you aren’t as rushed and can enjoy the area a little more.

13. Hike in Chingaza National Park

This is one of the biggest nature reserves in Colombia, home to more than 1,000 plant species and 187 bird species. Here you can learn about the Páramo ecosystem (an alpine tundra ecosystem) and how it affects the global water system. (Fun fact: Nearly 80% of Bogotá’s water supply comes from Chingaza.) If you’re going to hike, one of the best routes is the challenging hike to the summit of Lagunas de Siecha.

14. Hike in Minca

Minca is located in the foothills of the Sierra de Santa Marta Mountains. Once a sleepy backpacker town, it’s now a hot spot for tourists escaping the oppressive heat on the Caribbean coast who want to do some quiet hikes. One of the best hikes here is to Los Pinos, but it isn’t easy and takes 6-8 hours (though it’s worth the effort). Just make sure you bring lots of water and start early so you don’t get stuck in the dark.

15. Visit Cartagena

Cartagena is one of the most visited destinations in Colombia, thanks to a lot of direct flights and cruise ship visits. The city was founded by the Spanish in 1533 (though there were indigenous settlements in the area as far back as 4,000 BCE) It’s famed for its Old Town, a maze of cobbled alleys, flower-covered balconies, and large churches on spacious plazas. Despite the crowds (and there are a lot of crowds), I really enjoyed Cartagena. While there aren’t a lot of tourist activities (you can do most of them in a single day), what makes it a wonderful place to visit is just that: it’s somewhere you can slow down, relax, and gorge on the phenomenal food!

16. Take a free walking tour

One of the first things I do when I arrive in a new city is to take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to see the highlights and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. All the major cities have free walking tours in English that provide a solid introduction to the country. Just make sure to tip your guide at the end!

For more information on specific cities in Colombia, check out these guides:

• Bogotá Travel Guide
• Cali Travel Guide
• Cartagena Travel Guide
• Medellín Travel Guide
• Santa Marta Travel Guide

How to Stay Safe in Colombia

Colombia requires a lot of caution. On the whole, it’s generally safe and you’re not going to get kidnapped or anything. But there is still a lot of petty crime in the country, especially at night.

In fact, there’s a local expression about this in Colombia: “No dar papaya” (Don’t give papaya). Essentially, it means that you shouldn’t have something “sweet” out in the open (a phone, computer, watch, etc.) that would make you a target. Keep your valuables hidden, don’t wander around places you shouldn’t at night, don’t flash money around, avoid coming out of nightlife spots alone at night, etc.

Simply put: Don’t put yourself in a position where people can take advantage of you.

Do not do drugs here. You’re going to get a lot of offers but don’t be one of those people. First, it’s a huge insult to Colombians, who are trying to shed their drug-related past and don’t want to be associated with the cartels. Second, it’s illegal (although small amounts of cocaine and marijuana are decriminalized). Third, there’s a lot of violence associated with it, and you can end up in some bad situations. Don’t do drugs here.

You should also use caution when withdrawing money from an ATM. Avoid the ATMs on the street if possible and go into the bank to use the ATM. That way you can put your money away discreetly without being watched.

If you are eating out, keep your backpack on your lap or place your foot or a chair leg through a strap. It is very common for someone to try and snatch your bag so keep it secure at all times.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off you can read about common travel scams to avoid here. There’s a lot so keep an eye out!

Look for hotels or hostels with 24-hour security. You always want someone around in case you need assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

If you experience an emergency and need assistance, dial 123.

Because of the current situation in Venezuela, it’s a good idea to avoid the border towns of Cúcuta and Maicao.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Colombia, check out this post we wrote that answers some frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Where to Stay in Colombia

Looking for a budget-friendly place to stay? Here are some of my favorite accommodations in Colombia:

• Oasis Cali Hostel (Cali)
• Media Luna (Cartagena)
• Republica Hostel Cartagena (Cartagena)
• Los Patios Hostel Boutique (Medellín)
• Hostel Rango Boutique
• Sugar Cane Hostel (Medellín)
• Selina (Bogotá)
• The Cranky Croc Hostel (Bogotá)
• La Brisa Loca (Santa Marta)
• Dreamer Santa Marta (Santa Marta)
• Hostel Masaya Santa Marta (Santa Marta)
• Viajero Cali Hostel & Salsa School (Cali)

Colombia Travel Costs

Accommodation

• Hostel dorms – 15,000-45,000 COP per night
• Hostel private rooms – 40,000-80,000 COP per night
• Budget hotels – 60,000-120,000 COP per night
• Airbnb private rooms – 50,000-150,000 COP per night
• Airbnb apartments – 150,000-280,000 COP per night
• Campsite – Some hostels and guesthouses sometimes let you pitch a tent for the same price as a hostel dorm.
• Street food – 2,500-15,000 COP
• Traditional restaurants – 6,000-15,000 COP
• Western restaurants – 20,000-30,000 COP
• Fast food (think McDonald’s) – 15,000-20,000 COP
• Beer – 4,000-8,000 COP
• Cocktails – 20,000 COP
• Groceries for a week – 80,000-100,000 COP

Colombia Suggested Budgets

Backpacker – 115,000 cop per day.

If you are backpacking, this budget covers staying in a hostel dorm, cooking some meals and eating cheap street food, taking public transportation to get around, limiting your drinking, and sticking to mostly free or cheap activities like free walking tours and enjoying nature.

Midrange – 235,000 COP Per Day

On a mid-range budget, you can stay in a budget hotel or private Airbnb. You’ll also be able to eat out for all your meals, enjoy a few drinks, do some guided tours, take a couple of cheap domestic flights, and do more paid activities like visiting museums and taking a food tour.

Upscale – 500,000 COP Per Day

On a “luxury” budget, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, take more domestic flights, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

Colombia Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Colombia is generally an inexpensive destination to visit. Accommodation is cheap unless you are staying at major hotel chains. There are a ton of markets with cheap food, local attractions are affordable, and buses are cheap. But if you want to save even more, here are some extra ways to save money in Colombia:

Pack a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe to drink so bring a water bottle with you to avoid buying single-use plastic. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw , which has built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Eat like the locals – It’s easy to eat on a budget here if you stick to local Colombian food. Street food is super cheap, allowing you to fill up on a budget. Skip the fancy restaurants and Western food.

Avoid drinking cocktails – Colombia has a lot of awesome cocktail bars now — especially in Medellín — but these drinks are expensive, usually costing around 20,000 COP (sometimes up to 30,000 COP). If you’re on a budget, skip the cocktails and stick to beer.

Cook your food – While local food is really cheap, you can also save some money by grocery shopping. It’s not as glamorous but shopping for some of your meals will help you cut costs so you can afford to eat out more here and there.

Avoid the hostels on the Caribbean coast – The hostels on the Caribbean coast were pretty lackluster. They were expensive and didn’t have great facilities, especially the bigger “resort” ones in beachside towns like Palomino. Instead, you can find comparatively cheap budget hotels on Booking.com for less than a private room in a hostel (and only slightly more than a dorm bed).

Avoid “Gringolands” – Everything where the gringos cluster are is going to be double its normal price. Avoid staying in areas with lots of tourists and expats (like Poblado in Medellín, Cartagena’s Old Town, or Park 93 in Bogotá) since you’ll end up paying more for everything.

Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who not only give you a free place to stay but can share their insider tips and advice. It’s the best way to save money and connect with a local.

Fly Viva Air – If you’re planning to fly around Colombia, the best deals are on Viva Air. It has the cheapest fares in the country (though it flies to the fewest places). It’s best to book a few weeks in advance. (LATAM and Avianca, the two major carriers, also have deals sometimes so check their websites too.)

Use miles and points – Get to Colombia by using your miles to fly Avianca (which is part of Star Alliance). There are also a lot of hotel chains in Colombia where you can use points too. If you have miles and/or points, you can burn through a lot of them in Colombia — and the redemption rates are excellent! And if you want to learn how to start earning miles for free travel, this post can show you how to get started!

Avoid the airline surcharge – Non-Colombians are charged higher airfare prices than locals. If you look at the non-local version of the website, you won’t see the super saver cheap fares. To get around this, load up the local Spanish versions of an airlines’ website. Then use your browser extension to translate the pages and book away! This gives you the lower, Colombian prices, and no one will challenge you at check-in about your fare.

Take Uber – Uber is the cheapest way to get around Bogotá, Cali, and Medellín. That said, Uber is actually illegal so don’t sit in the back seat or you might get stopped. I also like to tip the Uber drivers here, since the fares are so cheap and they are taking a risk. But all the drivers I met did this out of necessity — they couldn’t pay their bills if it weren’t for Uber.

Haggle with taxi drivers – There are no meters in Colombia. While prices from the airports are regulated and non-negotiable, everything else is just a matter of your bargaining skills. If you’re going to take taxis, haggle before you get in the car.

Take free walking tours – Most major and medium-sized cities in Colombia have free walking tours. They are a good way to see the city on a budget and connect with a guide who can answer all your questions. My favorites include Free Walking Tour Cartagena, Free Walking Tour Bogotá, and Real City Tours Medellín.

How to Get Around in Colombia

Public Transportation – Local transportation is cheap here. The metro in Medellín is only around 2,500 COP for a one-way fare. Local buses are the most common type of transportation in towns and cities. The fare is usually between 1,000-2,500 COP.

Colectivo – A colectivo in Colombia is a minibus, a shared taxi, or a large Jeep (and really, anything else that gets you around). These are run by private owners and are used mostly for short journeys between towns. You have to negotiate the price ahead of time. Since they’re faster and more direct than regular buses, they’re also more expensive.

It’s very common for travelers to use a colectivo . Drivers usually yell out destinations as they pass on the streets, or they approach you to see if you’re going their way.

Bus – Intercity buses are the most common way to get around Colombia. A bus from Bogotá to Medellín costs around 52,500 and takes around 9 hours while a bus to Quito, Ecuador from Bogotá costs around 181,000 COP and takes over 24 hours. Medellín to Manizales is 31,000 COP and Salento to Cali is 59,000 COP. On average, expect to spend 20,000-40,000 COP for a bus.

Companies like Expreso Palmira and Expreso Trejos are reliable companies, and they make it easy to research schedules and fares on their websites.

Flying – Budget airlines are often cheaper than buses in Colombia, so make sure to search for flights to compare prices. Viva has the cheapest flights (though they also have strict luggage restrictions). A flight from Bogotá to Medellín, for example, can be found for as little as 55,000 COP! Book early to find the best deals.

Train – There are no trains in Colombia.

Car rental – Cars can be rented for as little as 90,000 COP per day, though you don’t need one to get around the cities. Additionally, since break-ins are common I’d avoid renting a car unless you’re doing a specific trip beyond the cities. Drivers need to be at least 21 and have an International Driving Permit.

Hitchhike – Do not hitchhike in Colombia. It’s not safe.

When to Go to Colombia

Colombia’s location near the equator keeps the climate pretty consistent throughout the year, with average daily temperatures hovering around 24°C (75°F) near the coast and 7-17°C (45-63°F) at higher elevations.

The peak season for tourism is from December to March, as well as the week before Easter (Semana Santa). Prices are most expensive during this time, but the country overall is fairly dry. If you’ve come to have fun, time your visit for the Carnival in Barranquilla, which takes place every February. This is the biggest Carnival, but Pasto and Manizales also have lively carnivals in the first week of January.

The rainy season varies per region. In the mountainous Andean area, there are two dry and two wet seasons. The driest months occur from December-March and then July-August. In Southern Colombia, rainfall is more frequent, but the showers never last long.

If you’re planning on doing a bit of everything in Colombia — from hiking in the mountains to lounging on beaches and visiting ruins — December to March is definitely the best time to visit so you can take advantage of ideal conditions all across the country. Just be prepared for bigger crowds.

Colombia Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Colombia Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Colombia travel and continue planning your trip:

Is Colombia Safe to Visit?

How Much Does it Cost to Travel Colombia?

My 21 Favorite Places to Visit in Colombia

The 20 Best Things to Do in Bogotá, Colombia

This is Not Your Parents’ Colombia

Where to Stay in Medellín: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Cost of a Trip to Colombia & the Cheapest Time to Visit Colombia

The average price of a 7-day trip to Colombia is $1,109 for a solo traveler, $1,905 for a couple, and $1,845 for a family of 4 . Colombia hotels range from $29 to $153 per night with an average of $52, while most vacation rentals will cost $50 to $440 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to Colombia (from all airports) are between $690 and $1,191 per person for economy flights and $2,167 to $3,740 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $25 to $52 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit Colombia

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to Colombia and stay in a Colombia hotel:

• January 15th to March 18th
• August 6th to December 2nd

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in Colombia is usually mid to late September .

Average Colombia Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit Colombia for a week is $794-$1,829 ($113-$261 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $25 to $52 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $385 to $1,009 for economy

Lodging : $39 to $60 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $62 to $76 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit Colombia for a week is $1,360-$3,201 ($194-$457 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $51 to $104 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $769 to $2,017 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit Colombia for a week is $2,719-$6,203 ($388-$886 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $101 to $207 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,538 to $4,034 for economy

Lodging : $79 to $120 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $93 to $116 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to Colombia

How cheap can you make a vacation to Colombia? The cheapest trip to Colombia is about $89 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 26% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $20 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $24.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit Colombia for a week is $620-$1,544 ($89-$221 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $13 to $25 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $24 to $29 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $30 to $60 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit Colombia for a week is $1,088-$2,727 ($155-$390 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $25 to $50 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit Colombia for a week is $2,164-$5,274 ($309-$753 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $50 to $100 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $49 to $58 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $46 to $90 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is very easy to travel to Colombia cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury Colombia Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in Colombia.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit Colombia for a week is $1,838-$8,527 ($263-$1,218 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $52 to $103 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $964 to $2,526 for first class

Lodging : $85 to $153 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $438 to $880 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit Colombia for a week is $3,158-$11,773 ($451-$1,682 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $103 to $206 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,927 to $5,051 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit Colombia for a week is $6,311-$20,924 ($902-$2,989 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $206 to $412 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $3,855 to $10,102 for first class

Lodging : $169 to $307 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $664 to $1,323 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Colombia Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in Colombia is much lower than the average city. On average vacation rentals are less expensive than hotels. Luxury hotels are more expensive in Colombia due to hotel employees. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

Colombia Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on Colombia hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in Colombia.

Flight Costs to Colombia

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,191 average in late December to a low of $690 in mid to late September. Median flight price is $796. These prices are based on millions of flights. For Colombia our data includes thousands of originating airports, and hundreds of airlines. The area has more variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In Colombia, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $501, so you can easily save about 73% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around Colombia can easily cost $188 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $13 per person. Private tours can cost $376 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other Colombia Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Puerto Triunfo, Colombia
• Rionegro, Colombia
• Bello, Colombia
• El Poblado, Colombia
• Laureles, Colombia
• Medellin, Colombia
• Envigado, Colombia
• Itagui, Colombia
• Sabaneta, Colombia
• Andean Natural Region, Colombia

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Sapporo, Japan
• Oleta River State Park, the United States
• Venice, Italy

Cost of Travel in Colombia

Wondering about the cost of travel in Colombia? Look no further; we've got you covered.

In this guide, we'll break down the cost of travel in Colombia, from accommodation to food and nightlife, and help you choose the Colombia budget that fits your travel style! 

The comparatively low cost of travel in Colombia has helped make it a popular South American destination in recent years.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Colombia Travel Costs

Ground transport prices, domestic flights, international flights, nightly rates, how to find the best accommodation deals in colombia, sample accommodation budget in colombia, street food, restaurants, bogota food tour, medellín food tour, convenience store, bar or discoteca, paragliding over the andes in medellin, scuba diving day trip from cartagena, overall cost of travel in colombia.

Most ATMs accept international checking and credit cards, though the maximum withdrawal allowed will vary between 300,000 to 720,000 COP.

ATMs usually allow withdrawals in 10,000 COP increments, and most will dispense a mixture of 50,000, 20,000, and 10,000 COP bills.

Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (COP). Exchange rate (July 2019): $1 = 3,207 COP

Note: In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, all visitors must complete the Colombia Check Mig, an online form .

Cost of Transportation

The cost of travel in Colombia is on par with other Latin American countries.

Colombian cities, pueblos, and significant points of interest are connected by an extensive network of bus and air routes.

Within the cities, taxis, and buses can take you everywhere. Share jeeps and moto-rickshaws are available in the pueblos.

• City buses: $0.75 – $1 (2,000 – 3,200 COP)
• City taxi (metered, average distance): $2.30 – $6 (7,000 – 19,000 COP)
• Medellin metro: $1 (3,000 COP)
• Regional (inter-city) buses: $6  – $11 (19,000 – 35,000 COP) for up to a few hours. $45 (144,000 COP) to go 8-12 hours between major cities like Bogota, Cali, Medellin, Cartagena, and Santa Marta

Between Avianca , Viva Air , and Copa Airlines , you can fly just about anywhere within Colombia, as well as fly to/from the USA and neighboring countries in Latin America.

Economy tickets for flights between major cities within Colombia can often be purchased on short notice for as little as $55 (176,000 COP).

We use Skyscanner to find the cheapest deals. Pro tip: use the “show whole month” feature to find the cheapest day to travel.

Here are some sample prices:

• Bogota to Cartagena: $33
• Bogota to Medellin: $21
• Cartagena to Medellin: $36
• Medellin to Santa Marta: $31

More and more carriers fly international routes to/from Colombia, including JetBlue (Bogota, Cartagena, Medellin) and Spirit Air (Bogota, Medellin, Cartagena).

Again, check prices on Skyscanner . Here are some example prices:

• New York City to Bogota: $215
• Los Angeles to Bogota: $215
• London to Bogota: $392
• Sydney to Bogota: $971

Technically, you're required to have an onward or return ticket to enter Colombia; however, it's more likely that the airline from your departure airport will be the one to verify this before you leave. Enforcement varies by airline.

Flights departing Colombia for international destinations tend to be more expensive.

Download the Skyscanner App to easily find all the great deals in Colombia and beyond – for iOS, click here , or Android, click here .

Cost of Accommodation

Accommodations in Colombia range from cheap hostel dorm beds to 5-star luxury hotels.

In the middle, there's a wide range of budget hotels and short-term room and apartment rentals for those who prefer to stay in one spot for a few weeks or months.

In the small pueblos, room rates are often higher on the weekends to take advantage of the Colombians visiting from the bigger cities.

For a complete list of Colombia hostels, B&Bs, and hotels, click here .

• Hostel dorm beds: $6 – $14 (19,000 – 45,000 COP)
• Hostel private rooms (based on double occupancy): $11 – $44 (35,000 – 141,000 COP)
• Budget hotel rooms: $11+ (35,000+ COP)

Compare prices on Hostelworld  or Hotels Combined .

All the mainstream accommodation search sites (Booking.com, Agoda, Hostelworld, etc.) have plenty of accommodation options in Colombia. However, we'd recommend starting with Hotels Combined .

Hotels Combined is a meta-aggregator. It searches booking sites to find the best price and then connects you to that site to book directly with that search site.

It's a perfect way to compare all the major booking sites at once.

It doesn't include Hostelworld , so you'll need to compare that site separately. But in many cases, we've found cheaper deals on Hotels Combined.

We've priced out three different budgets based on a 14-day sample itinerary to help you figure out the cost of travel in Colombia.

The prices listed are for July and will vary throughout the year.

• 3 Nights in Bogota
• 2 Nights in San Gil
• 3 Nights in Cartagena
• 3 Nights in Medellin
• 2 nights in Manizales
• 1 Night Bogota (before returning home)

We priced the itinerary out with three different travel styles in mind: “On the Cheap” (this consists of dorms beds & as cheap as possible), “Upscale Budget” (dorm rooms in 'boutique' style hostels), “Affordable Flashpacker” (this will include private rooms in boutique and ‘higher end' hostels, and some 3-star hotels).

We've used  Hotels Combined  to find the best hostels and hotels in Colombia.

On The Cheap

3 Nights Bogota ($21 to $27) — About $7 (23,000 COP) per bunk per night at Musicology Hostel (rated 7.6/10) to $9 (29,000 COP) per bunk per night at Swiss Hostal Martinik (8.1/10 on Hostelworld) – both hostels are located in Barrio La Candelaria, the historical center.

2 Nights San Gil ($12) — This is a great little town close to picturesque Barichara. It's known for its water sports on the river.

A cheap and cheerful stay can be had for $6 (19,000 COP) per night at Bacaregua Hostal (rated 10/10) .

3 Nights Cartagena ($27 to $30) — Cartagena is a trendy destination for Colombians and travelers, so expect prices to be higher here than in other cities.

Pachamama Hostel (rated 8.0/10) about $10 (32,000 COP) per bunk per night, or Mi Llave (rated 7.5/10) about $9 (28,900 COP) per bunk per night  – both are very close to each other in the old town where the action is, and about a 15-minute walk to the castle.

3 Nights Medellin ($21 to $24) — There are a few relatively cheap places like in Medellin for about $7 (22,000 COP) per bunk, per night.

But for a bit more, a place like Waypoint Hostel (rated 9.3/10) for $8 (26,000 COP) per bunk per night would be a good bet too.

2 Nights in Manizales ($18 to $20) — Spend some time in the coffee region! Most of the hostels in Manizales are reviewed quite highly, Mountain Hostel (rated 8.0/10) for about $10 (32,000 COP) per bunk per night or Casa Blanca (rated 9.0/10) for $9 (28,900 COP) per bunk per night.

1 Night Bogota ($11) — Obviously, you could stay in the same place as the start, but if you have an early flight and prefer to be closer to the airport, Violeta Hostel (rated 7.8/10)  is the closest — about a 15-minute drive.

It looks peaceful and cozy, and pretty much all negative comments are related to distance from sightseeing. But for getting to the airport, it's fine. About $11 (36,000 COP) per bunk per night.

Compare on Hostelworld

Total ‘On the Cheap' Accommodation Costs for 2 Weeks in Colombia: $110 to $124

See also: The Best Hostels in Colombia

Upscale Budget

3 Nights Bogota ($33 to $42) — From about $11 (36,000 COP) per bunk per night at both El Pit Hostel (9.3/10 on Hostelworld) and 12:12 Hostel (rated 9.0/10) .

Both have fantastic reviews, are well located, and are a favorite among backpackers.

For something a bit more unique, but also a calm and peaceful ‘non-party hostel,' check out Fernweh Photography Hostel (9.3/10 on Hostelworld) from $14 (46,000 COP) per bunk per night.

2 Nights San Gil ($16.00) — About $8 (27,000 COP) per bed, per night at SamS VIP Hostel (rated 9.1/10)  or Open House Hostel (rated 9.2/10) from about $8 per bunk, per night, as well which looks like it has a laid back vibe.

3 Nights Cartagena ($45) — Cartagena is a lively Caribbean coastal city. Check out Hostel Papaya Getsemani (rated 8.4/10) $15 (49,000 COP) per bunk per night, or Be Lounge (9.1/10 on Hostelworld) also from about $15 per bed per night. Both are well located in the old town.

3 Nights Medellin ($45 to $54) — Los Patios Hostal Boutique (9.6/10 on Hostelworld) from $15 (49,000 COP) bunk, per night, or Hostel Rango Boutique (9.6/10 on Hostelworld) for $18 (58,000 COP) per bed, per night – both nicely located in the popular Poblado area.

2 Nights in Manizales ($18 to $20) — Spend some time in the coffee region! Most of the hostels in Manizales rate highly.

Try Hostal Kaleidoscopio (rated 9.0/10) for $9 (28,000 COP) per bunk, per night, or stay on a coffee farm at Hacienda Venecia (9.7/10 on Hostelworld) for about $10 (32,000 COP) per bed per night.

However, you might want to check Hostelworld for bunk rates as they only show room rates on Hotels Combined.

1 Night Bogota ($25) — If you're going to stay close to the airport for an early flight, try Hotel Parque De Normandia .

It gets decent- ish reviews on Trip Advisor from travelers staying a night to be close to the airport. From $25 (80,000 COP) per room, per night on Hotels Combined .

Total ‘Upscale Budget' Accommodation Costs for 2 Weeks in Colombia: $182 to $202

Affordable Flashpacker

3 Nights Bogota ($87 to $105) — BoGo Hostel (9.0 on Hostelworld) has a great-looking vibe, and it's in the historical center.

A private room with a shared bath costs $29 (93,000 COP) per room per night.

Or, if you can stretch your budget, private rooms at Arche Noah Guesthouse (rated 8.8/10) look fantastic.

Prices are getting into the hotel range at $35 (112,000 COP) per night, per room for a private with an ensuite, but looks super comfortable.

2 Nights San Gil ($24) — Hostel Nirvana San Gil  (rated 9.3/10 on Hostelworld) has a resort feel, with a pool and a cocktail bar.

It's also situated right on the river making for a perfect, peaceful hammock nap. It has private rooms with an ensuite for $24.00 per room per night.

3 Nights Cartagena ($105 to $150) — Casa Pedro Romero (9.3/10 on Hostelworld) has private rooms with private bathrooms from $35 (112,000 COP) per room, per night, or a nice and well located 3-star like Hotel San Filipe (8.2/10 on Booking.com) can be had for less than $50 (160,000 COP) per night.

3 Nights Medellin ($108 – $120) — Black Sheep Hostel (9.0 on Hostelworld) is one of the most popular hostels in the city, not a boutique per se, but worth mentioning.

They have both private and double privates with shared bathrooms or ensuites, a double private with private bathrooms go for $40 (128,000 COP) per room per night.

GeoHostel (9.0 on Booking.com) is also worth a look, part hostel and part 3-star hotel with a double room for $36 (115,000 COP) per night.

2 Nights in Manizales ($92) — Hotel Regine's Manizales gets excellent reviews (9.2 on Booking.com), and rooms go for about $46 (148,000 COP) per night and include breakfast.

1 Night Bogota ($35) Check out Hotel Casa Modelia , a quirky and basic but very well-liked hotel just a few minutes drive to the airport.

Breakfast is included, and they do have an airport shuttle available for a fee if you prefer, about $35 (112,000 COP) for a double room (9.7 on Booking.com).

Total ‘Flashpacker' Accommodation Costs for 2 Weeks in Colombia: $451 to $526

Most (if not all) hostels have broadband internet access and Wi-Fi, which is common in Colombia.

Wi-Fi quality can vary depending on the quality and quantity of routers, as well as their placement.

Overall, Colombia is well connected and an excellent place to work if you're a location-independent professional.

Cost of Food

Typical Colombian food is a bargain when bought from street vendors or regular restaurants (outside a city's Zona Rosa or a pueblo's central plaza, where prices are higher due to tourism).

• Arepa con queso, boiled/salted potatoes, freshly sliced mango: $1 (3,200 COP)
• Full meals including meat (chicken, carne) with a small side (potatoes, French fries, small arepa), hot dogs, hamburgers: $3 – $6 (10,000 – 17,000 COP)
• Typical set lunch (soup, meat, side of potatoes, rice or beans) with fresh fruit juice: $3 – $8 (10,000 – 30,000 COP)
• Dinner (appetizer, entree) at a restaurant in a touristy area (or Zona Rosa): $11 – $17 (35,000 – 54,000 COP)

600-milliliter bottle of water: $0.75 (2,500 COP)

Bogotá Food Tour: 2.5-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour – Learn about the history of the regional foods while exploring the historic center of Bogota.

Over two and a half hours and six different food and beverage tastings, you will understand how the fusion of indigenous and Spanish cuisine has shaped the cultural landscape. Learn More

See also: 10 Best Restaurants in Bogotá

Medellín Traditional Food Tour – A private driver and guide takes you on a 3-hour tour to the surrounding communities of Sabaneta and Envigado to try regional foods.

Unlimited samples plus pick up and drop off from your hotel, hostel, or apartment are included. Learn More

See also: 10 Best Restaurants in Medellín

Cost of Drinking / Going Out

The cheapest way to enjoy Colombia's nightlife is to purchase beer, rum, or Aguardiente from any number of small convenience stores and drink in the parks.

Drinking in public is legal unless a sign says otherwise.

• Domestic beer: $1 (3,200 COP)
• 1/2 bottle Aguardiente: $8 (25,000 COP)
• Domestic beer: $1 – $7 (3,000 – 23,000 COP)
• 1/2 bottle Aguardiente: $19 (63,000 COP)
• Caipirinhas (and other cocktails): $4 – $11 (13,000 – 35,000 COP)

Cost of Activities & Attractions

There's a wide range of things to do in Colombia , and most foreigners will appreciate the low prices, from museums to adventure sports.

• Gold Museum in Bogota: $1.50 (5,000 COP) and free on Sundays
• Salsa dancing lesson in Cali (1-hour private): $14 (45,000 COP)
• Paragliding in Medellin (10-15 minute flight): $31 (99,000 COP)
• Ciudad Perdida trek (4, 5, 6 or 7 days): $275 (882,000 COP) to $630 (2 million COP)
• PADI open water diving certification in Taganga : $180 (577,000 COP)

Paragliding the Andes: 4-Hour Activity from Medellín – No experience required!

Get picked up from your accommodation and head to San Felix, where a certified instructor will take you on a 30-minute flight. It's an unforgettable experience. Learn More

Full-Day Scuba Diving Trip from Cartagena – Dive in the crystal clear blue Caribbean waters off the Rosario Islands.

The trip includes all necessary equipment, a practice dive, and an open water dive with a PADI instructor.

Lunch and the use of hotel facilities is included during breaks. Transfer to and from Cartagena is also included. Learn More

The cost of travel in Colombia is less than in Brazil but higher than in other South American countries like Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia.

Budgets will vary based on the amount of partying one does.

Daily Travel Budget: $35 – $55

Monthly Living Budget: $1,250

The 138-page, all-original Medellín Travel Guide by David Lee is available for Kindle  and  PDF .

Last Updated on February 27, 2023 by Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio . He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

The Cost of Travel in Colombia: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

Colombia has quickly become one of the hottest destinations for travelers, and for good reason. From its stunning beaches to its historic cities, this is a country that offers something for everyone. Rising from the ashes as one of the most dangerous countries in the world, Colombia is now becoming a safe… or let me say “safer” haven for travelers.

I was lucky enough to travel throughout some of Colombia’s major cities and regions. My travels in Colombia were nothing short of an adventure! From the lively cityscape of Bogota, I took a bus with many stops to reach the exuberant beaches of Cartagena and Santa Marta. Having spent over a month exploring this beautiful country, I was able to experience so much during my stay.

In today’s world, Colombia is a popular destination for digital nomads, and while the majority of them are settling in the vibrant cities of Medellin and Bogota, I was able to explore some other places in the country.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the beauty of South America, Tayrona National Park’s stunning beaches are a great place to start. Or travel inland and visit Valle de Cocora – home to the world’s tallest palm trees! Plus, don’t miss out on a day trip to Guatape for its unique charm, or head towards Cartagena for an authentic Caribbean experience. Regardless if it is your first time exploring this continent or not, make sure you add these unforgettable destinations to your list!

Whichever destination you choose to explore in Colombia, you must be aware of the costs associated with traveling there. Although I didn’t live in Colombia, I have an exceptional understanding of the cost associated with traveling there and I’m excited to tell you that it is very friendly on your pockets if you want it to be!

Coming from the States or Europe, you’ll find Colombia to be incredibly affordable. The cost of transportation, accommodations, and food is much lower than what you would expect to pay in more developed countries.

So, let’s break down the cost of travel in Colombia!

How to Save Money on Accommodation in Colombia

It is entirely possible to enjoy Colombia on any budget; no exaggeration! Enjoy a $7/night air-conditioned hostel in the capital city of Bogota to an extravagant and luxurious $300/night lodge tucked away within Minca’s lush jungles. Seriously, whatever you need or want, you can find!

I hope you are pleasantly surprised by how reasonable accommodation prices can be while still maintaining great quality! In this post, my focus will primarily rest on achieving maximum value for your money.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a solo backpacker on a tight budget; and if you are, don’t even stress, as that was me when I was in Colombia. So, I got you! Or maybe you’re part of an adventurous couple looking for something other than dorms, or looking for luxurious experiences as a family. There is one thing that needs to be taken into consideration when it comes to traveling – value! That does not mean finding the cheapest option but rather getting more bang for your buck than other options at similar prices.

Boasting incredible value for the money, Colombia is an ideal destination to explore on a budget. To begin with, let me share my top tips on how to make your journey around this spectacular country as affordable as possible!

Maybe you’re needing something to be free, no worries, because Colombia has got your back! Couchsurfing is here to provide you with free accommodation while in the country. It connects you with locals by giving access to their spare sofas and provides an exclusive peek into Colombian life beyond touristy places – all for absolutely no cost at all. With more than 100,000 hosts in this gorgeous country, there’s guaranteed to be one perfect for any kind of traveler like yourself!

And if it makes you nervous, keep in mind some of my friends had the absolute BEST times couch surfing in Colombia because they were able to get off the gringo trail and experience the authentic culture. I’ll go more into the gringo trail when we discuss transportation!

For those seeking more luxurious lodging, housesitting provides the solution. Instead of paying for accommodation, travelers tend to their host’s home and pets while they are away on vacation. As such, you can expect these accommodations to be quite lavish! This strategy is particularly well suited to those with flexible travel plans since owners set the dates themselves.

Ultimately, if you’re searching for free accommodation, WorldPackers in Colombia is an excellent choice. You can volunteer to help out locals and receive food and board in return! There are some truly extraordinary possibilities open on the site including assisting at a local surf school or contributing towards constructing an eco-sanctuary in the rainforest.

Okay, okay you are past the free accommodation stage and ready to start paying but still need to watch what you’re spending. Do not worry, the costs of hostels in Colombia are very affordable for budget travelers! Depending on where you’re staying, a bed will cost between $7-19 USD per night.

It’s one of the most affordable ways to explore the country as well as a great way to meet fellow travelers. Hostels also offer plenty of additional perks such as free Wi-Fi, common areas for socializing, outdoor activities, and access to tours.

Throughout my whole month in Colombia, I stayed in hostels and it was so much fun. I was continuously impressed with the level of quality and the prices.

Additionally, there are lots of private rooms available if you want some more privacy or a higher standard. The cost is typically around $30-50/night depending on what type of room you’re looking for.

So here are some of my favorites in the most popular cities.

• My ideal hostel in Bogota is the Granada Hostel ! It’s easy on your wallet, with dorms available at only $9 per person and private doubles a mere $22 nightly. What a steal! They have a huge hammock for multiple people to hang out in and a bar on the back patio making it the perfect place to meet others.
• In Salento, you can’t get better than the Coffee Tree Boutique , It’s a little more expensive than other hostels in Colombia but you can enjoy a huge property overlooking the valley, the sounds of birds, and river streams. And free coffee all day long!
• You’ve made it to the most popular place in Colombia, Medellin, and there are just so many hostels to choose from. I recommend Los Patios , which is about $20 a night, but it includes breakfast, free salsa classes, and a rooftop pool with an amazing view. There has been an influx of travelers to Medellin over the past few years, and the prices of hostels reflect that. But the low price of food and transportation make up for the high hostel prices.
• Spend a day or two in Guatape, and stay at the Lake View Hostel . For 7 dollars a night, you can enjoy a room with a view of the lake and access to their pool.
• What about Santa Marta? The Viajero is one of my favorites with its beautiful rooftop pool. Not only does this dorm offer affordable rates of $10 per night, but its beds are incredibly comfortable, and the rooms feature a contemporary design. Plus, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the friendly staff!
• And finally, in Cartagena, within the same brand as Santa Marta, the Viajero here offers a mix of private and shared rooms, with prices starting at $13 per night. The vibe here is always lively and upbeat, plus they offer all sorts of activities like salsa classes to make your stay even more enjoyable.

In conclusion, you can anticipate spending approximately $10 – $20 a night for dorms in Colombia and slightly more for private rooms.

Are you someone who prefers to stay in a place with all the comforts and amenities that provide excellent value for money? If so, then I have got the perfect solution for you. On your visit to Colombia, why not split your trip between hostels and guesthouses? You’ll be able to find top-rated hotels for an average of $60 per night and sometimes even less!

The Cost of Hotels in Colombia

As I explore the world, I am always looking for a deal with the finest accommodation that my wallet allows. Doing so may take me several hours of research, but it is worth it to guarantee a location with excellent staff, top-notch amenities, and an unbeatable price tag. It also doesn’t hurt when it’s aesthetically pleasing, ya know, for the gram’!

If you’re looking for a hotel through Booking, bypass the “Our Top Picks” option as that is simply a list of hotels with maximum commission rates. Instead, select “Top Reviewed” to get an accurate overview of properties with excellent reviews from customers. That way, your stay will be pleasant and stress-free!

Luckily for you my type A personality benefits us both, I’ve gone ahead and selected my top stays in Colombia below!

Bogota: Lucitania Hotel Boutique

($50 a night for a double room) — Begin your time in Bogota with the highest-rated hotel around! Choose Lucitania Hotel Boutique and you’ll be treated to a unique boutique hotel experience, with personalized service and comfortable rooms. The hotel is right in the heart of Chapinero, close to all the best restaurants, coffee shops, and bars.

Salento: Terrazas de Salento

 ($56 a night for a double room) —  Want to stay in an enchanting and typical Colombian village? Then this is the place for you! At Terrazas de Salento, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful nature as well as friendly locals. Plus, the hotel offers a delicious breakfast buffet every morning. Located right outside of the center of Salento, you’ll be able to explore the village just by walking.

Medellin: Lettera Hotel

($85 a night for a queen room) — Located in the Poblado area of Medellin, Lettera Hotel offers a more luxurious stay. This modern hotel is outfitted with marble floors and rooms that are equipped with luxury amenities. Plus, there’s a delicious restaurant on site and an outdoor pool to cool off in during warmer months. This is definitely the place you want to stay while in Medellin. Poblado has the absolute best restaurants, nightlife, and shopping.

Guatape: Sotavento Cabañas

($114 a night for a Cabana) — Staying in Guatape is not always on everyone’s itinerary as it is usually just a day trip from Medellin. If you decide to stay overnight, then I would highly recommend Sotavento Cabañas. These cabanas are located on the lake with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and a private beach area. You will also be served complimentary breakfast each morning and can enjoy a lovely poolside bar in the evening. It’s a bit of a splurge for Colombia but it’s well worth it!

Santa Marta: Casa Rosa Hotel Boutique

($50 a night for a double room) — This pop of pink hotel is located only 200 meters from the beach and provides comfortable, air conditioned rooms. Located in the center of town, you’re within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and attractions. Plus, there’s a lovely outdoor terrace where you can enjoy your morning coffee or an evening nightcap while taking in the views of Santa Marta.

Cartagena: Hotel Barlovento

 ($79 a night for a double room) —  Hotel Barlovento is a boutique hotel featuring modern guest rooms. Each room is equipped with a private bathroom, air conditioning, and cable TV. Plus, there’s an outdoor pool and restaurant on site! Located right in the heart of Cartagena, this hotel is close to everything you need and is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the old town.

Cali: Magic Garden House

($26 a night for a king room) — Cali is the salsa capital of the world and Magic Garden House is ready to prove why it deserves this title! This relaxing sanctuary is hung with hammocks, surrounded by a lush garden, and just a 10-minute walk from the city center. An outdoor patio that gives you an incredible view of the city. Plus, each room is equipped with air conditioning and cable TV so you can relax in style. 

These are just a few of the amazing places to stay in Colombia and with accommodation prices being so affordable, it’s easy to see why Colombia is becoming such a popular destination for budget-conscious travelers.

Cost of Transportation in Colombia

Traveling in Colombia is extremely easy and convenient and there are plenty of options available to you. The most popular ways to get around are by bus, taxis, and planes – all of which offer competitive rates and reliability.

It is a relatively large country so sometimes it makes the most sense to take planes and thankfully this is a budget friendly option. Flights in Colombia are surprisingly affordable and you can find some great deals if you book ahead of time. As an example, a ticket from Cartagena to Medellin, which would take around two hours on the plane, costs around $50 USD one way.

If you’re looking for a unique adventure, then why not hop on the bus? Bus travel is by far the most popular mode of transportation in Colombia. From luxurious overnight buses crossing highways to small and rowdy chiva buses navigating through mountainous backroads, there’s a bus going just about anywhere you want.

Bus tickets are often much cheaper than flights, but depending on the route and time of day you’re traveling, it can take significantly longer to get from point A to B. For example, a bus ticket from Bogota to Medellin takes about 10 hours and usually costs around $20-$30 USD. But this allows you to make stops along the way and see some of the unique cities and towns Colombia has to offer.

When it comes to visiting Colombia, Expreso Brasilia, and Expreso Bolivariano are the best bus companies for tourists. Bolivariano might be slightly more luxurious and come with a higher price tag, but both of these options offer travelers safety as well as reliability.

MEDELLIN → BOGOTA: 85000 COP – $22.31 USD

MEDELLIN → CALI: 75000 COP – $19.69 USD

BOGOTA → SALENTO: 50000 COP – $15.00 USD

BOGOTA → CARTAGENA: 105000 COP – $27.56 USD

CARTAGENA → SANTA MARTA/TAYRONA NP: 48000 COP – $12.60 USD

It’s so nice to know you can travel the country without breaking the bank.

Once you’re in the cities you’ll most likely be catching some form of a taxi and yes — Uber is available in Colombia… well kind of, technically it’s illegal but everyone still uses it because it’s the safest and cheapest option. Everyone just recommends memorizing your Uber driver’s name in case you get pulled over and the cop wants to “confirm” you are friends. They will also usually ask you to sit in the front seat.

If you choose to grab the old school yellow taxis from the road the price is determined by the meter, but you should always negotiate with the driver to get a better deal and MAKE SURE the meter is on before leaving. A taxi shouldn’t cost you more than $5 for a 10–15-minute ride. 

Opting for a Colectivo (shared taxi) is an excellent way to save money and is also sometimes easier when you’re in remote areas. You might come across a car, bus, or minibus and you can easily hail them anywhere in the country. There are fixed rates per ride and usually, these vehicles wait at popular destinations until they get the desired number of passengers anywhere from six to 12 years old.

One thing I really loved about Medellin is their train system, the Metro de Medellin. It’s a really unique way to see some of the city’s hidden gems and it only costs around 2,650 COP ($0.70 USD) for one ride or 10,000 COP ($2.50 USD).

It’s safe and clean as Colombians really take pride in their public transportation as it’s the only one in the whole country. It’s the best way to get a good overview of the city but keep in mind it’s still Colombia and pickpocketing does happen on public transportation. 

Overall, whatever means of transportation you choose in Colombia you will be able to find something that fits your budget and needs. Just remember that safety always comes first, so make sure to do your research before leaving and don’t take any unnecessary risks!

With adequate time to explore, taking the Gringo Trail is an ideal way to discover all of the nation’s gems – it has become a popular route among travelers. This famed path starts in Bogota and offers stops in Medellin, Cali, Cartagena, Santa Marta, and Tayrona National Park. But depending on your route and length of stay, you may have to plan out a few side trips to really explore Colombia’s hidden gems.

If you have time to spare, a two-week exploration of the area is ideal for seeing all of its attractions; however, if you are pressed for time, it’s possible to experience the main highlights in just one week. If three weeks is your allotted time frame? Lucky you! You’ll be able to take things more slowly and truly appreciate everything without feeling rushed.

So, what’s the easiest way to journey on the Gringo Trail?

Colombia Hop is the perfect option for backpackers looking for a great trip at an affordable price. They require a minimum of 6-day Gringo Trail experience, and it will only cost you $219, but includes 10 stops with hop on/off passes and pick up/drop off from hostels, plus a Colombian guide to help show you around! Plus, you get free access to various sites along the route that other tour companies may miss out on. Truly amazing value – Colombia Hop won’t disappoint!

The average cost of transportation is: $15 per day

The Cost of Food in Colombia

So to be honest, Colombia doesn’t have the most outstanding food in the world. You definitely will experience some great meals, but the typical dishes tend to be a bit bland for my liking. Prices range from cheap to expensive depending on the type of food you choose, but generally, a meal should cost no more than $10 per person.

Colombian cuisine consists mainly of rice and beans, fish, beef, or chicken, which are usually served with sides like yuca (cassava), plátano (plantain), and patacón (fried plantain). Other popular dishes include empanadas, tamales, sancocho de gallina and ajiaco. You can also find quite a bit of different influences in the food from neighboring countries such as Venezuela, Ecuador, and Peru.

If you want to go local, visit a street market or stand and get some empanadas which are fried pastries filled with cheese or meat for only $1.50 each. You can also find food stalls that sell filling meals such as grilled meats and rice for less than $5 USD per plate. The menu del dia’s were my jam, which is a soup, a meat dish with rice and salad, and a juice for about $2.50.

If you’re looking for a nice dining experience, traditional restaurants cost around $15-20 per person for an appetizer and main course. Fancy restaurants can be more expensive reaching up to $40-50 per person.

In terms of drinks, Colombia is well-known for its coffee and aguardiente (a type of alcoholic drink made from sugar cane). Personally, I find it disgusting, but Colombians love it. It tastes like licorice with alcohol, and even though I don’t enjoy it, I highly recommend trying it for yourself.

A cup of espresso in a nice cafe will cost you around $2 while an aguardiente usually costs between $2-$3. If the aguardiente isn’t your go-to, and trust me I understand, you can get a local beer for around $1.50

Overall, the cost of food and drinks in Colombia should not be a major expense as it is quite affordable compared to other countries in South America.

The average cost of food in Colombia is: $10 per day

The Cost of A in Colombia

Regardless of what you enjoy doing, I assure you Colombia will have more than enough activities to keep you busy. Whether it’s beach hopping in Tayrona National Park, trekking through the Sierra Nevada Mountains, or exploring colonial cities like Cartagena – Colombia has something to offer every type of traveler.

Fortunately, many of these activities are quite affordable and entry fees range from free to $15 USD (sometimes more if it’s a special activity).

In Bogota, the main attraction would be La Candelaria – the old town of Bogota. It’s filled with colonial-style buildings, and street art and has a bohemian vibe that is simply amazing. The entry fee to La Candelaria is free, but you will have to pay for certain sites like El Museo de Oro ($1.50) or the Botero Museum ($2) if you want to explore them.

If you are looking for something a bit more adventurous, head over to the Zipaquirá Salt Cathedral! It’s an underground cathedral built into a salt mine and was one of my favorite spots in Colombia. The entry fee is less than $10 and includes access to the entire site.

In Salento, there are a few tours to take that will cost you anywhere from $10-$30 per person. My favorite is the Cocora Valley, which offers an incredible view of wax palms and a unique mountain hike – definitely worth it!

And one of my favorite tours in Colombia was the Comuna Trece Tour in Medellin. It’s a graffiti and urban art tour with a knowledgeable guide that takes you through the backstreets of an area once considered one of the most dangerous places in Colombia. The tour is free, and you just tip the tour guide for their service. I recommend $5.

One of the more expensive entrance fees is to Tayrona National Park, which will cost you about $14 USD for one day. You will be able to spend the whole day trekking through the jungle and visiting different beaches. It’s seriously stunning and was a huge highlight in my Colombia travels.

Lastly, my favorite activity and well worth the higher price is this day trip from Medellin to Guatape. This is a fun and exciting tour that includes a boat ride, breakfast and lunch, visiting an old village, and taking lots of pictures! The cost for the full-day trip is around $30 but it’s worth every penny — check availability for the tour below, as it does sell out:

Overall, the cost of activities and entrance fees in Colombia varies greatly depending on what you want to do. Most attractions and activities are quite affordable, but some can be a bit pricy like the Guatape day trip or Tayrona National Park.

The average cost of activities in Colombia is: $15 per day (not including the more expensive tours)

How Much Does It Cost to Travel in Colombia

Adding up expenses to travel is never enjoyable, and we’ve all been there when feeling overwhelmed by the numbers. But let’s take a deep breath and face reality – it’s time to tally up how much our journey to Colombia will cost us!

Here is a breakdown of a mid-range budget in Colombia.

• Accommodation: $35 a day
• Transportation: $15 a day
• Food: $15 a day
• Activities: $15 day 

Total daily expenses for Colombia: $90

Not too shabby, eh? Colombia is an affordable destination if you budget and plan your trip accordingly. And there are tons of cheap accommodation options in each city, so you can save even more money by staying with locals or hostels. I personally stayed in a few hostels around Colombia for as low as $7 a night!

So, there you have it – an in-depth guide to what you can expect to spend on your next Colombian holiday!

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Colombia Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Colombia?

• How much does a one-week trip to Colombia cost?
• How much does a two-week trip to Colombia cost?
• How much does a one-month trip to Colombia cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Colombia

For a trip to Colombia, you should plan for daily costs anywhere between $15 to $143. If there's two of you traveling, your daily expenses could range from $31 to $285. These price ranges are based on the average daily spending of $44 (CO$176,533) per person which comes from the travel expenses of other visitors. These costs include food, accommodation, sightseeing activities, and getting around locally. Keep in mind, though, these figures can vary somewhat based on your individual travel style, level of luxury, and chosen activities. Destinations across the country, such as Bogota, Medellin, and Cali, might might vary somewhat from the overall average price, but they usually stick close to this range. Read on for a breakdown of travel typical expenses as well as a comparison of tour prices versus Independent travel.

If you're traveling independently in Colombia, budget travelers should plan to spend around $15 (CO$61,235) a day for their trip. This includes stays at budget hotels or hostels, affordable food options, local transportation, and low-cost activities. For those on a mid-range budget, plan for around $44 (CO$176,533) a day which would cover the cost of a typical hotel, normal restaurants, and a variety of major attractions. Higher-end luxury travelers should allow for $143 (CO$570,412) per day, which allows for luxury hotel stays, nice restaurants, and private tour options. These price ranges are based on our extensive travel cost data for Colombia from other travelers along with hotel and tour data from travel companies.

How much does a one week trip to Colombia cost?

On average, visitors to Colombia spend between $107 and $998 for their week-long adventure, with the average being $309. This covers sightseeing, local transportation, food, and accommodations. With a duration of one week, you'll have the opportunity to explore one, two, or even three locations within Colombia, depending on the level of depth you desire for your visit. Some of the most popular places to consider exploring are Bogota , Medellin , and Cali . It's important to note that these figures are averages and can vary based on personal preferences and choices. Ultimately, the goal is to create a memorable and enjoyable experience tailored to your specific interests.

How much does a two week trip to Colombia cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $214 and $1,996 for your trip to Colombia. The average price for a two week trip is $618. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as Medellin, Cali, and Santa Marta.

How much does a one month trip to Colombia cost?

With a month-long trip to Colombia, expenses can be anywhere from $459 to $4,278 with the average being $1,324. The cost of travel is dependent on your overall style of travel. If you have a full month, you'll likely want to stay at a vacation rental with a kitchen during at least part of your trip so that you can prepare your own meals. Backpackers often prefer hostels for the same reason. Hostels also offer a more social atmosphere at a very affordable price range.

Hostel Prices in Colombia

With more than 450 hostels in Colombia, the average price is $13 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels are a terrific option for younger independent travelers looking to save money while staying social during their trip. With many types of hostels, it can be overwhelming to sort out the best places, though. Our analysis of the hostels in Colombia not only found the average price, but also uncovered some surprises about the overall quality, amenities, and atmosphere of hostels in the region. You can see more details from our analysis about typical hostel prices in Colombia here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Colombia.

• $10 for a dorm bed at Dreamer Santa Marta in Santa Marta more details
• $26 for a dorm bed at Los Patios Hostel in Medellin more details
• $15 for a dorm bed at The Cranky Croc Hostel in Bogota more details

Hotel Prices in Colombia

You'll find a wide range of hotel options across Colombia. Below are prices for some of the destinations, and for more details see our analysis of hotel costs in Colombia .

Hotel CityFlats

El marques hotel boutique.

Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in Colombia?

Organized tours and independent travel are essentially the two main ways to plan a trip to Colombia. Organized tours offer a convenient and hassle-free experience, with travel experts handling all the logistical details and the added benefit of an expert guide imparting valuable insights. This option is favored by those who appreciate the convenience and ease provided by tours that often include transportation and expert guides.

On the other hand, independent travel provides a different set of advantages, allowing for greater freedom and flexibility in customizing itineraries and exploring at one's own pace. This option appeals to individuals who value spontaneity and control, enabling them to immerse themselves in local culture on a deeper level.

Ultimately, the choice between organized tours and independent travel depends on personal preferences and travel style, considering factors such as convenience, guidance, and flexibility.

Comparing Trip Costs in Colombia

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

• An expert guide familiar with the culture
• Convenient transportation
• Fellow travelers to socialize with
• Well researched activities
• Efficient and thought out itinerary
• The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
• Limited options
• Usually not customizable
• The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
• Usually more expensive than independent travel
• There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

• Completely customizable
• Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
• More affordable
• Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
• Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
• Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
• Popular sights may sell out well in advance
• If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Colombia?

Organized tours average $275 per day in Colombia, and are generally all-inclusive with one large payment. Independent trips usually average $44 (CO$176,533) per day, and include individual payments to hotels, local transportation, food, and sightseeing. When compared, organized tours and independent trips each come with their own set of challenges and benefits. It's important to understand all aspects of both types of trips to make a fair comparison. You can see our thorough analysis of tour prices in Colombia here .

Here are a few sample tours in Colombia:

• WELCOME TO COLOMBIA Bogotá – Coffee Region – Medellín – Cartagena ($1,659) 13 days, 7 destinations more details
• Colombia Highlights 15 Days Tour ($3,990) 15 days, 11 destinations more details
• Colombia - Highlights ($4,225) 13 days, 9 destinations more details
• Tailor-Made Best Colombia Tour with Daily Departure and Private Guide ($5,139) 10 days, 7 destinations more details
• Tailor-Made Classic Colombia Vacation with Daily Departure and Private Guide ($5,909) 11 days, 6 destinations more details

More for Colombia

If you're planning a trip to Colombia, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Colombia Travel Costs | A Definitive Guide

Colombia is a country that’s filled with different landscapes, cultures, and histories. It has beautiful mountains, jungles, cities, and even a Caribbean coast! What’s impressive about Colombia is that it’s still very affordable compared to other tourist destinations. This article will show you the Colombia travel costs, so you can plan your trip without breaking the bank.

Table of Contents

Best Time to Visit Colombia

The best time to get cheaper flights to Colombia is in February, March, and April. The most expensive flight months are January, July, August, and December because they are the high season. The prices can change throughout the year, so comparing prices and being flexible with travel dates is important. You can use flight search engines like Skyscanner or Google Flights to compare airport prices and dates. By planning your trip during the cheaper months, you can save money on your flights and have more money to spend.

Airfare Costs

When traveling to Colombia, the travel costs of airfare can be one of the most costly parts of your budget. The price varies depending on the season, with July, August, and December being the most expensive months. It’s best to plan and compare prices to find a good deal. Direct flights are available from Paris to Bogotá but can be more expensive than flights with stopovers.

On average, a direct return flight costs at least 3,510,600 COP ($880), with the cheapest flights having stopovers. The best deals for flights are less than 2,918,630 COP ($730) during the off-season, less than 3,276,760 COP ($820) at other times, and less than 3,712,900 COP ($930) with some date flexibility. The normal price of a ticket is around 4,280,520 COP ($1,070), and high prices can be more than 5,801,670 COP ($1,450).

Accommodation Costs 

Accommodation costs in Colombia vary depending on your preferences, location, and season. Hostel dorm rooms are the cheapest option, costing between 30,000-45,000 COP ($9-14) per night. You can find them cheaper in smaller cities and towns, but they may not have great facilities. Private hostel rooms cost around 50,000 COP ($15.50) per night but expect to pay double that during the high season or in major metropolitan areas.

Affordable hotels are available from 60,000 COP ($18) per night, but prices can increase to around 120,000 ($36) per night on the coast and during the high season. For a more luxurious experience, boutique hotels can cost around 658,533 COP ($200) per night or more. Airbnb is also an option in larger cities, with shared accommodation starting at 35,000 COP ($11) per night and entire homes or apartments averaging around 250,000 COP ($78) per night.

Transportation Costs

Transportation in Colombia is affordable and convenient. The metro in Medellin costs only 2,500 COP ($0.76) for a one-way fare, while local buses in towns and cities usually cost between 1,000-2,500 COP ($0.30-0.80). Uber is a cheaper alternative to taxis, with fares of around 16,463 COP ($5). Intercity buses are the best way to travel longer distances, such as from Bogotá to Medellin or Quito, Ecuador, with fares around 65,000 COP ($20) and 175,000 COP ($54), respectively.

Buses from Medellin to Manizales cost 42,000 COP ($12.75), and Salento to Cali is about 27,000 COP ($8.20). Expect to spend 20,000-40,000 ($6-12) for a bus ride, more if it’s a long journey of over 9 hours. Bolivariano , Expreso Palmira , and Trejos are reputable bus companies, with schedules and fares easily available on their websites.

Food and Drink Costs

Food and drink costs in Colombia are quite reasonable. Eating out can cost around 1,506,672 COP (about $459). Colombian food culture is booming, especially in places like Medellin, where you can find all kinds of tasty food worldwide. Portions are generally large and filling, so you definitely won’t leave hungry! Buying water is relatively cheap in Colombia, and some hostels even provide it for free, which can help you save money during your trip.

Alcohol is also affordable, with many places offering happy hour deals and promotions. If you want to cook your meals, local grocery stores like Exito offer good quality ingredients at reasonable prices. You can also find fresh fruits and vegetables at local markets and shops. Colombian street food is a must-try, with stalls selling delicious treats like pineapple and arepas with cheese. The cost of fruits in Colombia is usually quite low, making it easy to eat healthy while keeping costs down.

Activity and Entertainment Costs 

Colombia offers a range of fun and exciting activities for travelers. One of the must-try tours is the 5-day Lost City Trek or Ciudad Perdida, which includes accommodation and meals. Other tours to try are the Bogota graffiti tour (by donation), Escobar Tour, Cable car through the barrios in Medellin, Cathedral Del Sal, and Bogota Bike Tours in the capital.

If you’re a coffee lover, a tour of the coffee regions is highly recommended. Most tours in Colombia cost around 30,000 COP ($9), and most museums are 10,000 COP ($3) or less. With affordable prices, you can enjoy these activities without breaking the bank, making Colombia an excellent destination for budget travelers looking for adventure and fun.

Estimated Daily Budget for Colombia Trip

When traveling to Colombia, it is possible to budget your trip based on your needs. For backpackers, you can expect to spend about 160,000 COP ($48) per day, including hostel accommodations, local food, cooking some of your meals, and local transportation.

On a mid-range budget of 306,000 COP ($92) per day, you can afford a private room in a hostel or hotel, eat anywhere within reason, and take tours. For those who want to splurge on luxury accommodations, meals, and drinks, budgeting around 329,266 COP ($100) per day would be ideal.

How to Plan a Budget Trip to Colombia

When planning a trip to Colombia, it’s important to budget wisely to ensure you have enough money for everything you want to do. First, decide your daily budget based on your travel style and needs. List your expenses, including flights, accommodations, food, transportation, tours, and activities. Research prices and compare options to find the best deals.

Try to book in advance to save money. Consider using local transportation, staying in hostels or Airbnb, and eating local food to save money. Keep track of your spending to stay within your budget, and be flexible if unexpected expenses arise. Proper planning and budgeting allow you to have a great trip to Colombia without breaking the bank.

Final Words

Colombia is a beautiful and diverse country that can be visited at desired travel costs. By following simple tips like traveling during the off-season, staying in hostels, and eating local food, travelers can easily keep their costs down. With some planning, it is possible to experience all Colombia offers without breaking the bank. So, start packing your bags and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

FAQs on Colombia Travel Costs

To save money while traveling in Colombia, you can stay in hostels or budget hotels, eat local food, use public transportation, and book tours and activities directly with local companies instead of through a travel agency. Avoiding touristy areas and opting for off-the-beaten-path destinations is also a good idea.

Colombia has many popular destinations, including Cartagena, Bogota, Medellin, Cali, and the coffee region. Each destination offers unique attractions and experiences, from historical landmarks to beautiful natural scenery.

February, March, and April are the best months to travel to Colombia to save money on airfare. However, prices for accommodation and other travel expenses can also vary throughout the year, so it’s best to plan your trip and budget accordingly.

I hope so you enjoy our article, do check out more of our  amazing articles .

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Hey there! I'm Jesica, the dedicated writer at The Travel Vibes. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for discovery, I research and write about fascinating places around the world. Whether it's exploring ancient ruins or uncovering the latest urban gems, I bring you engaging and well-researched insights. Join me as we venture beyond the ordinary and discover the wonders of the world together!

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Soaring Andean summits, unspoiled Caribbean coast, enigmatic Amazon jungle and cryptic archaeological ruins. Colombia boasts all of South America's allure and more.

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Colombia travel cost: how much money do you need for your trip

How much does it cost to travel Colombia ? This is surely one of the main questions we ask ourselves when planning a trip!

How much does a plane ticket to Colombia cost? What’s the average hotel cost per night in Colombia? How much will local transport cost? How much do I need to spend on going out and buying presents? In the end, it also comes down to the cost of living in Colombia .

The idea of this post is really to give you an idea of how to budget for your trip to Colombia. The budget we allocate to a trip is so individual that we can’t go into detail here.

We were fed up with paying fees abroad

So for several years now, we’ve been using a free bank debit card specially designed for travelers, and we don’t pay any more fees abroad – no more!

Disclaimer : we apologize in advance for any grammatical or syntactic errors, as our native language is not English (we're a Colombian-French couple), so we hope you'll forgive us and still enjoy the information we share with you! Please note that all the information on our blog is based on our own experience, and is checked and updated regularly.

How much does a trip to Colombia cost?

Estimated budget to travel colombia.

To begin with, here is a summary of our research for those who would like a general budget estimate for a trip to Colombia.

Price estimates are based on our experience of the cost of living in Colombia. Inflation in Colombia is high from year to year, but exchange rates also vary widely, so it’s difficult to reliably estimate a global budget in euros.

We therefore suggest that you divide the estimated budget for your trip to Colombia into two parts: the airfare budget in dollars and the expenses in Colombia in pesos .

Current rates

Colombia travel cost (do it yourself), tailor-made trip to colombia cost (with a travel agency).

For more information, you can read our post on tailor-made tours in Colombia and travel agencies in Colombia .

For more details on budgeting for independent travellers, you can continue reading this post where we detail budget estimates for a trip to Colombia, item by item : airfare, accommodation, meals, local transport, extra expenses..

At the end of the post, we’ll give you three budget examples for a trip to Colombia.

We would like to warn you that all prices in this post are only estimates based on our experience and research . The cost of living in Colombia fluctuates upwards over the years. We will do our best to keep this post up to date.

Saving money

Payments in colombia and transfers.

To begin with, since we’re talking about budgets, we might as well start by making savings in your budget for a trip to Colombia . We’re going to tell you about two services we particularly like and use.

Free bank cards for traveling and avoiding bank charges

N26 (Germany) and Revolut (UK – USA) are new banks that offer services dedicated to travelers: account opening and a free bank card that lets you pay anywhere abroad without any bank charges.

Where’s the “wolf” in that? For once, there isn’t one. We advise you to read our comparison of the best banks for travelers , which will give you an idea.

These cards are to be taken as travel bank cards that come alongside your usual bank account. You’ll be able to credit money to them for your trip, manage your budget super-easily and, above all, save money!

Remitly, to send money to Colombia free of charge

Remitly is an international transfer platform offering the lowest costs for sending money to Colombia. We recommend you read our comparison of money transfer platforms on this subject.

Why would this be useful for your trip to Colombia?

You need to make a reservation (a visit, an excursion or accommodation) and you’re asked to pay a deposit into a Colombian account : with Remilty you avoid the fees on international transfers with the best chage rate. Remilty is the cheapest and easiest platform to use .

If you’re interested in this solution, read our review and tutorial to learn how to use Remitly .

How much does an hotel room cost in Colombia

After the plane ticket comes the question of accommodation , certainly the second most important part of a budget for a trip to Colombia.

As you’ll see, hotel prices in Colombia are much cheaper than in the US, UK or Canada, but you’re often in Colombia for several weeks at a time. So all in all, accommodation becomes a real budget that you really need to anticipate .

Where to book your hotel in Colombia

• Booking.com is the most widely used platform in Colombia, offering the widest range of accommodations at all prices. It often offers free cancellations, which can come in handy when changing plans.
• Hostelworld is the other very good platform we use, more dedicated to hostales. You’ll find just about every hostal for every budget.

How much to spend on hotel rooms in Colombia

To keep things simple, we’ve decided to divide accommodation prices into four main categories. Prices have risen quite a bit in recent years, but there are still offers to suit all budgets.

Low-budget accommodation single person (less than $50.000 COP / night) If you’re traveling alone, the cheapest option is to sleep in dormitories in hostals.

Budget accommodation for couples (between $75.000 and $100.000 COP / night) As a couple, you’ll find double rooms at $50.000 COP in the countryside or in small towns. Comfort won’t be the number 1 criterion at these rates. You’re surely find best options around $100.000 COP.

Average accommodation budget (between $100.000 and $200.000 COP / night) At these prices, double rooms with comfortable en-suite bathrooms can usually be found almost everywhere in Colombia, except perhaps in places like Cartagena and Medellin. For us, this is the average budget we set ourselves, which allows us to treat ourselves at times and save money at others.

High accommodation budget (between $200.000 and $350.000 COP / night) Now, this is a very comfortable budget for accommodation in Colombia. Depending on the region, you’ll find some very nice places to stay at this price, and it’s a good opportunity to treat yourself.

High budget accommodation (over $350.000 COP / night) We’re entering the category of high-end hotels, and you’ll find magnificent rooms in exceptional locations. Make the most of it!

What is the hotel cost for a trip to Colombia?

An average of $150.000 COP per night for 2 people

We set ourselves a budget of $150.000 COP/night, but we know that there will be nights when we’ll pay less, so we leave ourselves the possibility of indulging occasionally with a few nights in beautiful hotels.

How much does a restaurant cost in Colombia

Once you’ve paid for your plane ticket and hotel reservations, you’ll have a good basis for planning your budget for a trip to Colombia. When it comes to food, you should be aware that prices have risen sharply as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, and inflation has been rising steadily since the beginning of 2022.

However, whether you want to eat out or have a drink, you can find good restaurants at very good prices. And if you want to treat yourself, you won’t break the piggy bank either!

How much to spend on food in Colombia

Here again, we’re going to start from a different price range, depending on the type of food or drink you want to try.

Small budget (between $10.000 and $20.000 COP per meal) Street food, daily specials, “corrientazo”, that’s what you’ll find for this price: local food at the best price. That’s not to say it’s bad quality – on the contrary! Just know that if you look hard enough, especially around markets and bus stations, you’ll find simple, but well-priced food. You’ll be able to eat simply, but well, at low prices… Beware, however, of weak stomachs, especially if you decide to eat in the street..

Average budget (between $20.000 and $50.000 COP per meal) At these prices, even in medium-sized towns, there’s a huge choice. Depending on the restaurant, you’ll find starter/main course/serving/drink menus, but also a good deal in restaurants offering refined, modern cuisine.

High budget (between $50.000 and $100.000 COP per meal) Above $50.000 you’re already entering a range of restaurants where you’ll pay either for an exceptional location, or for quality on the plate that should start to delight your taste buds.

Very high budget (over $100.000 COP per meal) Above $100.000, you’re looking at top-of-the-range services for Colombia. This will be the case, for example, at one of Bogotá’s best-known gourmet restaurants, Léo, one of Latin America’s top chefs.

Small pleasures (between $2.500 and $25.000 COP) A beer on the terrace, a fresh fruit juice to go, an ice cream, an empanada, an arepita, a cafecito on the street corner, etc. – all the little everyday pleasures that make a trip to Colombia so charming! Depending on what you feel like treating yourself to at the time and where you take it, the price may vary (a mojito at Cafe del mar in Cartagena will cost you 30.000 pesos! but that’s just to give you an idea. Save yourself a small envelope so you don’t have to deprive yourself of these little pleasures.

What is the average meal cost for a trip to Colombia?

$150.000 COP per day for 2 people

Breakfast at $10.000 COP two meals at $25.000 COP. We estimate between $100.000 and $150.000 COP per day for 2 people, including small pleasures. But then again, this allows you to be quite flexible, to pay much less for meals on certain days and indulge yourself at other times.

Transportation cost

How much does transports cost in colombia.

Depending on the type of transportation you choose to use in Colombia, your budget will be affected. Colombia is a large country, and distances between tourist sites can be very long . It often takes 1 day of transport to get from one part of the country to another, so it’s very important to plan your itinerary well in advance.

How much to budget for transport in Colombia

We’ll break down your budget by mode of transport

Long-distance bus budget (between $60.000 and $100.000 COP) Read all about it in our post on buses in Colombia . In most cases, this is the most economical way to travel from one major city to another. The long-distance bus network is very well developed in Colombia. The buses are safe and comfortable, so there’s nothing to worry about.

Budget domestic flights (between $200.000 and $400.000 COP one-way) You can read our post on domestic flights in Colombia , where we give you all the information you need. Between the national airlines Avianca or Latam, the low-cost airlines and the regional airlines, the range of airlines in Colombia is complete. Regional airlines such as Satena and EasyFly are sometimes the only way to reach certain regions, and this should be factored into your budget.

Budget Taxi (between $5.000 and $10.000 COP for short city trips) This is the most practical means of transport for a short trip around town. Although we’ve never had any problems, we’d still advise you to use cabs booked from a mobile app or from your hotel rather than on the street. Uber-type services also work very well in Colombia.

Budget Buseta (between $2.000 and $10.000 COP depending on the type of trip) This is still the most common means of transport in small towns for short journeys (around $2.000) and also between small towns (between $5.000 and $10.000).

Budget Car rental (between $150.000 and $200.000 COP per day) We recommend that you read our post on car rental for full details. It’s a good option for exploring a region over a few days, or for taking a real road trip, as we did on our road trip from Bogotá to Santa Marta .

What is the budget for transport in Colombia?

Your transport budget will depend entirely on how you plan your itinerary and which modes of transport you use. Bear in mind that air travel is the most polluting mode of transport , so try to use it only as a last resort: a well-thought-out itinerary allows you to discover the country in depth and avoid jumping from one region to another.

Activities cost

How much does it cost to do tours and activities in colombia.

Once you’re in Colombia, you may be tempted to treat yourself to some tourist activities (guided tours, scuba diving, paragliding, mountain trekking, etc.) or excursions to incredible places, which often require you to go through an agency.

You’ll need to budget for all these activities, because you’ll see that they can get very expensive very quickly! You’ll have to make your own choices, but if you fall for it, you can be sure that you’ll have some incredible experiences.

How much does it cost to do activities in Colombia?

Once again, the prices given here are very general examples. Each activity must be researched to find the agency that best suits your needs in terms of service and price

Scuba diving (between $400.000 COP (baptism) and $1.200.000 COP (PADI Open water) Between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Colombia is a fabulous playground for scuba diving enthusiasts. Contact our partners below to make your diving dreams come true in Colombia, whether in Santa Marta or on the Pacific coast.

Paragliding (around $150.000 COP) For paragliding flights of around 15 or 20 minutes. We haven’t tried it yet, but it’s an activity available just about everywhere in the Andes. The most famous spots are in Medellín and San Gil, above the Chicamocha Canyon.

Rafting (between $50.000 and $400.000 COP) Rates vary widely depending on the location, from $50.000 COP for rafting on a city river without much adventure, to $400.000 COP for a real off-the-beaten-track experience. Again, the most famous spots are around San Gil, San Agustin and Medellín.

High mountain trekking (between $300.000 COP and $1.500.000 COP) The cost of a trek depends on the destination and, above all, the number of days you’ll be trekking. A one-day trek to Cocora will cost you around $300.000 COP, while a 5-day trek to Los Nevados Park will cost you around $1.500.000 COP.

Trek to Ciudad Perdida ($2.1550.000 COP from Santa Marta) The trek to Ciudad Perdida costs $2.1550.000 COP from Santa Marta, and all agencies charge the same regulated rate.

Guajira Desert (approx. $900.000 COP for 3 days from Riohacha) The approximate price is around $900.000 COP / pers. for 3 days in the Guajira Desert, departing from Riohacha. Transport, activities, accommodation and meals are included.

Caño Cristales (around $1.100.000 COP for 3 days without domestic flights ) Three days in Caño Cristales departing from La Macarena. This approximate price includes activities and full-board accommodation, but does not include domestic flights to La Macarena.

Nuqui (around $1.200.000 COP / pers. for 3 days without domestic flights) This is an approximate rate that includes activities and full-board accommodation, but does not include domestic flights to get there.

Leticia (around $1.200.000 COP / pers. for 3 days without domestic flights ) This is an approximate rate that includes activities and full-board accommodation, but does not include domestic flights to get there.

Casanare (around $1.500.000 COP / pers. for 3 days without domestic flights ) This is an approximate price that includes activities and full-board accommodation, but does not include domestic flights to get there.

Tatacoa Desert (from $170.000 COP / pers. for 1 day departing from Neiva) This is the price for a one-day tour departing from Neiva, including transport in a minivan, lunch and local guide.

How much doest it cost to do activities in Colombia?

It’s up to you to allocate a specific budget for these activities and excursions, and to plan ahead so you don’t miss out on any magical experiences .

Souvenir cost

How much does a souvenir cost in colombia.

As we all know, a trip is also an opportunity to bring home memories, so that the journey continues and we can look back on things years later. It’s also about bringing home little gifts for family and friends, to thank them for listening to our endless stories and thousands of photos!

How much will it cost to bring back souvenirs from Colombia?

That depends on the type of gift you want to give yourself. There are some nice little things that don’t cost too much, and others where you’ll need to count on a real budget, but it can be well worth it! We love Colombian handicrafts , so we always plan a big gift budget!

• 500gr pack of “Juan Valdez” or “Quindio” or “Matiz” coffee : $25.000 COP
• Choco Café , “Oma” chocolate-covered coffee beans: $5000 COP
• Coffee cookie : $5.000 COP
• Arequipe (milk jam): $5000 COP
• Artisanal ceramic cups (Raquira): $2.000 COP
• Small seed jewels : $10.000 COP
• Pre-Columbian gold-plated jewelry : $30.000 COP
• Hat (Andes, Caribbean): between $50.000 and $150.000 COP
• Traditional ruana (Boyaca, Cundinamarca): between $150.000 and $250.000 COP
• Mochila Wayuu (Guajira): between $60.000 COP (on site in Guajira only) and $150.000
• Mochila Arhuaca (Sierra Nevada): between $200.000 and $300.000 COP
• Hammock (Caribbean, Amazon, Andes): between $150.000 and $2.000.000 COP

Watch out for low prices

Beware of low prices , especially on Wayuu mochilas, which may mean that they have either been sewn quickly to meet demand with the wrong thread, or that they are simply fake and of poor quality.

In general. Colombian handicrafts are of the highest quality and take an enormous amount of time to make. Out of respect for the craftsmen , avoid haggling over prices, especially if you buy directly from them. Their work is generally not paid for at its true value.

3 examples of cost for a trip to Colombia

How much does it cost to travel colombia.

Notes on these estimates

For these estimates of budgets for a trip to Colombia, we have deliberately taken the high end of our budgets by sector . (see the different categories in the post).

It’s perhaps on the extras (activities, gifts, etc.) that you’ll need to take more margin if you want to do lots of paying activities on the spot.

So it’s time for a little recap and to condense here some ideas for an overall budget for a trip to Colombia .

Sample travel cost for 3 weeks in Colombia

Here are the details of the 3 typical budgets , with estimates of daily expenses, which you can adapt according to the number of days planned for your trip to Colombia and the level of comfort you wish to have.

The idea here is to offer approximate examples, to give a general idea. Everyone will make their own budget according to their itinerary and way of traveling. The budget of a solo backpacker will not be the same as that of a family with children, of course! The budget for a classic itinerary in Colombia will not be the same as for an itinerary off the beaten track.

Backpacker travel cost

• Daily accommodation: $40.000 COP
• Daily meals: $50.000 COP
• Internal transport per trip: $100.000 COP
• Extra: $0 COP (no paid activities, no gifts, no treats)

Sample “Backpacker” travel cost for a 3-week trip to Colombia for one person $2.200.000 COP

(20 nights: $800.000 COP 40 meals and 20 breakfasts: $1.000.000 COP 4 long-distance bus trips: $400.000 COP)

“Average” travel cost

• Daily accommodation : $150.000 COP
• Daily meals : $100.000 COP
• Internal transport per trip: $150.000 COP
• Extra: $2.000.000 COP

Sample “Average” travel cost for a 3-week trip to Colombia for one person $7.600.000 COP

(20 overnight stays: $3.000.000 COP 40 meals and 20 breakfasts: $2.000.000 COP 4 long-distance plane or bus trips: $600.000 COP Extra: $2.000.000 COP (1 diving course 1 mountain trek or 3 days in the Guajira gifts…)

“High” travel cost

• Daily accommodation : $300.000 COP
• Daily meals: $150.000 COP
• Internal transport per trip: $250.000 COP
• Extra: $4.000.000 COP

Sample “High” travel budget for a 3-week trip to Colombia for one person $14.000.000 COP

(20 overnight stays: $6.000.000 COP 40 meals and 20 breakfasts: $3.000.000 COP 4 long-distance plane or bus trips: $1.000.000 COP Extra: $4.000.000 COP (1 diving course 1 mountain trek 3 days in the Guajira gifts…)

Conclusion on costs for a trip to Colombia

It’s up to you to estimate , from all the information we’ve given you in this post, the budget you’d like to set aside for your trip to Colombia .

While some will want to travel as cheaply as possible, others will want a certain level of comfort and still others will want to leave room for the pleasant surprises that are bound to come their way.

Do it yourself if you are on a budget

It’s obvious, but it’s cheaper to organize all you trip to Colombia by yourself.

Use a travel agency to take the organizational burden off your shoulders

Of course it’s more expensive, but you’ll keep your mind free of the burden of organizing your trip to Colombia.

Be prepared to pay a minimum of $150 to $160 USD per day and per pers (2 people basis) to organize a tailor-made trip to Colombia with a local travel agency

Request a quote

To request a quote for a tailor-made trip to Colombia, fill in the form below and you will be contacted by our local partners.

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How to send money to colombia: comparison of the best international money transfers, worldremit, the best platform to send money to colombia, wise discount code, fee-free transfer to send money abroad, best debit card to use in colombia: banks for travelers comparison, exchange, withdrawal, payment, how to manage your money in colombia, angélica & samuel.

We are Angélica and Samuel, a French-Colombian couple, professional photographers and web editors specializing in travel to Colombia. We created this blog to change the image of the country, help you prepare your trip and inspire you to discover Colombia in a different way!

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Colombia Travel Guide

Your ultimate colombia travel guide, with tips, and things to see and things to do in colombia. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Located between the Caribbean, the Amazon Jungle, and the Andes Mountains, Colombia has something for everyone.

A bright, colorful country, it is a very popular tourist destination and for good reason.

Rich with culture and history and full of tropical climates, it makes a great place for fans of the outdoors or those who want to experience its many beaches and islands.

Add in the vibrant nightlife in cities like Medellin and it is a perfect vacation spot.

This Colombia travel guide will help you plan your next vacation. 

Popular Guides

• Things to do in Cartagena
• Must See Cities in Colombia

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Colombia

• Power voltage is 110V at 60 Hz.
• Colombia’s currency is the Colombian Peso and 1 Colombian Peso is equal to 0.0003 USD.
• The best way to get around Colombia is by bus.
• As long as your stay is under 90 days, you do not need a tourist visa, just a valid US passport.
• Popular network providers in Colombia include Claro, Tigo, and Movistar. You can purchase a SIM card through any of these networks by visiting their official stores.
• Colombia has a sales tax rate of 19%.

Things to See and Do in Colombia

Tayrona National Park:  Found in the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, head over to the Tayrona National Park to explore beautiful beaches and the Sierra Nevada de Santa Maria, the highest coastal mountain in the world. Once there, you can hike through the hillsides to see Pueblito, a village full of history and sacred sites from an ancient civilization, or go to the rainforest and see a variety of animals and species, including the very rare cotton-top tamarin (monkeys). https://www.beautifulworld.com/south-america/colombia/tayrona-national-park/embed/#?secret=xCh0K8LhzY

Gold Museum:  Spend time at this very popular gold exhibition in Bogotá. Take a guided tour to learn more about Colombia and its history or explore at your own pace and see artifacts and gold pieces from pre-Hispanic metallurgy.

Walled City of Cartagena:  Feel like you are back in time and explore the bright, colorful streets of Cartagena. Walk past beautiful restored colonial houses and buildings, enjoy fine dining, shop at designer boutique stores, and sample delicious fruits from the fruit stands.

Laguna de Guatape:  One of the most popular places in Medellin is the town of Guatape. Take a guided tour or explore on your own. Climb the 700 steps of the El Peñol rock to experience views like no other, see the artwork that decorates the town, visit the abandoned mansion of Pablo Escobar, and swim in the lake of Guatape.

San Andres Island:  Spend a day (or more) at this famous coral island. Swim in the warm waters, scuba dive with stingrays, explore the various caves, and take in peaceful sights.

Colombia Travel Guides

• Things to do in Cartagena – Visit the Jewel of Colombia
• Top 5 Must See Cities in Colombia
• 15 Reasons to Visit Colombia

Accommodation

Budget:  Colombia offers backpacker hostels with a mix of dorm-styled and private rooms for around 320 to 1,200 Colombian Pesos per night. Hostels tend to come with swimming pools, lounge areas, and/or complimentary breakfast.

Mid-Range:  For mid-range hotels, expect to pay 160,000 to 500,000 Colombian Pesos per night. Amenities include air-conditioned rooms and suites, outdoor pools, hotel restaurant and bar, fitness areas, complimentary breakfast, and free Wi-Fi.

High-End:  Upscale hotels can go from 650,000 to 1,500,000 Colombian Pesos per night and include top-class hospitality service, upscale rooms with private balconies, prime city locations, ocean views, elegant dining, pools and spas, and more.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation.

Food :  The cuisine of Colombia is a mix of Indigenous, African, Spanish, and Arab cuisine and favors rice and bread, legumes, meat and seafood, and a variety of fresh fruits. When out and about, stop by local street vendors to taste some chopped papaya and mangoes or grilled corn on the cob or pastel del pollo (chicken-stuffed pastry) or Obleas con Arequipe (wafer sandwich with caramel sauce). At night, head down to a sit-down restaurant to enjoy more Colombian cuisine. Expect to pay roughly 25,000 Colombian Pesos per day for food.

The Best Ways to Get Around Colombia

Getting to colombia:.

Getting to Colombia:   The El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá is Colombia’s busiest airport and is just 9 miles, or a 30 to 60-minute drive, to Bogotá city. If traveling closer to the Amazon region, the Alfredo Vásquez Cobo International Airport is a good option.

Flights:   You can check for the best flights to Colombia on   Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Train:  Colombia has a nonexistent train system for passengers.

Bus:  Colombia offers many bus options both for shorter distances and to travel between cities. Long-distance buses are similar to a train and offer air-conditioning and sometimes Wi-Fi. Take a bus from Cali to Bogotá in about 10 hours for 70,000 Colombia Pesos, or take a city bus for 2,000 Colombian Pesos.

Rent a car:  To rent a car in Colombia, you will need a valid US license valid for at least two years. Note that is not as recommended to rent a car, as it is considered less safe than taking a bus. If you do rent, make sure to find a rental agency that offers insurance. Prices start at around 400,000 Colombian Pesos per day. Colombia also offers taxi services and Ubers.Check for prices and availability here.

When to go To Colombia

• The best time to visit depends on where you are going. December to March are the driest months in general, which is ideal for those going to the Andes Mountains. If you’re heading to the Amazon region, go between July and August, where there is less rainfall. To avoid the crowds and get better prices on flights and hotels, November is a good month to visit Columbia.

Where to Stay in Colombia

Ibis Medellin :  Stay in the heart of Medellin at this stylish hotel. The convention center, Museum of Modern Art, downtown area, and the train station are all just minutes away. Once you’re done exploring, head back to the hotel for free high-speed Wi-Fi, air-conditioned rooms, and the hotel’s bar and restaurant.

Hotel Vilar America:   Come stay at this charming hotel situated between the historic and nightlife districts of Bogotá. Enjoy free Wi-Fi and breakfast, family rooms with flat-screen TVs, and the hotel’s restaurant before venturing out in Bogotá.

Hotel Cosmos Cali :  Enjoy air-conditioned rooms with flat-screen TVs at this hotel in Cali. Room service, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast are included. Take a short walk to the Cali City Theater or head down to the Cali bullring.

What to Pack for Colombia

• Sunscreen:  Protect your skin from the beautiful sun with some sunscreen.
• Hiking Boots:  Keep your feet comfortable with a sturdy pair of hiking boots.
• Swimsuit:  With so many beaches and waters to explore, make sure to bring a swimsuit with you.

See our packing tips:  packing tips

Colombia Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Colombia Travel Guide: Related Articles

18 Best Things to Do in Cartagena – The Jewel of Colombia

Colombian Food: 28 Traditional Dishes to try in Colombia or at home

25 Fun Facts About Colombia – Plan Your Trip Today

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Colombia Travel Costs

Is Colombia expensive to travel? We backpacked Colombia for under $40 a day .

Colombia isn’t the cheapest country to travel in South America, but it’s very reasonable for a backpacker. We consider ourselves mid-range backpackers these days — you’ll still see us on public buses with our backpacks strapped to us, but we don’t stay in dorm rooms anymore. We’ll opt for the best reviewed Airbnbs, hostels, but that doesn’t always mean spending a fortune. You won’t see us in the Hilton or any restaurant marked ‘$$$’ but we’re not queuing up at the street food carts either.

In this Colombia travel costs post, we share our travel budget for our 2-month trip around Colombia and how you can travel well on a budget.

Daily Travel Costs in Colombia

Daily Travel Budget in Colombia: $37.73

Monthly Travel Budget in Colombia: $1131

We spent $1131 per month each when travelling in Colombia. That works out at around $37.73 per day. Our travel figures don’t include flights, and we travelled independently and not with a tour company.

Our travel style is mid-range backpacker, so won’t scrimp and scrape over an extra few dollars at dinner and we’ll stay in the ’boutique’ hostel rather than the most basic accommodation. Can it be done cheaper? If you’re on a tight budget, it would be possible to backpack Colombia on $30 per day and have an enjoyable trip.

Is Colombia Expensive to Travel?

Overall, we found Colombia to be a reasonably priced destination. It’s not as cheap as Guatemala or Nicaragua , but it is cheaper than travelling in neighbouring Ecuador and some other South American countries. If you’re travelling from the USA or Europe, then the cost of living in Colombia is low enough that you’ll be able to backpack comfortably on your budget.

We travelled all around Colombia, starting in Medellin . We made our way up to Cartagena , Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park before flying down to Bogota . From Bogota, we took a round-trip up to Villa de Leyva and El Cocuy . We crossed through Colombia’s middle to Salento and the Cocora Valley  then made our way south to Cali and Popayan . Finally we stopped over in Pasto before crossing the Colombia/Ecuador border .

It’s certainly the case that some areas of Colombia are more expensive than others. Cartagena and Villa de Leyva in particular were more expensive, which is unsurprising as Cartagena is a popular holiday destination for American tourists and Villa de Leyva is a well-known weekend getaway for Colombians living in Bogota. In contrast, Popayan and Pasto were much cheaper.

Colombia’s Currency

Colombia’s currency is the Colombia peso (COP). When we travelled to Colombia in October-December 2019, the exchange rate was COP $3243.71 to $1 USD.

Average Costs in Colombia

Here’s a breakdown of the average cost of items in Colombia:

Accommodation Costs in Colombia

The cost of accommodation in Colombia varies quite significantly by location and accommodation type. Your Colombia trip cost will vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation you choose.

Our average accommodation cost per night was COP 131,370 / $40.50. We mostly stayed in private Airbnb apartments and looked for the nicer apartments in safer neighbourhoods at the best value. We generally found any apartments marked as ‘luxury’ were not-so-good and we fared much better when looking for more mid-range options.

Budget backpackers can find a private double room for as little as COP 44,460 / $13.71 (what we paid to stay at Coffee Break Hostel in Popayan ) and dorm rooms for even cheaper. Our most expensive stay was COP 230,000 / $70 per night at the very nice Coffee Tree Boutique Hostel in Salento (I swear, picking hostels with ‘coffee’ in the name isn’t intentional!)

Our best accommodation in Colombia was a beautiful 2-bed Airbnb apartment in the historic centre of Cartagena for COP 215,051 / $66 per night. This Airbnb was firmly in the mid-range category and included a swimming pool and an optional housekeeper. It was absolutely wonderful.

Not used Airbnb before? Get $48 off your first stay .

How To Find the Best Accommodation Deals in Colombia

We used both Booking.com and Airbnb to find accommodation in Colombia. Personally we feel that Booking.com is the better option for travel accommodation in Colombia.

This is because in Colombia it’s illegal to rent out your apartment or house for less than 30 days. Airbnbs are much more restricted as it’s necessary for anyone wanting to rent to get a permit for short term renting. This means many Airbnbs are actually run by rental companies or illegally listed by their owners. It also means there’s just much less choice than in other countries.

We did use Airbnb successfully a few times in Colombia, particularly for the apartment we rented in the historic centre of Cartagena and a lovely apartment in Villa de Leyva just a few blocks from the main square. However, you may need to spend more time searching to find the best accommodation on Airbnb. If you do book one of these, don’t forget to use our link for $48 off your first stay .

Activities Costs in Colombia

There’s a lot of fun to be had in Colombia! But of course activities can drastically affect your total costs of travelling in Colombia.

Most cities in Colombia offer free walking tours where you can learn about the city’s history from a local guide. Though the tours are free, it’s recommended that you tip the guide at the end. We particularly enjoyed the free walking tour in Medellin.

Paragliding in Colombia is a top activity for many travellers and is an absolute steal at only COP 130,000 / $40 per person for a 15-minute flight. Compare that to other countries like New Zealand and you’re paying a third of the price for the experience.

National Parks are another big draw of Colombia and the cost to enter and hike in the National Parks does vary. Hiking in Cocora Valley, Salento was the cheapest of our hikes as there’s public transport available and only a token fee. In comparison, hiking in Tayrona National Park has a higher entrance fee of $17 because of its national park status. El Cocuy National Park was the most expensive place to hike at $60 per person because it’s much more difficult to reach (you need to take private transport) and you are required to have a guide due to the delicacy of the national park’s ecosystem.

Here are some of our favourite activities in Colombia and their associated costs per person:

A note on Pablo Escobar activities: Colombians consider tourism around Pablo Escobar to be very insensitive and our advice would be to avoid it. Whilst stories of the drug trade and Escobar may be glamourised on Netflix, the horrendous reality of the war in Colombia and the effects of Escobar’s reign are very real, horrifying experiences lived through by many Colombians.

Transport Costs in Colombia

Colombian cities and towns are all connected by a bus system. The buses are generally very frequent, but they rarely run on time or arrive on time and they’re not luxury standard. Regional buses tend to cost $5+ for short journeys of a few hours. Longer 8-12 hour journeys between major cities like Bogota, Cali, Medellin, and Cartagena can be $40+.

For local transport around cities, it’s generally recommended that you take a taxi for safety reasons (especially in Bogota and Cali) with the exception of Medellin which has a great metro and cable car system ($1 per journey). City taxis in Colombia are cheap and we didn’t have any problems with taxi drivers trying to rip us off (unusual in Latin America!) Taxis are metered and you an expect an average journey to cost around $2-$6.

Domestic Flights

Internal flights in Colombia tend to be quite reasonable, but it’s not unusual for there to be additional hidden fees. We paid a shocking additional COP 60,000 ($18.50) per person in fees for a Viva Air flight to have our boarding pass printed and due to a bag that was 2cm oversized.

Avianca , Viva Air, and Copa Airlines are the airlines operating within Colombia and they also fly to other countries in South America and including the USA. Economy tickets for flights between major cities within Colombia can often be purchased at short notice for a reasonable price. We booked our internal flight from Santa Marta to Bogota just a few days before. However, it’s cheaper to book in advance.

We always use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights and got a great deal when we did. Tip! Make sure to search by ‘full month’ to find the cheapest day to travel.

Here are some sample prices:

• Bogota (BOG) to Medellin (any): $16
• Bogota (BOG) to Cartagena (CTG): $28
• Cartagena (CTG) to Medellin (any): $31

International Flights

Avianca is the main international airline operating flights to and from Colombia. Viva Air, and Copa Airlines, other airlines fly international routes to and from Colombia, including JetBlue and Spirit Air. Again, we used Skyscanner to check prices and book our flights with Avianca from London to Bogota.

We also compared prices from Spanish airports, as another traveller tipped us off that sometimes flights are cheaper between the Spanish-speaking countries, although we didn’t find this on our flight search.

Here are some sample flight prices:

• London UK (any) to Bogota (BOG): £288
• New York (any) to Bogota (BOG): $72
• Miami (MIA) to Bogota (BOG): $126

Cost of Eating Out in Colombia

Eating out in Colombia can be extremely cheap if you’re eating local Colombian food. An empanada from a street seller or tienda is usually just COP 1600 / $0.50. They’re tasty and filling, but Colombian empandas are usually deep-fried so you can only eat so many! If you’re in Popayan, don’t forget to try their local speciality of empanadas de pipian (empanadas stuffed with potatoes and served with peanut sauce). Another typical Colombian street food that’s also cheap is arepas, corn pockets usually stuffed with cheese or meat.

Full meals for lunch and dinner tend to cost COP 10,000 – 30,000 for typical Colombian food in a lower to mid-range place. Typical lunch plates ( menu del dia ) are the best deal as you’ll get a full set meal consisting of soup, main plate and a juice for a fixed price.

For a nicer Colombian restaurant or foreign food, you can expect to pay closer to COP 24,000 – 36,000 per person for your meal. We paid this, for example, to eat ramen in Bogota and Korean food in Villa de Leyva.

There are some very high-end, luxury restaurants in Bogota as well but we didn’t go to one. I hear the prices can be very high but that the dishes unfortunately aren’t anything to write home about.

If you’re a bit of a foodie, check out this this social project cooking class in Medellin , this Bogota food tour or this Cartagena tapas tour .

Empanadas de pipian

Cost of Alcohol in Colombia

We’re not exactly party people, but we tried a few different beers and bars out in Colombia. Prices are generally reasonable if you’re drinking Colombian beer. Expect to pay a fair bit extra for craft beers and wine.

Local Colombian beers include Club Colombia, Poker and Aguila, and generally cost COP 3,000 – 5000 ($1-$1.50). They’re all fairly acceptable lagers. For a nicer Colombian beer, go for Bogota Beer Company (BBC) beers instead. They brew different types of beer including light, dark and a honey beer. Expect to pay a little more like COP 7000 ($2).

ATMs in Colombia

Most ATMs in Colombia accept international debit and credit cards. We used our Starling cards whilst travelling in Colombia as they don’t charge additional withdrawal fees at the bank’s end. The maximum withdrawal is generally between COP 300,000 – 720,000, depending on the ATM you use. It’s best to use Banco Popular and Banco de Bogota as they have lower fees of COP 10,500 and allow you to withdraw up to COP 600,000.

Important tip! Colombian ATMs offer you the choice to withdraw money in Colombian pesos or your home currency. Always opt to withdraw in Colombian pesos, as you will get a much better exchange rate.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which help to run Charlie on Travel. None of these links will ever cause you to pay an additional amount. I only link to brands I personally use and like.

Charlie Marchant

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The Unknown Enthusiast

A Colombia Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Colombia Cost in 2024?

Colombia: A South American destination that’s becoming increasingly popular for travelers, thanks to its budget-friendly prices, kind locals, colorful pueblos, and gorgeous landscapes.

What exactly did our Colombia travel budget look like? Well, to date, Colombia has been the least expensive country we’ve ever visited. We operated from an overall mid-range budget – balancing some categories where we tried to economize with some categories where we were happy to spend a little bit more.

So with that in mind, in this article I’m going to detail exactly what we spent in a variety of categories, to give you an idea of how you can plan for your Colombia trip costs.

Where We Visited

We spent 15 days in Colombia and were able to visit four different cities in Colombia: Medellin, Salento, Bogota, and Cartagena . Prices and available activities varied a bit from place to place, so we’ll highlight those so you can better plan your Colombian budget and activities.

When we visited, the dollar was strong against many international currencies, and so we enjoyed a very favorable exchange rate of about 4300 Colombian pesos to 1 US dollar.

While it isn’t always that strong, it is a decently inflated currency, and so their bills are all “mil”, or thousand, in denomination.

In Colombia, Colombian pesos can be represented by either the “$” sign, or by the “COP” abbreviation. (In this article, however, whenever I use the $, it will be referring to USD).

Our Colombia Travel Budget

We kept really careful notes about exactly how much we spent – tracking every last peso that left our wallets. Hopefully this will help you plan out your Colombia travel budget, and get some good ideas for what is worth spending your money on, and where might be some good places to save!

Note : While I do note prices per person throughout this post, when I give the “Total Cost” at the end of each subheading, that cost is for two adults.

Flights will vary depending on where you fly from, but if you’re flying from the US, you can regularly find deals to Colombia for between $200-400. However, in summertime, those prices can easily double.

Since we are always looking for ways to save money on flights, we used credit card points to pay for our flights to Colombia!

Read More: My 3 Part Strategy to Nab Free or Cheap Flights

Accommodations

We stayed in four different hotels or hostals (one in each city) as part of our Colombia trip costs. Generally, we try to be pretty frugal in our hotel costs, as we are spending most of our time out and about and not in the hotel. Still, it’s very important to me that we stay in a nice place that is extremely clean, in a good part of town, and has good Wi-Fi.

• This hotel was located in the quiet and residential Laureles neighborhood. I know it’s super popular to stay in El Poblado in Medellin, but we are not big partyers and preferred the quiet, less touristy area in Laureles.
• The Asturias was a really fantastic property – updated, immaculate rooms, good breakfast, very helpful staff, and in a great location – safe and not too far from downtown. There were also many nice restaurants nearby.
• This hostel is located just outside of the city of Salento, about a 5 minute walk to the main square. This was definitely a hostel – our private bedroom with private bathroom was at the back of a dorm room (which was empty the entire time we were there), and there were animals outside that you could hear really well.
• However, the price was right, the owners were really laidback and chill, and the property in general was nice. The animals were loud, but if you can turn on some white noise and not wake up to the roosters, I’d stay here again.
• I really, really loved this guest house in Bogota. It’s located in a very nice area in the Candelaria district and is within walking distance to the vast majority of the sights in Bogota. It’s in a historic home, which has some character, and you have use of the living room, kitchen, and laundry(!) while you stay. I would for sure recommend this guest house to anyone!
• For a full breakdown of where to stay in Bogota, click here
• Cartagena is for sure more expensive than anywhere else in Colombia, and we really noticed it as we were searching for hotels. This boutique hostel has some dorm rooms, but also a large selection of private rooms with bathrooms. We really enjoyed the cafe aspect of the front reception, the strong AC and Wi-Fi, the rooftop terrace, and the pretty courtyard area. This property is a great value in Cartagena.

Total Cost: $625 for 15 nights, for an average of $41/night

Food + Drink

For breakfast, about half of the time our hotel provided breakfast, and the other half of the time we either went out to a cafe or restaurant for breakfast, or ate some groceries that we bought.

We almost always went out for dinner at a restaurant, and lunch was split between a restaurant, or picking up a variety of street food items. We also picked up drinks, snacks, and the occasional easy meal from the grocery stores.

Typical Street Food Costs

Street food was extremely cheap and very easy to come by. An empanada, pastel, or a cup of fruit ran around 2000-2500 pesos (about 50 cents).

Bakeries were fairly plentiful around Colombia, and you could buy a variety of bread products for around 1000-4000 pesos (25 cents to 1 dollar)

Typical Restaurant Costs

Dinner at a sit-down restaurant usually cost us between $10-15 total for two people. This includes both our meals, plus non-alcholic drinks (such as water, smoothies, juice, or soda). Two noteworthy exceptions were in Cartagena , where we splurged on two dinners at nicer rooftop restaurants – WORTH IT. Those expensive dinners came out to $34 and $27.

Lunch was often similarly priced to our dinner, although usually more in the $5-10 range for two people. At least half the time for lunch, we bought a variety of cheap and easy street food items that ended up counting for “lunch” (e.g. pick up some fruit from this stand, then pick up a sausage over here, and an empanada over there, etc).

Total Cost: We spent approximately 1,633,200 pesos on food over 15 days, which is about $379. This works out to an average of $13 per person per day on food in our Colombia travel budget.

Two Amazing Food Experiences in Colombia

We also did two food activities (that definitely served as our meals those days) that were really fantastic experiences:

This Food Tour in Bogota , where we went to 7 different restaurants in the city to try 7+ different foods and meals traditional to different parts of Colombia. We learned more about the culture and history surroundings some of these foods and regions and ate a lot of really unique and delicious dishes, with really pleasant company. I would highly recommend this food tour to anyone!

This Cooking Class in Cartagena , where we prepared a several traditional Colombian dishes in the kitchen of a local restaurant, learning the process and the tips and tricks to make delights like patacones, coconut rice, and fresh caught red snapper. This was, hands down, one of the most delicious meals we ate in Colombia and a very fun way to spend an afternoon.

(Note: The food total given above does not include the two food experiences mentioned in this section – these are counted in the “Activities” section, below. However, since they do kind of merge between the two categories, I thought it was worth noting here as well).

This category includes beverages we purchased as we were walking around town, and does not include anything we ordered with a meal. As we don’t drink alcohol, these beverages would include things like water, soda, or occasionally juice.

Generally, a water bottle or can of soda on the street cost around 2000-3000 pesos (50-75 cents), and fresh juice was a little bit more – 4000-6000 pesos.

Total Cost: 86,400 COP ($20)

Read More: 34 Traditional Colombian Foods to Eat in Colombia

Colombia Travel Budget: Transportation

Domestic flights.

Due to the hilly and mountainous landscape of Colombia, transportation between cities can take a long time. If you are spending an extended period of time in Colombia, taking a 9 hour bus between Medellin and Bogota might not be a big deal and a good way to save some money. However, domestic flights in Colombia are really inexpensive, and instead of 9 hours of nonstop winding roads, you can arrive in 45 minutes by plane.

TL;DR: If you’re doing a 1-3 week vacation in Colombia, I would recommend you just fly. We had some experience with several of the domestic airline companies in Colombia (EasyFly, Viva Air, Avianca, Wingo, and LATAM are the main ones), and we found Avianca to be the easiest to work with, across the board.

We did three domestic flights in Colombia, and paid 145,000, 215,000, and 220,000 COP ($37, $54, and $55) per person for each leg. This cost included our luggage fees.

Total Cost for Domestic Flights: $285

Taxis/Ride Sharing Apps

By a large margin, taxis were the most common way we got around cities in Colombia. Medellin has a bus and metro system, but the bus system was incredibly confusing and the metro had only a few lines, so it didn’t go everywhere.

In Bogota, there was no metro system, only buses. Again, the bus system was incredibly confusing to us (and we’re really good at figuring out bus schedules!), so we opted for taxis almost exclusively.

Thankfully, taxis are very inexpensive in Colombia – our average cost for a taxi ride was usually around $2-4, with a few rides to and from the airport in Medellin and Salento being much more expensive ($20, $23 and $32).

Ride Sharing Apps

While you can use Uber in Colombia, we found that the cost was actually fairly comparable to what we would be paying a taxi directly.

However, more than Uber, Colombia has local apps. We used Cabify or InDriver, but had a mixed experience with those apps. We did not have good luck with Cabify actually getting us a driver – it would just wait and wait for a driver.

We started to use Cabify to mainly give us an idea of what the ride should cost and then would switch and use InDriver. InDriver has a unique premise where you put in your route and then offer a bid for the drive (which you will pay in cash). Then, drivers can either accept or counter. We had more luck with actually getting a driver through InDriver, although still had several times where no driver would accept the ride.

In general, when we were able to ride through an app, we had really good experiences with the drivers. We had mostly good experiences with taxis we hailed on the street, with a few notable exceptions (one tried to massively scam us, we were pretty sure another driver was high, and with another we had a big miscommunication about the price).

We would often try to get a driver through Cabify or InDriver first, and then if no one was accepting the ride request, we’d just hail someone off the street.

A Few Notes About Using Taxis in Colombia

In Medellin , the taxis all had meters that displayed your price right on the meter. Make sure the taxi driver turns it on before you start going – the meter starts at 3800 pesos.

In Bogota , the taxis all had meters, but the number on the meter correlated to a chart, where you could find the price associated with the number on the meter. This chart should be in every taxi, so you can refer to it and make sure you’re getting charged correctly. Again, make sure the meter is on before you start going – it should start at 28.

In Cartagena , none of the taxis had meters and you had to negotiate the price of the ride. Make sure you agree on a price before you get in the cab! And haggling is acceptable here.

I would also recommend that you always take a picture of the Taxi number before you get in.

Total Cost for Taxis and Ride-Sharing Apps: $198 for 36 rides

Public Transit

While we mainly used taxis or ride shares for our transportation needs, we did also take public transportation at some points. Here are the costs and things to know about these different methods of getting around.

Okay, I said above that we did not really use the bus system in Colombia. A big exception to that is 1) taking day trips from Medellin and Bogota and 2) Going from the Salento to the airport in Pereira.

The bus system between cities is very well-developed, easy to use, comfortable, and inexpensive. For example, the 2 hour journey from Medellin to Guatapé one way cost 14,000 pesos, or just over $3. For these rides, you go to the main bus station in the city to buy tickets and board the bus. These experiences all went smoothly.

Total Bus Cost: 128,600 pesos, or about $30. This budget included round trip Medellin to Guatapé, Bogota to Zipaquira, and Salento to the Pereira bus station (to catch a flight in Pereira). Average price per ticket per leg was $3.

The only place we visited that had a metro line was Medellin. The metro system in Medellin is actually really nice, except for the fact that the lines don’t go everywhere. However, if you are on the line, I would choose metro over taxis everytime.

The first time we rode, we also had to pay for the refillable card, but then we could refill rides onto the same card for no extra charge. Rides were 3000 pesos, or about 70 cents USD.

Total Cost: 18,000 pesos, or $4

This style of transportation was unique to Salento. While you could in theory take taxis to get from Salento to places like the Cocora Valley or the coffee farms, the main form of transportation were the willy jeeps.

There’s a stand in the main square where you can buy tickets for the jeeps, and then you just hop inside or stand on the back and away you go.

Tickets for the jeeps generally cost between 6,000 to 11,000 COP round trip (about $1.50-2.50)

Total Cost: 46,000 COP, or $10

Activities + Entrance Fees

We had a wide range of costs in our Colombia travel budget for the different things that we did. Entrance fees were generally very cheap, whereas the activities/experiences we did definitely ran the bill up a lot more. Here’s a more in-depth breakdown of those costs:

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees varied somewhat between locations, but in general were between $1-6, with a few exceptions.

For example, per person, the Museum of Antioquia in Medellin, which showcases the works of Botero, was 21,000 COP (about $5). The Gold Museum in Bogota was 4,000 COP ($1). The coffee farm tour in Salento was 30,000 COP ($7), and the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral was 78,000 COP ($18). The Convent of Santa Cruz in Cartagena was 13,000 COP ($3).

This category also includes entrance fees for places like climbing the Piedro el Penol rock in Guatapé (10,000 COP – $2), or playing tejo in Salento (12,000 COP – $3).

Total Cost: 895,000 COP ($208)

I have a lot of dedicated articles to different places in Colombia, including many of the specific costs of each place.

• For all the best things to do in Cartagena, click here
• For the best things to do in Salento, click here
• For the best things to do in Bogota, click here
• For a detailed guide to hiking the Cocora Valley, click here
• For all the details on taking a day trip to Guatapé from Medellin, click here

I’m including activities as a slightly different category here, because these things tended to cost a little bit more money.

However, this was such a fun part of our experience in Colombia and definitely worth the cost in our Colombia travel budget. I really loved everything we did and would highly recommend it all. Here’s the breakdown:

• Parasailing in Medellin (including the add-on of a GoPro)
• Comuna 13 Tour in Medellin
• Food Tour in Bogota
• Cooking Class in Cartagena
• Sunset Cruise in Cartagena
• Kayaking in Guatapé (20k COP)

Total Cost: $273

Colombia Travel Budget: Souvenirs

We brought back many items – some for our kids, several for my parents and brother who were watching our kids, and a few small things for ourselves. Of course, what you buy and how much is totally variable and individual to the person, but I’m including some details in this category of our Colombia travel budget, just to give some context.

We bought several pairs of handmade earrings for around 8,000 COP ($2) per pair, plus a necklace for 17,000 COP ($4).

We also bought a really nice platter for my mom (she loves platters and big bowls – we bring her one from most places we visit) for 145,000 COP ($33)

We picked up several nativities carved from rock salt from the Zipaquira salt cathedral for 8,000-30,000 COP ($2-7). There were also a couple colorful little purses for 25,000 COP each ($6) that we purchased for our daughters.

We grabbed a couple of Colombian futbol jerseys for my dad and brother, each for 40,000 COP ($9)

And of course, we brought back a variety of Colombian candy . This was really cheap – less than $4 for a large bag with a variety of candy.

Total Cost : $144

Colombia Travel Budget Extras

This category includes a few miscellaneous things in our Colombia travel budget, both before and during our trip.

Trip Insurance

Securing some travel insurance is an important part of prepping for any international trip – you never know when something might happen, and your regular insurance generally won’t cover you overseas. Costs for a medical emergency on vacation can add up extremely fast, so it’s just better to be safe than sorry. (If covid has taught me anything, it’s that you never know what could happen!)  

I like booking insurance at  Insure My Trip , as they offer a variety of plans with different coverages to choose from, so you can find the right option for you. Plus, they have great customer support if you need help before, during, or after your trip.

👉 Check rates at Insure My Trip here! 👈

Occasionally we had to pay to use the bathroom in Colombia, and it was almost always 1000 COP (about 25 cents) to go. We only had to do this about 4 times, so it’s definitely not a big part of any Colombia travel budget, but I’m including it here mostly as an FYI.

Totals For Our Colombia Travel Budget

I am extremely happy with these totals. We had a great time and did everything that we wanted to do, while sticking to a pretty inexpensive travel budget in Colombia.

Again, I would say this is a lower end of mid-range budget – we ate out plenty, did some fun, more expensive activities, but also chose less expensive accommodations and didn’t spend anything on alcohol.

A Few More Important Things to Note About Colombia Trip Costs

Cash versus card.

While you can use your credit card in some places, you will mainly need to pay in cash in Colombia – we even had to pay cash for a couple of our hotel stays! However, there are ATMs widely available in the country so it’s not hard to find a spot to pull out more money.

When you first arrive in Colombia, I would pull out some pesos at the airport before you head into the city. However, skip the official exchange counters (the exchange rate you get there is terrible ) and find an ATM – you’ll get a much better exchange rate there. Fees weren’t usually too bad, and rates varied between ATMS, but the worst was consistently Bancocolombia. So avoid them if you can.

Another Exchange Rate Travel Tip: If and when you are paying in credit card, always choose to have your card run in pesos (or whatever the local currency is) instead of having them do the transaction in dollars (or whatever your home currency is). You will end up getting a better exchange rate by having your bank do the exchange instead of the merchant.

Can I use USD in Colombia ?

Unlike some countries in Latin America (like Costa Rica , for example), you cannot use US dollars to pay for things in Colombia.

Final Thoughts on Your Colombia Travel Budget

So, is Colombia expensive to visit? Personally, I would say definitely not. I’m very happy with our trip costs in Colombia and felt that we got great experiences for a very reasonable total cost. I hope that helps you in your trip planning for Colombia!

Check Out My Other Colombia Articles:

• 28 Amazing Things to Do in Cartagena (A Travel Guide)
• 34 Delicious Traditional Colombian Foods to Eat in Colombia

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Stephanie is the author of The Unknown Enthusiast. She's visited 21 countries and 37 of the 50 US states (but her first love will always be France). When she's not traveling, she enjoys reading, taking naps, playing games, eating popcorn, and spending time with her husband (Matthew) and 4 daughters. Stephanie lives in Alabama, USA.

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Faqs - booking colombia flights, what are the common layover options for u.s.-to-colombia flights.

The stopover options for flights from the U.S. to Colombia vary depending on your airline, origin, and airport. If you're flying from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Bogota, you may have layovers in Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Miami (MIA), Dallas (DFW), Atlanta (ATL), Orlando (MCO), or Panama City (PTY). Most flights from Chicago's O’ Hare International Airport (ORD) to BOG have one or two layovers in ATL, MIA, PTY, FLL or MCO, depending on your airline.

Is Bogota International Airport accessible?

Yes, the airport is an accessible facility. Passengers with special needs are offered assistance to ensure their travel through the airport is hassle-free. You can request wheelchair assistance services through your airline when you're booking your flight. Also, inform your airline if you will be bringing your wheelchair. The airport also offers accessible bathrooms, elevators, and accessible ground transportation.

How can I get to the city center from Medellin Jose Marie Cordova Airport?

The distance from the airport to Medellin city center is about 14 miles. One of the most affordable ways to get to the city center from the airport is by using a bus. Combuses offers direct buses from the airport every 30 minutes; this takes about 30 minutes to complete the trip to the city center. If you're traveling with lots of luggage, consider getting a taxi. Several taxis are available outside the arrival area and take about 25 minutes to get to the city center.

Are there lounges I can access at Bogota International Airport?

Yes. The airport hosts Eldorado Lounge near Gate 47, close to Terminal 1. The lounge allows passengers to pay at the door whenever space is available. You can also access it through lounge membership programs or by buying a lounge pass. Copa Club, Avianca Sala VIP, and Sala VIP LATAM are also in Terminal 1. These lounges, however, only admit passengers through lounge membership programs.

Do I need a tourist visa to travel to Colombia?

No, there are no visa requirements necessary for US citizens to travel to Colombia. Additionally, US permanent residents from most South American countries do not need one either. All other passport holders should check with their local consulate if one is required.

Can I get a nonstop flight to Colombia?

Yes, you can, because there are nonstop flights from the US to Colombia leaving Orlando Airport (MCO) and Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) via Spirit Airlines and JetBlue. They travel to Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport, Bogota El Dorado Airport, Medellin Jose Marie Cordova Airport and possibly Medellin Olaya Herrera Airport.

Where can I purchase Colombian pesos?

You can buy Colombian pesos at any of the international airports where your flight terminates. Italcambio operates foreign exchange services at Santa Marta Airport while Bancolombia operates a full-service branch out of Cartagena Airport and there are multiple agents at both Medellin and Bogota airports that are authorized to conduct currency transactions. All airports also provide use of ATMs if you prefer.

Which airport is closest to Tayrona National Natural Park?

One of the top tourist attractions in the country, Tayrona National Natural Park is located in the department of Magdalena in northern Colombia. The capital city of Magdalena is Santa Marta, so Santa Marta Airport is ideal if you intend to visit the reserve, which is about 21 mi outside of the city.

How long is the flight to Colombia?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to Colombia takes 6h 05m, covering a distance of 2173 miles. The most popular route is Miami - Medellín with an average flight time of 3h 20m.

What is the cheapest flight to Colombia?

The cheapest ticket to Colombia from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $39 one-way, and $174 round-trip. The most popular route is Miami to Medellín Jose Maria Cordova Intl and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $249.

Which airlines fly to Colombia?

Avianca, United Airlines & GOL fly the most frequently from the United States to Colombia.

What are the most popular destinations in Colombia?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Medellín (42% of total searches to Colombia). The next most popular destinations are Bogotá (27%) and Cartagena (14%). Searches for flights to Cali (8%), to Barranquilla (3%) and to Pereira (2%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to Colombia

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest Colombia flight deals.
• Bogota El Dorado International Airport (BOG) is one of the busiest airports in South America. The airport has two terminals, but most flights from the U.S. use Terminal 1. This is an updated terminal that features barrier-free routes, accessible elevators, and moving walkways right through the boarding gates from check-in.
• If your final destination is around Western Colombia, consider booking your flight to Jose Maria Cordova International Airport (MDE). Of the two airports that handle flights to this region, MDE stands out as it receives a majority of commercial flights from the U.S. Therefore, choosing to fly to this airport will give you more options to choose from.
• Flights from the U.S. to Cali usually land at Cali Alfonso B. Aragon International Airport (CLO). The airport has a single terminal with a domestic and international concourse. Getting around the airport is easy as most facilities are concentrated within the terminal.
• Consider flying into Rafael Nunez International Airport (CTG) if you're headed to Colombia's north Caribbean region. Not only does booking a flight to this airport place you right in the heart of Cartagena, but it also gives you lots of flight options as it handles the largest passenger movement in the region.
• If you’re headed to the country’s capital, Bogota, consider flying with Satena, EasyFly, LAN Colombia, Copa Airlines Colombia, or Avianca to El Dorado Airport. This airport serves as a hub for these airlines.
• If you’re planning a flight from the US to Colombia, flying into Bogota El Dorado Airport (BOG), the capital city of Bogota, is advantageous because it lies in the center of the country and is perfect for exploring the department of Cundinamarca as well as the neighboring areas of Tolima and Meta.
• Northern Columbia borders the Caribbean Sea and is served by several major international hubs including Santa Marta Simon Bolivar Airport (SMR), which provides access to the departments of La Guajira, Magdalena and Cesar, while Cartagena Rafael Nunez Airport (CTG) covers the area of Bolivar, Sucre and Cordoba.
• The western region of Colombia, including the departments of Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda and Choco, are all within striking distance from Medellin, the capital city of Antioquia, which is served by two major airports: Medellin Jose Marie Cordova Airport (MDE) and Medellin Olaya Herrera Airport (EOH).
• Putumayo, Caquetá and Amazonas are the three departments that mark the southern boundary of Colombia and are several hundred miles away from the nearest airport in Bogota. Fortunately, Putumayo Airport (PYO), Gustavo Paredes Airport (FLA) near Florencio, Caquetá, and Vasquez Cobo Airport (LET) in Leticia, Amazonas, are regional hubs where you can get connecting flights from the capital.
• Connecting flights from Bogota Airport are also necessary if you wish to visit the departments along the eastern border of the country. Camilo Daza Airport (CUC) in Cucuta serves Norte de Santander; Santiago Perez Airport (AUC) provides access to Arauca; German Olano Airport lies on the tip of Vichada, and Cesar Trujillo Airport (PDA) is the regional hub for Guainia.

Top 5 airlines flying to Colombia

Copa definitely offers better service and price than other airlines.

This airline doesn’t five and dime you for everything. I do think that a checked bag should be included in every fare.

The seats had plenty of leg room and the staff were very nice.

Copa performed as expected for the amount of money I was willing to spend for the flight; it wasn’t exceptional but it was not bad in any way either. The crew was good; friendly and straightforward. The food was airplane food, so no expectations there and the entertainment was lacking but that was my fault for owning an IPhone with a charging port that’s not compatible with the rest of the world. I’d fly Copa again.

Left my bags in origin city on a business class ticket , spent about 2-3 days in the same clothes plus the flight .

the planes are not modern there are no phone chargers

As usual, the flight with normal legroom was not very comfortable, but the second flight was much better because we had paid for extra legroom. It was very nice to check our bags without an extra fee.

LOCKED MY BAG WITHOUT CONSENT. Had to have my zippers cut upon arrival in Costa Rica.

It was fine. no food or entertainment , but was only a 40 minute flight.

The boading process was fine. Had to wait for bus from tarmac to terminal. Had to go through 2 or 3 security checkpoints in Lima to make next connecting flight.

Routine and on time flight with pleasant stewards and decent food. Nice experience!

The crew was super friendly and respectful, they made me feel well all the fly , thanks delta

Check-in was a total disaster, almos a full hour in the line

On time. At least they offer a drink and a small snack. Plane was clean

You delayed my trip three days for no reason other than your lack of preparedness, did not offer any compensation, including food or a bed. I couldn’t trust you so I moved up my return flight and lost another day at the end of my trip to hopefully make sure I make my next flight. I will never fly LATAM again. You have the worse accountability and reliability and clearly do not care that your clients have lives and what it cost to fly to another country.

Airline lost my luggage and after 20 days it has not been returned nor refunded any money.

I didn't realize they didn't have bathrooms on the plane. Almost had a very bad situation.

Everything was as you would expect in coach - fine. Flight was close to on time.

No choice of meal in first class. Was the worst meal I’ve ever had in first class.

Experience was fine. Seats were cramped, and we had to wait for repairs before we could take of. Even though the door remained open, we were warned that leaving the plane could cause difficulty trying to fly out later. Staff was pleasant, and climate control was fortunately working. We had trouble at the DFW terminal, but I don't think that was AA's fault.

No complaints. Good WiFi, great crew and excellent speedy baggage claim

Excellent accommodating crew at gate and on board. Baggage claim and gate checking were flawless.

temp inside the plane was very hot and could not be adjusted.

The flight crew was fantastic! Which the seats had a small TV.

VERY disappointed at the agent checking in my luggage. I know that the weight limit is 23 kg, a little over 50 pounds (50.71 pounds). Yet the agent kept repeating "50 pounds". So I said, the limit is 23 kg, and she had the audacity to say 'no, it is 22 kg!" Imagine my surprise. Was she ignorant or was she poorly trained? Not sure. The boarding process was pretty good. The speakers were loud enough so I still could hear them despite inconsiderate passengers continuing to speak while the announcements were going on. During the flight, the teenage girl sitting behind me kept pressing her feet to the back of my chair. I turned around several times, yet she did not get the hint. I did not make a fuss since I sense I had a bad streak that night with AA, so I just did the best I can to lean forward and not let that bother me.

There were several different delays but we ended up being delayed a total of 40 mins or so. It was annoying we had a gate change which made it take longer to leave DFW, and we had to check our carry on. Ugh

The foot ottoman cushion was missing on my business class seat.. the hydraulics is on its last leg & seat cushions do not have support or paddling. Heavily dented by butts

The flight was delayed till next day ! They kept delaying every 30 minutes then after 3 hours they delayed it till next day. We kept waiting in line standing more than an hour to get the hotel and meal vouchers. There was no communication at all. Everything was bad

I enjoyed it! In that case, I should have been offered this choice. On my first trip to Miami, I was asked to pay $320 for my luggage just for getting it totally broken. I cannot accept this situation at all!!!!

Be very careful of the initial low price because Avianca wil bill you for a carryon of $120 or a checked bag for $120. Also, be careful with connections because the customs entry process is slow and the connecting terminal is not close.

My whole return flight itinerary, 3 flights, got canceled without any warning to me because I missed one of the earlier flights 3 weeks ago

The connection time is too short to pass through customs and once you do clear customs the connecting flight is in another terminal that is not close.

They charged me $120 to check one bag and then charged me another $120 for a carryon. Ridiculous!

Boarding, crew and food. Seats are too small Love Avianca

Horrible. I have been trying to speak to a representative to know why I was over charged but I get redirected to AI Vianca everytime with no results. Is there an agency that oversees airline gouging? I will never fly or recommend Avianca to anyone not that you care.

Almost we lost our connection from Bogota to Aruba 🥴 Because we get out late from the plane of Medellin

I was surprised that they didn’t offer drinks at least even though it was an international flight.

Kiwi is the worst, I couldn’t flight for work, Kiwi kept 100% of my money (they didn’t even return the taxes) I will not buy with kiwi again

Got on quickly and easily. When it turned out the other two seats in my row would be occupied, a nearby flight attendant immediately let me know that I could move one row behind me since it was an empty row, I moved into the window seat where I could relax enough to take a little nap. Can’t ask for much more.

We had a 40 mins delay, but the pilot was good about keeping up informed. No food/snacks or drinks when u in the air-they have to be purchased. They charge for every single thing .

I’m not a fan of Spirit Airlines from a not-so-good experience the last time & I swore I would not fly this airline again- bc they charge for EVERYTHING. I only flew Spirit this time bc it wasn’t my choice. I decided to use a “Mystery Ticket” bc of the great price, not knowing it would choose this airline! I found out on this trip how they pick a random seat with a “sticker” for a prize-are we in first grade? just doesn’t seem right & now the first 3 or 4 rows get special treatment-we all paid for our tickets, not just them.

particularly nothing to like plane just turned to be a hmm flying bus, yet in buses from another country at least drink and snack are free ... and seat could be just a bit more ..adjustable? ok ok i know i am asking for too much but ..dreaming is not forbidden yet

Fantastic !!! Seamless boarding. Meticulously clean. We left and arrived early.

The flight was delayed, and we waited for more than an hour on the plane.

Comfortable and plenty of. Having to buy water and coffee, though is ridiculous!

Better overall experience from my first flight with Spirit several years ago. Efficient boarding (albeit I arrived after all rows were called) and flight actually left earlier than planned. I am still baffled by being charged for everything, even a non-alcoholic beverage. And there is definitely less seat room which makes a flight that’s more than 2 hours really uncomfortable.

Check in was made easy with the ladies at the luggage. they were fast and so kind. You should pay them more.

This was the best spirit airlines fight I have ever had. I take spirit up to 3 or more times a year and I am ready to be the Jared of spirit. 🤪 Best flight ever. Everyone was great. I hope my return flight is the same. When you're traveling with a 9 month old you need a different type of care and accommodation. I didn't ask the staff for anything but I didn't have any added stress.

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• South America

Colombia Trips and Tours 2024/2025

At the northern tip of South America, Colombia is a vibrant, colourful country. Like hiking? Colombia is home to vast rainforests and the Andes mountains, so there are plenty of trails to tackle. Love cities? Explore the busy streets of Medellin or visit Bogota with its colonial-era feel. Prefer to relax? Spread out on a beach in Cartagena or take a coffee tasting tour.

Scroll to find our best tours to Colombia below.

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Cafe Colombia

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Colombia: Culture, Coffee & Caribbean

Colombia - tour highlights and travel tips.

The only country in South America to enjoy Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, Colombia ranks high in the list of the hottest travel destinations in the world. For a long time, Colombia wasn’t safe for tourists, and this means that travel is quite new to the country. As a result, you can still come across sights and attractions that are relatively unexplored and haven’t been splashed all over the internet.

The vast terrain of Colombia presents all kinds of outdoor explorations that range from diving, rafting, climbing and trekking. San Gil is famous as the adventure capital of the country, and Ciudad Perdida is where you get to enjoy inspired jungle walks. Other things to do during a trip to Colombia include hiking, scuba diving and whale watching.

Tour Highlights

• Take a mud bath at El Totumo Volcano
• Explore the Lost City of Teyuna
• Climb to the very top of the El Peñón inselberg
• Visit the underground Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá
• Cross the bridge at Las Lajas Sanctuary in Narino
• Swim in the lagoons of Tayrona National Natural Park
• See the annual Monarch butterfly migration

Travel Tips

• 'Tranquilo' is the Colombian way of life. Everything and everybody is relaxed, and nothing is rushed. Whether you're lost, late, or panicking, locals will almost always respond with a simple 'tranquilo'.
• Bring your toiletries with you when on a holiday in Colombia. Even something as simple as hair conditioner can be hard to come by in this country. When you do find them, they are often expensive and not of the quality you are used to.
• Tips are usually included in your bill already. If you want to be sure, look for a line that says 'propina' on your receipt.
• Be prepared to pay for 'luxuries' like soap and toilet paper when using public toilets.
• Colombia has a historically bad reputation for drugs and gang violence. However, the country is very safe to visit. Take all the safety precautions you would normally take in any country and you will not experience any problems.

Colombia has seasonal weather so please do check up on the best time to visit Colombia before planning your tour. And if you’re still hunting for more things to do and places to explore in Colombia, do check out our Colombia Travel Guide for more information.

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Colombia trip cost: how expensive is it to travel to Colombia?

• May 1, 2022

Table of Contents

Do you want to know how much Colombia travel budget you need and how to lower Colombia trip cost? Then you are on the right page. In this article, we will explore how expensive a trip to Colombia is and what your daily budget Colombia should look like. We have broken down our findings by type of traveler, so whether you’re looking for budget-friendly or luxury options, you’ll find something here.

We traveled through Colombia for 4 weeks and spent $65 per day on average, so in this article we will share our tips and tricks to help you lower your own Colombia trip cost.

Colombia is one of the cheapest countries to travel through from South America, however the prices vary by location. For example, Cartagena is generally more expensive to visit compared to other places in Colombia.

Before you travel, it is important to have an idea of how much budget for Colombia trip you need. This will largely affect your decision on whether or not to take a trip there and where you should stay while there.

Our tips, categories, and our travel costs to Colombia are based on the journey we made through the central part and the north of Colombia. So keep in mind that when you travel south or east, your Colombia trip cost will likely be lower due to prices are lower in these areas. So start exploring what a trip to Colombia cost.

Colombia travel budget

Good to know if you want to travel with a very tight budget in Colombia that this is possible. You can stay in nice hostels for less than $35 a day, eat at local places and see a lot of the country.

Budget traveler: If you’re on a tight Colombia travel budget and pay close attention to what you spend, $30 – $35 per person a day may be sufficient. You can find great deals in hostels or hotels, enjoy local food and visit the main attractions without spending huge amount of money.

Mid-range traveler: If you want something a little more luxurious, doing a few more expensive activities, or staying in good accommodations, plan a daily budget for Colombia of $35 – $65 per person. This should cover mid-range quality hotels and restaurants as well as some additional activities such as boat trips and visits to local museums.

Luxury traveler: if you stay in the best accommodations in Colombia and you want comfort during your trip in Colombia, you should count on a Colombia budget of +$100 per person per day. This will cover luxurious rooms, premium restaurants with plenty of activities to keep you entertained throughout your Colombia trip cost.

The amounts do not include airline tickets. Prices for airfare can vary quite significantly depending on which airline you choose and when you go. We use Skyscanner to compare prices for different airlines and recommend booking your tickets here in order to make the most of your Colombia trip cost.

Colombia trip cost: Accommodation

If you travel with a tight Colombia travel budget there are several options for budget travelers. First of all, you can choose to stay in hostels and hotels. If you are traveling alone, we recommend staying in hostels so that you can easily meet other travelers. If you are traveling as a couple, it can sometimes be nicer to stay in a hotel. In general, it is cheaper to stay in hostels. You can find in Colombia many hostels where you can stay in dorms or hammocks which is cheap.

Colombia is an affordable destination to travel in South America. Whether Colombia is cheap or expensive depends on what kind of trip you are looking for. If you are traveling with a tight budget, there are plenty of options available for budget travelers.

In general, staying at hostels and hotels is cheaper in Colombia compared to other countries in South America. Sleeping in a dorm will cost you $6 to $15 per night at the more popular hostels. A double room costs between $12 to $48 per night. If you want more luxurious rooms, you will soon pay more than $60 per night.

If you book in advance, it is possible to find cheaper options that will fit your budget. However, accommodation prices can vary widely throughout Colombia – cities like Cartagena are relatively expensive and Bogota is relatively cheap. So if you’re asking “is Colombia cheap?” – the answer really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for and what kind of budget you have. If you plan ahead and book in advance, then it is possible to find affordable accommodations in Colombia. On the other hand, if you’re asking “is Colombia expensive?” – it can be if you don’t plan your trip properly or end up booking expensive accommodation last minute. But overall, Colombia is an affordable destination to explore!

Looking for places to stay? Check our favorite hotels and hostels in Colombia !

Colombia trip cost: Food

Colombian food is a mix of European and Latin American flavors, making it a great cuisine to explore on your trip to Colombia. You’ll find many different restaurants throughout the country, so make sure to try as much of the local fare as possible. Dishes from Colombia mainly consist of corn, beans, chicken, potatoes, meat, and rice. Many Colombian dishes are worth trying, such as sancocho, a hearty soup, or bandeja paisa, a dish featuring rice and beans with pork belly and sausage.

On average, dinner will cost you around $10. For breakfast expect to pay from $3-$7 depending on the restaurant. If you’re looking to save a bit of money on your trip to Colombia, we recommend eating at local places. In general, the food in Colombia isn’t expensive and you can get empanadas for as little as $1. Alcohol is also surprisingly cheap, with beers costing from $1-$2 on average. So overall, how expensive is Colombia? Not very if you looking to how much you will spend on food! You can easily enjoy your trip to Colombia cost without spending a lot of money.

Dishes that you really should try when you are in Colombia are:

• Arepas: The most served side dish in Colombia. It is made from cornmeal and is usually served with corn or butter.
• Ajiaco: A delicious soup consisting of chicken, avocado, potatoes, capers, corn, and sour cream.
• Lechona: This is a roasted pig filled with rice, onions, peas, and herbs. This is often served as a specialty.
• Empanadas: This is a delicious snack that you will find all over South America. The dish is originally from Spain and Portugal. Usually, empanadas are baked and filled with various ingredients.
• Churros: A long-shaped dough that has been fried, really delicious. You see clearly the Spanish influence in this dish. Many Colombians eat this for breakfast.

Do you need help planning a trip to Colombia? Check out our Colombia itinerary for ideas.

Colombia trip cost: Transport

Colombia is a large country, if you want to save costs it is recommended to choose a certain region to discover, which means that travel costs are lower than when you travel through the entire country.

You can find all the transport tickets here at Bookaway . We used Bookaway to book all our bus tickets. They’re easy to use and book with, and we’ve explored the best destinations with their busses.

Often when you travel from one destination to another you have the choice to use the bus or plane. If it concerns long distances, it is best to take a night bus, for shorter distances you can use the normal bus. For this, you need to go to the bus terminal of the relevant location and buy a ticket. All bus companies are fine to use. During our trip we used Bolivariano, Expreso Palmira, Velotax Expreso Brasilia and Ochoa. When you arrive at your destination you can use a taxi to get to the accommodation.

The advantage is that night buses are cheaper than flights, and you also travel while sleeping, so you don’t lose time traveling during the day. It also saves you accommodation costs.

There is almost no information about night buses but between all popular destinations, you can use a night bus, for example from San Gil to Bogota or from Santa Marta to San Gil. You must be present at least 1 hour before the departure of the bus to buy a ticket. On average, a ticket costs $30.

For shorter distances, you can use the regional bus. It is a good way to transport yourself and will cost around $9 for a 2-hour ride. For shorter distances, you can use buses and taxis, which are safe to use in cities like Medellin and Bogota.

We traveled through the central part and the north so it was not necessary to travel all the way to the south. Read our Colombia itinerary if you want to know about it.

If you travel to Colombia by plane and you are looking for a car to rent, you can rent it through Rentalcars . We use Rentalcars when we want to travel by car to discover new destinations. They’re easy to use and book with.

Colombia trip cost: Activities

A trip to Colombia can be affordable if you plan accordingly. You don’t have to spend tons of money to do fun things, as many activities can be done independently. If you follow our Colombia itinerary you will do many excursions. For example, paragliding in Medellin will only cost you $36, a fraction of what it costs in other countries. Similarly, visiting Tayrona National Park in the north costs only $15, tubing in Palomino is $17 and watching the sunrise at San Lorenzo in Minca can cost you just as much. Even rafting in San Gil, which usually costs around $135 elsewhere, comes to only $60 if you plan your Colombia trip right.

Other activities like the Lost City Trek , a 4-5 day hike to Ciudad Perdida, are some of the more expensive excursions. But even then, they are relatively cheaper than other countries and offer an incredible adventure experience. So if you’re looking for how cheap is Colombia as a vacation destination – it’s definitely possible! Just make sure to plan your trip in a way that you can get the most out of it while still keeping costs low.

Usually, the more expensive excursions are very special, which makes them relatively expensive. We always advise not to cut on activities because the activities make a trip incredibly fun and ensure that you see and do a lot.

Colombia trip cost: Miscellaneous

How much you spend on other costs is of course very different per person. Here you can read several points that we always use during our trip and that we recommend.

A travel guide provides you with detailed information about the country, weather, and culture. We always use Lonely Planet. This Colombia travel guide is the best to order.

A water bottle is always handy to have with you. We use a Crazycap , this is a water bottle that kills all bacteria in the water using UV. This allows us to drink tap water anywhere in the world through this bottle. So we never have to buy water and can always drink tap water safely without bothering our stomachs. It is a one-time amount, but in the longer term you have this out.

Finally, you can also buy a sleeping bag , the advantage of this is that you always sleep in “your bed”. If you find it annoying to sleep in unknown beds and do you like hygiene, sleeping in a sleeping bag is a good solution.

Travel insurance

World Nomads travel insurance policies offer coverage for more than 150 activities. Get a quote, make a claim, or buy or extend your policy while on the road.

H ow much did the trip to Colombia cost us per day

How much does a trip to Colombia cost? It depends on where you stay, what kind of food you get, how you get around, and what activities you do. We stayed in nice hotels, ate at restaurants every night, used public transportation and did lots of fun things. Our total Colombia trip costs were:

• Accommodation: $20
• Transport: $12
• Activities: $10

Our Colombia travel costs were in total: $64 per day (amounts have been rounded). This excludes the flight tickets and other costs. The airline tickets were $1100 for us. Our trip has cost in total per person: 25 (days) x $65 + #1100 = $2725.

We always stayed in nice hostels/hotels, enjoyed eating at local and hip restaurants, and did all the activities we wanted to do.

Accommodation : If you want to travel cheaper than we did, that’s possible. We always stayed in a private double room, if you stay in a dorm you will save money. Don’t choose ‘too’ cheap accommodations because these are often located outside the center and the facilities of these places are not good.

Food : Most of the time it is recommended to book breakfast at the accommodation, on this list you can see our recommended accommodations that offer this. As a result, you spend a lot less money than when you have breakfast in a restaurant. You can also save on food costs by eating at local restaurants. Finally, you can save costs by cooking your food during your trip.

Transportation : If you visit a certain area in Colombia, if you use the night buses instead of the plane, your transport costs will be lower than ours. We only knew after two domestic flights that it was possible to take night buses in Colombia.

Activities : When you follow the articles we have written about Colombia you will see that there is a lot to do in Colombia without the need to spend a lot of money. Recommended is not to cut down on activities. After all, you are going to travel to Colombia to see and do things right?

Trip to Colombia cost FAQ

How much is a trip to colombia.

Traveling through Colombia is inexpensive. For example, for a mid-range traveler, a 3-week trip through Colombia costs $1744 per person (if you are traveling as a couple). This is when you fly from the United States to Bogota or Medellin.

For accommodation, food, transport, and activities you spend 21 days x $64 on average = $1344. The flight costs are on average $400 per person.

How much money should I take to Colombia?

Are you planning a trip to Colombia and wondering how much money to bring? The amount of money you need to bring depends on several factors, including the length of your trip and your itinerary. We recommend to bring 4x of your expected daily budget Colombia. If you are a budget traveler this is $140 ($35 x 4). for a mid-range traveler this is +/- $260 ($65 x 4), and for a luxury traveler $400 ($100 x 4).

This allows you to pay for the first expenses when you arrive, such as the bus, taxi, food, and accommodation. Then you have to go to the bank and withdraw money. Exchange rates are a lot better than when you exchange money at home. So it is advisable not to take to much money to Colombia.

How much money to take to Colombia for a week?

The amount of money to take to Colombia for a week depends on various factors such as your spending habits, itinerary, and travel style.

Shorter holidays are usually more expensive than longer ones. This is because airfare is spread over fewer days. People often want to do a lot in a short time, so transportation costs are higher. For budget traveler $55, mid-range traveler $90, and luxury traveler $140 per day is a good amount to budget for vacations. So based on the type of traveler you need to take for a week vacation to Colombia: budget travelers $385, mid-range traveler $630, and luxury traveler $980. You don’t need to bring money for your plane tickets as they have been already paid.

How much does it cost to go to Colombia for two weeks?

How much does it cost to go to Colombia for two weeks? Is Colombia expensive? The short answer is – it depends on what you’d like to do and your travel style. Generally speaking, if you are a mid-range traveler, a two-week trip in Colombia will cost +/- $1800 per person if you are traveling as a couple.

We spent $64 on accommodation, food, transport, and activities, but going for two weeks means you’ll want to see and do things in a shorter period, so the average cost is higher. That’s why you spend $85 per person per day.

For accommodation, food, transport, and activities you spend 14 days x $85 = $1590. The flight costs are approximately $400 per person.

How to visit Colombia on a budget?

It is not difficult to make a great trip through Colombia with a limited budget. For this, you need to do the following things to spend +/- $33 per day.

Stay at hostels in dorms or a hammock. In addition, book the accommodations well in advance, giving you a lot of choices to select budget-friendly hostels. When you do this you will spend +/- $8 per day.

To save on food, it is recommended to book a hostel where breakfast is included. This means you only have to buy food in the afternoon and evening. Eat where the locals eat, this is cheaper and often tastes better. You can save a lot of money if you cook your food. When doing this you spend $12 per day on food expenses.

For transport, it is recommended to visit a certain area in Colombia so that distances are as short as possible. You can also choose to visit only a limited number of destinations so that the transport costs remain low. If you do this, $5 per day is enough.

Of course, sometimes you need to buy an entrance ticket for something, but in general, you can keep these costs quite low. This is because you can do many activities independently in Colombia. For activities, $8 per day should be sufficient.

Is Colombia expensive to visit?

Colombia can be an affordable destination for travelers visiting the country. The cost of travel largely depends on your travel style, itinerary, and spending habits. On average, backpackers and budget travelers can plan to spend around $400 to $650 per week. This amount should cover essential expenses such as accommodations, meals, and transportation.

Compared to other South American countries like Brazil or Argentina, Colombia is generally considered a more budget-friendly destination. However, some areas like Cartagena or the coffee region can be more expensive. If you’re traveling during peak season or major holidays, prices for accommodation and activities may be higher. It’s always a good idea to do research ahead of time and create a budget that factors in your preferred activities and destinations.

Overall, Colombia is definitely an affordable country to visit. With some planning and budgeting, you can enjoy the vibrant culture, friendly locals, and stunning natural beauty that Colombia has to offer without spending huge amount of money.

The Colombia vacation cost isn’t high if you know what to do. Now that you know this, you come to the next point in preparation for your trip: drawing up your travel route through Colombia. To help you on your way, we have put together a travel route through Colombia in which you will see all the highlights. For each destination, there is an article in which you can read everything in detail if you want to know more. Click here to open it: Colombia itinerary .

You can combine this itinerary with our article “ 21 best accommodations in Colombia ” to book the best hotels and hostels. All you have to do is to book and your preparation is ready!

If you want to know more about Colombia and want to prepare yourself well, it is recommended to read this Colombia travel guide . You can read what the best period is to visit Colombia, what the best places are to visit, how safe Colombia is to travel to, which items you need to bring, and other useful information.

What do you think of our Colombia budget tips? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Disclaimer: the prices mentioned in this article may differ from the current situation. We regularly update our articles. Would you like to help us to provide to best possible insights to help other travelers leave a comment with the latest information. Thanks!

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Hello, we are Cynthia & Alexander, the team behind Travel Your Memories! Traveling is our passion. When it comes to exploration, we love sharing our tips and adventures to inspire you. Welcome to Travel Your Memories, where we share our love for travel with you! Read our story .

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Steff Colombia travel expert at TourRadar

Colombia Express

“We are happy. The best service for the team.” yanqing xia, traveled in June 2023

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year
• Explore the vibrant city of Medellín
• Tour a coffee farm in the Calarcá area
• Stay in a traditional hacienda in Armenia

Caribbean Colombia Express

“It covers a lot of Colombia with a wide level of experience and knowledge shared with the group.” Jacob Iles, traveled in September 2022

• Hike through Tayrona National Park with a guide
• Meet your CEO and group upon arrival
• Visit the indigenous Katanzama community

Explore Colombia

“Colombia was a wonderful country to explore, and I felt that this itinerary gave me a very varied insight into its culture.” Erin M, traveled in January 2019

• Be captivated by the colonial-era buildings of Bogota
• Laze on the palm-fringed Caribbean shoreline
• Go on an unforgettable hiking adventure at Tayrona

Colombia Uncovered

“His professional, relaxed and do anything for you attitude was incredibly welcoming and made the trip a breeze.” Francisco Albert, traveled in August 2023

• Make a splash island hopping and riding the waves
• Swap city life for the jungle in search of waterfalls
• Admire colonial architecture in Cartagena over a cocktail

Cafe Colombia

“Budget minded but still able to enjoy much of the country. Engaging with locals.” Rajat G, traveled in January 2019

• Food & Culinary
• Wind the adventure up with a spell in romantic Cartagena
• Be beguiled by the laidback pace of charming Salento
• Learn how to roast the perfect blend at a coffee plantation

Excellent. Thanks ☺️

Not much in the way of wildlife, but plenty of beaches.

Awesome trip, great staff~

Andes Mountains

Embark on an unforgettable adventure to the Andean Mountains, the longest continental mountain range in the world. Hike the legendary Inca Trail, witness the otherworldly Rainbow Mountain, and explore the ancient citadel of Machu Picchu.

Caribbean Coast Colombia

Discover Caribbean Coast Colombia adventures visiting places like Santa Marta and Tayrona National Park. Most travellers enjoy exploring our Caribbean Coast Colombia trips in June, making it the most popular time of the year.

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta

Discover amazing wildlife and landscapes in Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta. Most travelers enjoy exploring our Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta adventures in November, making it the most popular time of the year.

Amazon in Colombia

Explore the vibrant heart of Colombia's Amazon. Paddle down the Amazon River, connect with indigenous tribes, and spot pink river dolphins. Wander through lush rainforests teeming with unique wildlife. A must-do for every nature lover.

More exciting destinations:

Fully Guided

Select from our extensive range of 174 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Colombia with our expert guides leading the way.

Find the perfect tour for your family, catering to all ages with over 174 family tours available in Colombia.

An Explorer tour in Colombia promises thrilling adventures and diverse landscapes. Colombia's vast and varied terrain offers great opportunities for hiking, biking, and discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations, ensuring an exhilarating and unforgettable journey.

Choose from over 174 cultural tours and explore historical sites, local traditions and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Colombia.

More travel styles:

"Everything was well, thank you….

G Adventures is an expert in:

"This was an amazing itinerary! I was a single female traveler and felt safe at all times. I had the best group guide Martin, who was super friendly, knowledgeable & went above and beyond to show us a great time. I have a lot of dietary restrictions & Martin really tried his best to accommodate me, I am so grateful. Unfortunately I had an emergency & had to leave on day 4 so my trip was disrupted. I would love to return to Columbia in the future. This was an action packed itinerary. I highly recommend this tour & tour guide Martin to anyone who is active & loves to explore.

Intrepid Travel is an expert in:

"Jose was the best tour guide you could ask for on a trip through Colombia (or any trip for that matter). His professional, relaxed and do anything for you attitude was incredibly welcoming and made the trip a breeze. He truly cares about each and every person on the trip and to ensure everyone enjoyed themselves. His Spanish was instrumental navigating the country with all non native speakers. Can’t recommend Jose enough and consider him a long time friend now moving forward. Give him a raise!

TruTravels is an expert in:

Choose the city in Colombia you want your tour to start in:

Browse the best budget and luxury tours in Colombia that will take you through unmissable places like Bogota and Cartagena.

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• Itineraries between 3 days and 29 days
• Starting from €111 per day

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Visit Colombia with fewer travelers, ensuring more immersive activities

• Itineraries between 3 days and 23 days
• Starting from €114 per day

Personalized

Customize your Colombia itinerary to match your interests and pace

• Starting from €108 per day

Visit Colombia with your own group or solo

• Starting from €99 per day

Colombia tours for everyone

Discover unforgettable adventures designed for all ages! Whether you're young or young at heart, our adventures offer excitement and wonder for everyone.

• September 2024 120 tours
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• August 2025 76 tours

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Colombia Travel Advisory

Travel advisory january 2, 2024, colombia - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with updates to the country summary.

Reconsider travel due to  crime  and  terrorism . Exercise increased caution due to civil unrest  and  kidnapping . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to:

• Arauca, Cauca (excluding Popayán), and Norte de Santander departments due to crime and terrorism.
• The Colombia-Venezuela border region due to crime, kidnapping, and risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela from Colombia.  

Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, assault, and armed robbery, is widespread. Organized criminal activities, such as extortion, robbery, and kidnapping, are common in some areas.

Terrorist groups and criminal organizations continue operating and carrying out attacks in Colombia. They may attack with little or no warning, targeting transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, police stations, military facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, airports, other public areas, and U.S. government facilities.

Demonstrations occur regularly throughout the country and can be about a variety of political or economic issues. They can shutdown roads and highways, often without prior notice or estimated reopening timelines. Demonstrations and road closures may significantly reduce access to public transportation and may disrupt travel within and between cities. Protests can become violent and can result in fatalities and injuries.

U.S. direct-hire government employees must adhere to the noted restrictions:

• They are not permitted to travel by road between most cities.
• Colombia’s land border areas are off-limits to U.S. government personnel unless specifically authorized.
• They may not use motorcycles.
• They may not hail street taxis or use public buses.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Colombia.

If you decide to travel to Colombia:

• Avoid protest areas and crowds.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Colombia.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Arauca, Cauca, and Norte de Santander Departments – Level 4: Do Not Travel

Violent crime, including armed robbery and homicide, is widespread. Terrorist groups are active in some parts.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens as U.S. government-personnel travel to these areas is severely restricted due to security concerns.

Colombia - Venezuela Border – Level 4: Do Not Travel

U.S. citizens are advised not to travel to the border of Colombia and Venezuela. U.S. citizens are at risk of detention when crossing into Venezuela.

The Colombia-Venezuela border is not clearly marked, and U.S. citizens should not go near the border due to the risk of crossing into Venezuela accidentally.

U.S. citizens attempting to enter Venezuela without a visa have been charged with terrorism and other serious crimes and detained for long periods. For more information, see the Venezuela Travel Advisory.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Travel Advisory Levels

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Mexico Family Holiday

7 days | get beyond the beaches on a family-friendly yucatan adventure.

Take the kind of tropical holiday your kids will talk about for years on this 7-day Yucatan adventure that takes you from the sunny beaches to lush cenotes, lost ruins and bustling cities along the way. Discover the culture and history of the Maya at Chichen Itza and Tulum; take a dip in the turquoise waters of a cenote at Yokdzonot; try your hand at tortilla-making with a Maya family and watch the flamingos paint the sky pink at the Celestun Bird Sanctuary. There’s so much more to Mexico than beaches and palm trees, and this family-friendly trip gets you to all of it.

Trip overview

• Revel in the beach vibes of Playa del Carmen.
• Explore ancient Maya ruins and pyramids at Tulum and Chichen Itza.
• Discover the charm of Merida’s leafy plazas, captivating museums and vibrant city streets.
• Meet local Maya families and learn how to make your own tortillas and dine on a pibil feast baked underground.
• Swim in the crystal-clear fresh waters of a cenote, one of many that some say were formed by the same asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs.
• Mexico's tropical climate can get really hot and humid. Wear loose clothing and always carry plenty of water with you and stay hydrated, especially on walking tours.
• Try to learn as many Spanish words as you can. Locals are very friendly, but also shy, so you'll need to make plenty of effort to break the ice. Attempting to communicate in Spanish is a great way of showing you care.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Welcome to Playa del Carmen, Mexico! A great destination for families, you may like to arrive early and explore the local area and some of the many activities on offer. Go snorkelling among the mangroves, relax on white sandy beaches or perhaps take a ferry across to Cozumel to experience some of the fantastic diving on offer. At 5pm you'll meet your group leader for an important welcome meeting at the hotel before heading to a nearby restaurant for an included dinner and the opportunity to get to know the other families travelling in your group.

• Hacienda Maria Bonita or similar (1 night)

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details for each member of your family. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Today, you’ll head down the coast for a daytrip to the Tulum archaeological site, the sprawling walled grounds of a well-preserved ancient Maya city backed by the Caribbean Sea. Tulum was one of the last cities built and inhabited by the Maya and stood at the height of its progress during the 13th and 15th centuries and stood for about 70 years after the Spanish occupation began. Get the lay of the land on a guided tour with your leader in the morning, and then spend the afternoon either at the beach or stay in town to perhaps rent some bikes and explore. Return to Playa del Carmen later in the day for a free evening to spend how you’d like.

• Tulum - Archaeological Site (incl. entrance & national park fee - no guide)

Today’s driving time is approximately 2 hours total.

Head inland today to Izamal, stopping first at Laguna Chabela where you’ll meet a local Maya family with deep roots in this small town. On a tour of their farm, you and the kids will see what they grow and learn how they live off the land. You’ll even get the chance to learn how to make Coba-style tortillas and enjoy a traditional lunch.

Onwards to Izamal, you’ll pretty quickly understand why some call it the City of Yellow as you arrive among the many yellow ochre buildings. Take in the town on an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy some free time to explore the town further or have a swim at the hotel.

• Hotel Tuul or similar (1 night)
• Laguna Chabela - Mayan homestead visit
• Laguna Chavela - Tortilla making demonstration
• Laguna Chavela - Home cooked lunch
• Izamal - Leader-led orientation walk

Today’s driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.

Today it's onwards towards Merida, the vibrant capital of the state of Yutacan.  Merida bridges very different cultures, which can perhaps be best absorbed from the city’s focal point – the Plaza de la Independencia. Here you are surrounded by colonial-era buildings, many of which were built with stones from the Maya temples that were here before. Join your leader for an orientation walk and stop to buy some sweet marquesitas from a street vendor. Native to Merida, this crepe-like pastry is filled with caramel, jam, chocolate or cheese and rolled up like a taco. Delicious! This rest of the day is free for you to enjoy as you like. 

• Hotel Dolores Alba or similar (1 night)
• Merida – leader led orientation walk

Today’s driving time is approximately 1 - 1.5 hours.

After breakfast, we travel west to the Gulf of Mexico coast and take a boat ride to visit the Celestun Bird Sanctuary and Biosphere reserve, home to vast flocks of flamingos and herons. The area is well-known as the first stop of the migratory path of birds heading from North to Central America. If visiting at the right time, you're likely to witness thousands of flamingos painting a pink streak across the landscape. A truly magnificent sight especially with the coconut trees lining the shore of the beachhes nearby. Once you return to Merida, you’ll have some free time to relax. Perhaps take a swim in the hotel pool or embark on one last walk around the town.

• Merida - Celestun Biosphere Reserve tour

December to March is the best season to observe flamingos.

Today’s driving time is approximately 3 hours total.

This morning we say farewell to Merida to make the return to Playa, but not without a stop at Chichen Itza, UNESCO World Heritage Site and possibly the most famous Maya temple site in all of Mexico. Marvel at the temple of Kukulkan standing high over the ruins, then explore the nearby ‘ball court’. Disputes were typically settled here by way of a ball game that only used the elbows, hips and wrists – stone carvings depicting violence suggest that it wasn’t a casual or friendly sport.  After your visit, you will get to know a local family over a special lunch in the town of Piste. Here you will enjoy a pibil feast, a traditional Maya style of cooking that involves wrapping food in banana leaves and barbecuing it underground.

Today you will also get the chance to cool off and swim in one of the many hidden cenotes – natural sinkholes created when underground limestone collapses and exposes the groundwater beneath, which are dotted all over the Yucatan peninsula. It’s believed that the peninsula’s vast network of sinkholes responsible for these cenotes is a result of an asteroid that crashed here over 66 million years ago, the same one also believed to have wiped out the dinosaurs. What makes the cenote we visit so special, apart from the lush greenery that surrounds it, is that it was developed by a group of local Mayan women as a sustainable and communally owned source of employment for people in their local community. 

• Chichen Itza - Home-cooked pibil lunch
• Yokdzonot - Cenote visit and swim
• Chichen Itza - Archaeological site (entrance fee, no guide)

Today’s driving time to Chichen Itza is approximately 2 hours, and onwards to Playa del Carmen approximately 2.5 hours.

Today marks the final day of your Mexico adventure and you’re free to depart with your family at any time. If you need another day by the beach, consider booking additional accommodation. Alternatively, the airport in Cancun is approximately a 1-hour drive away and we can pre-book a departure transfer for you and your family.

6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner

Private Mini Bus

Hotels (6 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. 2. Minimum age: 5 years old. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian. 3. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 or younger at the time of travel.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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Troubadour Apex Compact Backpack 3.0 review: I’ve found my new favourite bag

I've found my perfect backpack

Slightly smaller than the regular Apex 3.0, this backpack from Troubadour strikes a perfect balance between design, comfort and practicality. I think it looks fantastic and the materials used give the impression this is a bag that’ll last and last. Neat details include an AirTag pocket and a handy bit of storage for your phone or passport in the shoulder strap. Troubadour bags are not cheap, but in the Apex 3.0 Compact you’ll find a backpack that comfortably sits among the very best we’ve ever used.

High quality

Excellent design

Comfortable

Exterior zips aren’t full-length

Lighter colours need more cleaning

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

When I reviewed the regular Apex Backpack 3.0 by Troubadour earlier this year, I described it as “almost perfect”. I loved the design, the quality and the comfort but I found it to be slightly too large, too bulky and, in the all-black colourway, a bit too businesslike.

Fortunately, I knew how all of these concerns could be addressed, and I’m pleased to report that the slightly smaller ‘compact’ version, newly available in a very pale blue colour Troubadour calls scree, is everything I look for in a premium backpack .

Troubadour Apex Compact Backpack 3.0 review: Price and availability

At £225, this is still very much a premium backpack, and it’s just £20 cheaper than the full-size Apex 3.0. But you get a lot for your money, as I’ll dive into through the rest of this review. It's available to buy at Troubadour and select retailers, like Amazon .

Colour options at the time of writing include black, navy and ‘Air Force Blue’. Troubadour tells me new colours including Basalt, Scree and Livid Green, plus a two-tone colourway called Green Smoke & Obsidian Green, will be available in the coming weeks (as of September 2024). Basalt and Scree will be coming to the original, full-size Apex 3.0 too.

Troubadour Apex Compact Backpack 3.0 review: Design and features

The Compact is exactly the same as the regular Apex 3.0, apart from being slightly smaller in every dimension. The full-size bag measures 48 x 32 x 15 cm, has a capacity of 25 litres, weighs 1 kg and can carry laptops up to 17 inches. The Apex 3.0 Compact measures 41 x 29 x 14 cm, has a capacity of 16 litres, weighs 0.9 kg and can accommodate laptops up to 16 inches. Both bags fit inside easyJet’s small cabin bag limit, but even the Compact is slightly too large for RyanAir’s free baggage allowance (40 x 20 x 25 cm).

Just like the regular Apex 3.0, the Compact is made from a waterproof fabric called FortiWeave, which is spun from recycled plastic bottles. It feels incredibly hard-wearing while still having the sort of premium texture you’d expect from a £225 backpack. There’s a nice bit of vegan leather trim above the rear zip, adding a pleasing bit of contrast to the external aesthetics, and the handle has a rubber inner that makes it both comfortable and sturdy.

The bag has a pair of elasticated bottle pockets that sit flush against the bag when empty, and a zipped pocket on the front that has a soft lining that is sure to keep your phone and sunglasses safe.

Inside this pocket there’s a small pocket for an AirTag (although I wish Troubadour wouldn’t decorate it with the message ‘Track with AirTag’, since that’s just asking a thief to remove your Apple tracker), and a handy clip for attaching your keys.

The rear of the bag has a slot for attaching it to the handle of a cabin suitcase , plus three large areas of padding. These make the bag very comfy (and keep your laptop safe in the rearmost compartment), while the deep grooves between them help keep your back ventilated. The rearmost compartment has a dedicated slot for a laptop, plus another for a tablet, then a further space for items like magazines or an eBook reader .

Before we dive into the main compartment, I need to talk about the shoulder straps. They are slightly stiffer than those used by most other backpacks, and at first they feel a bit strange, almost like you’re strapping on a parachute. But you’ll soon realise they are incredibly comfortable, despite being a little bulky, and I love how the excess lengths of adjustable strap are tethered to themselves, so they don’t dangle loose.

The left-hand shoulder strap has an integrated zipped pocket, which expands to neatly fit your phone, wallet or passport. It’s an incredibly convenient place to put such items, especially when passing through an airport, but I struggled to get used to the feeling of my phone being pressed to my chest. Although I prefer my phone in my trouser or jacket pocket, the shoulder strap is still a great place for a passport while travelling.

Open the Compact and you’ll find the interior layout is the same as the full-size Apex 3.0, but slimmed down slightly. This means there are five pockets, two of which are zipped, plus a pen/stylus holder. The pockets are all neatly arranged and their various sizes makes them handy for carrying a broad range of items.

Then of course there’s the main interior space itself, which benefits from a broad, flat floor that holds its shape even when the bag is empty. This sounds like a small detail, but it means the bag stands up on its own – and anyone who commutes on busy trains or spends their lives queuing at airports will appreciate this, since the Apex 3.0 Compact can be placed by your feet without falling over.

Troubadour Apex Compact Backpack 3.0 review: Performance

I’ve used the Apex 3.0 Compact for a couple of weeks now. It has accompanied me on trips to the shops, journeys into London for work and on a couple of overnight stays away from home. For me, this bag is the perfect size. I know such a parameter is entirely subjective, but for my use case it offers the ideal balance between capacity and portability.

It is comfortable, even when full, and takes heavier items like laptops in its stride, while retaining its sleek shape and feeling like it is made to last. The pale colour of this particular example is likely to attract dirt and stains over time, more so than a black bag, but a quick and occasional clean should see to that.

I love the attention to detail Troubadour has poured into this bag. For example: The pocket on the shoulder strap has two pairs of magnets that snap it closed when it’s not in use, stopping the lining from looking untidy. Being that bit smaller than the regular Apex 3.0 also means it’s safe to use with most budget airlines, since it’ll fit under the seat.

Troubadour Apex Compact Backpack 3.0 review: Verdict

I’ve used a lot of bags over the years. From messenger and shoulder bags , to laptop briefcases and all manner of backpacks. Each has its pros and cons, but this is the first time I’m willing to describe a bag as perfect. It’s the right size and the right design, with a good selection of pockets and a great range of colour options. It's clear Troubadour pays as much attention to aesthetics as practicality and comfort.

I also like the materials Troubadour has used, and I feel the price is justified even when typical luxury fabrics like genuine leather are shunned in favour of vegan and recycled alternatives. If you have the budget you will not be disappointed.

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Alistair is a freelance automotive and technology journalist. He has bylines on esteemed sites such as the BBC, Forbes, TechRadar, and of best of all, T3, where he covers topics ranging from classic cars and men's lifestyle, to smart home technology, phones, electric cars, autonomy, Swiss watches, and much more besides. He is an experienced journalist, writing news, features, interviews and product reviews. If that didn't make him busy enough, he is also the co-host of the AutoChat podcast.

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