Colombia trips & educational tours

Colombia trips: Explore a world of diversity

A stunning array of wildlife. An eclectic mix of Indigenous cultures. Arguably the friendliest people on the planet. And, a chance to make meaningful and sustainable connections with local communities. It’s no surprise that Colombia is on the rise as an educational and adventure travel destination.

Declared one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, Colombia trips include adventures to snowy peaks, sprawling rainforests, deserts, and Caribbean islands. Meanwhile, city lovers can experience the transformation of communities in Bogota and Medellin, whose streets bristle with color, flair, and music.

Popular student trips in Colombia

Popular Colombia trips for adult groups

Colombia trip information

Quick details about Colombia

Electric voltage: 110V/60hz.

Currency: Peso.

Language: Spanish.

Telephone: +57 (number minus 0).

Hygiene: We recommend using hand sanitizer during the trip. Water in Medellin is safe to drink but in other places, we advise against it. When water is not potable we will provide it for you to fill up your reusable bottles.

Toilets: Never flush toilet paper. The pipes are narrow and the water pressure is weak, so toilets can’t cope with it. A wastebasket is normally provided.

ATMs: ATMs charge so try to use travel-friendly debit cards like Monzo.

Visas: You will receive a 90-day travel visa upon entering Colombia.

Vaccinations: Please visit this page for information on vaccinations https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/colombia.

Best places to visit

The best Colombia tours for adventure travelers are likely to include the mountain range of La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta on the Caribbean coast. Here you will find rugged coastlines and one of the best treks in Latin America – the Lost City. Other must-see destinations include the coffee region, where you can hike in Los Nevados National Park, and el Cocuy – a little-known trekking gem in the Boyaca region northeast of Bogota. Travelers who want to experience the Spanish colonial era should head to Cartagena and its UNESCO-listed historical center.

But don’t just stick to the tourist trail. Some of the best places to visit on the Caribbean coast fly under the radar, such as the quiet fishing village of La Boquilla and the nearby Cienaga swampland with mangrove forests. Colombia’s interior also boasts fantastic travel opportunities with Medellin, Bogota, and Cali the best cities to visit.

Medellin is a particular favorite and here you will find communities that are experiencing dramatic changes thanks to innovative social enterprises and foundations. Couple this with world-class coffee and exotic fruit juices and it becomes a trip to remember.

7 must-do activities in Colombia

Tackle the Lost City trek near Santa Marta.

Taste the finest coffee beans in the world in Colombia’s Eje Cafetero.

Explore the street art scene in Medellin, Colombia’s City of Eternal Spring.

Hike the snowy peaks of the rarely-visited El Cocuy National Park.

See migrating humpback whales on the Pacific coast.

Go dancing in Cali, Colombia’s salsa capital.

Explore world-class street art in Colombia’s capital, Bogota.

Colombia travel - good books

Fancy an entertaining read about Colombia travel and epic journeys? Check out these fantastic books.

– Tom Feiling – Short Walks from Bogotá

– Hector Abad – Oblivion

– Charles Nicholl – The Fruit Palace

– Gabriel Garcia Marquez – 100 Years of Solitude, Love in the Time of Cholera, News of a Kidnapping, or any of his novels or short stories.

Getting around Colombia

By air:

Colombia’s major airline is Avianca with LATAM and Wingo also providing connections between certain destinations. Make sure to check out despegar.com and vuelosbaratos.com for cheap flights. Use a Colombian computer if possible, as foreign IPs are charged more. It is also worth flying midweek to avoid higher prices.

By land:

Feel like getting to grips with the Colombian terrain? Then a bus ride is just around the corner. All major cities and towns are linked by regular bus routes offering varying comfort and convenience. Usually, buses aren’t fully booked and tickets can be bought from the city terminal. However, if you are planning a long trip and would like to be sure of a seat, you can pre-book at the terminal or online. The best, most reliable companies are: Bolivariano, Flota Occidental, Brasilia, and Expreso Palmira.

Colombia travel in cities

Once in a town or city, buses and taxis are the main source of transportation. Medellin boasts the only metro service in Colombia, all the other cities rely on buses, which often have their own lanes separate to traffic. Tickets for these services can be bought from the station before you enter the bus. Taxis are a good, cheap option and the app Cabify is useful for ensuring a safe ride.

National holidays in Colombia

Colombia is one of the countries with the most national holidays in the world – 18 in total. Even locals aren’t always sure of the origins of some of them, but they never miss the chance to enjoy free time with family and friends. However, there’s no confusion about the importance of the July 20 holiday – Independence Day. In 1810, Colombia declared independence from Spanish rule and became the Republic of Colombia. What better excuse for a party and some dancing? The celebrations include parades, marches, and, of course, late-night boogying across the country.

Colombia travel guides

If you are looking for a Colombian travel guide to take around you need look no further than Lonely Planet or Bradt. If you are keen to stay online then afar.com has a well-written, comprehensive guide to the country.

Sustainable hotels in Colombia

Colombia has a range of options for responsible travelers. In Bogota, BioHotel Organic Suites is a good option and is located near Parque 93. A similar hotel whose ethos is to reduce its carbon footprint is TerraBio Hotel in Medellin. One of the most sustainable accommodations in Latin America lies in Colombia’s coffee zone, in the village of Salento. Kasaguadua is a series of domes made out of recycled material that are designed to eliminate impact on the surrounding environment. As an example of their sustainability policies, they don’t use shampoos that contain microplastics, and they source all food locally. You can check out this fantastic sustainable venture with a live Kagumu webinar.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to travel to Colombia?

Colombia has been welcoming more and more tourists every year, with almost 30% more visitors in 2023 compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019. While some remote areas of the country and border regions with Venezuela and Ecuador are best avoided, all the destinations we operate in are considered very safe. Our highly knowledgeable and responsible Kagumu guides ensure that every traveler enjoys an enriching yet secure experience while exploring Colombia’s incredible biodiversity, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming communities.

Do I need a visa to visit Colombia?

The majority of visitors do not need a visa to enter Colombia and will receive a stamp for 90 days as a tourist when they arrive. You do not need to apply beforehand for the visa, you’ll only have to show your passport at immigration. If you wish to stay longer, you can extend your stay by 90 days. There are some exceptions to the visa rule and the residents of the countries that are not permitted to enter or that need to apply can be found here – https://www.cancilleria.gov.co/en/procedures_services/visa/requirements.

What language do they speak in Colombia?

Spanish is the official language of Colombia, with dozens of indigenous languages also spoken in many parts of the country. In major cities, many people also speak English, especially the younger generation.

Is Colombia a cheap place to visit?

Due to a regular decline in the strength of the Colombian peso against many other currencies, most notably the US dollar, it is deemed cheap to visit Colombia. As of November 2024, the Colombian peso stood at 4,415 against 1 USD. To put this into perspective, you can buy a set lunch in most cities for around 3-4 US dollars. Transport such as buses, trains, trams, and taxis are relatively cheap and if you visit towns outside of the big cities you will find your money going even further.

Are there good beaches?

Colombia has a range of fantastic beaches along its Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The best places to visit along the Pacific are Bahia Solano, El Valle, and Capurgana. The Caribbean has great beaches in Parque Tayrona near Santa Marta and lots of hidden gems like Rincon Del Mar. Cartagena is a very popular city but the best beaches are on nearby islands that can be easily reached by boat. For those who like island life, San Andres and Providencia boast unblemished white sands and waters shimmering with multiple colors.

Can I drink the water in Colombia?

You can drink tap water in most of the main cities, including Medellin and Bogota. In rural areas, coastlines, and small towns and villages, it is better to drink bottled water or use a filter.

What is internet access like?

You might be surprised at the availability of free WiFi in Colombia. Many cities and towns have central parks and plazas which offer a free and fairly speedy connection. Obviously, hotels, hostels, and eco-lodges will offer decent WiFi, and even campsites on the Lost City trek allow you to purchase internet access. If you really need full coverage, you will be able to buy a SIM card when you arrive. We recommend choosing either Claro or Movistar.

How many days in Colombia is enough?

As one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, you could quite easily travel around Colombia for years and still not see all the spectacular sights. However, you will be able to fit in a lot with a well-planned two-week trip. You would have time to visit vibrant cities, explore Spanish colonial towns, hike up mountains, and also relax on Caribbean beaches.

What is the most beautiful part of Colombia?

Colombia recently declared 17 towns that formed part of the country’s rich cultural heritage. The list includes the stunning Villa de Leyva, unblemished Barichara, Jardin and its coffee plantations, and the sultry Santa Fe de Antioquia. Elsewhere, the highest coastal mountain range in the world, La Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, boasts a distinctive beauty as does the city of Medellin and the UNESCO-listed city of Cartagena.

Do I need a Covid vaccine to enter Colombia?

There are currently no Covid-19 restrictions from travelers entering Colombia from the United States.

Passengers may be required to complete an online form before boarding their flight.

What vaccines do I need?

Currently, no vaccines are required to enter Colombia. However, if you wish to visit tourist sites such as the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park, Tayrona National Park, or the different Amazon reserves, Colombian authorities will recommend that you are properly vaccinated against yellow fever. Remember that this vaccine must be administered at least 10 days prior to traveling to these destinations. Check out this website for more information.

When is the best time to visit Colombia?

You can visit Colombia all year round as the rainy and dry seasons occur in different regions at different times of the year. Generally, the best time to visit is between January and March as many parts of the country are less crowded and enjoy drier weather. Check each destination before going as some places close at certain times of the year, such as the Lost City, which closes for the majority of September. If you are planning on witnessing natural events such as the humpback whale migration along the Pacific coast, June to December is the time to go. We would advise against traveling during Semana Santa (Easter) as this is the most popular (and usually the most expensive) time for locals to travel.

What is the safest city?

Colombia in general is much safer now than it was a decade or so ago. However, like anywhere in the world, travelers should be sensible and research the places they will visit ahead of time. Generally, major cities like Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena are safe to visit, especially in tourist-heavy areas. However, there are still areas that should be avoided so it is best to ask a local expert in advance of your trip.

Colombia trips & educational tours

Colombia trips: Explore a world of diversity