Planning a Colombia vacation? Ingrid Vultorius, our Head of South America, shares why she believes Colombia sparkles!
Colombia: Essential information
What are the most important things to keep in mind while planning your Colombia vacation? When is the best time of the year to visit Colombia? Is it safe to exchange money in the country? Is it safe to exchange money in the country? Find answers to all these questions and more in our Colombia travel guide.
Our travel experts can advise you on the best things to do in Colombia, answer any questions you might have, and craft a personalized travel experience for you.
Language in Colombia
Spanish is the official language of Colombia and more than 99% of the population speak it. Colombian Spanish however, is somewhat different from Spanish spoken in Spain.
Colombia is one of the most populated countries in Latin America with a staggering ethnic diversity. It is little wonder then that there exists a diverse linguistic variety, and over 100 languages are spoken throughout the country, many of them indigenous Amerindian.
English is spoken in major tourist destinations and cities. However, English-speakers are rare in the countryside. During your Enchanting Travels tour, we will ensure that you are accompanied everywhere by your English-speaking guide or chauffeur so you can make the most of your vacation. Should you need further assistance, your personal Trip Coordinator will be available for you 24/7.
Currency, Cash and Cards
Currency
The Colombia Peso (COL$) is the official currency of Colombia. Counterfeit currency is an issue in Colombia – to ensure that you are not scammed, check that the notes you are handed are in good condition. Always ensure that you change money at a trusted source such as a bank or at the airport.
Money
ATMs are widely available throughout the country although most banks have a maximum withdrawal limit of COP$ 300,000. Some ATM machines only accept chip or PIN debit cards. If you need to use the ATM after dark, always visit one inside a gas station or mall. Your Enchanting Travels chauffeur or guide will be happy to locate a trusted one for you.
Cards
VISA and Mastercard are the most widely accepted cards in Colombia. Moneygram and Western Union are your best options for having money transferred to you quickly. Traveler’s Checks are not commonly used in Colombia.
Tipping
While it is common practice to tip in Colombia, this is completely optional and entirely up to you. Many restaurants add a 10% service charge to the menu however, the staff is expected to inform you about this in advance. Usually, tipping 10% of your bill is considered adequate. Tipping taxi drivers is not a common practice however, if you wish, you can round off your fare by 500 or 1000 COL$. We recommend an amount of between USD 5 – 10 for your personal guide or chauffeur, should you choose to tip them.
Our travel experts can advise you on the best things to do in Colombia, answer any questions you might have, and craft a personalized travel experience for you.
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Popular Trips to Colombia
15 Days
from
$5,590 USD
/ person
Experience the best of Colombia as you traverse through the country, staying at exceptional boutique hotels and witnessing the many natural, cultural, and historical highlights along the way. Start your trip in Bogota and explore the most famous attractions of the Colombian capital, such as the Plaza de Bolívar and the La Candelaria district, on…
15 Days
from
$6,590 USD
/ person
Uncover the popular highlights and the hidden gems on this Colombia tour. From the bustling streets of Bogota to the cobbled streets of tranquil Villa de Leyva, the coffee culture and traditions of the Andean region, leisurely hacienda stays, couture and salsa at Medellin, and the pristine beauty of Tayrona National Park – Colombia is…
15 Days
from
$4,790 USD
/ person
This Colombia tour is the perfect introduction to the best-loved highlights: vibrant cities, colonial heritage, archaeology, culture, museums and Gold Rush. With visits to the lush coffee region, hiking and island stays, experience the Colombian countryside and beaches too!
11 Days
from
$5,990 USD
/ person
This Colombia vacation offers the perfect introduction to the country’s top three highlights – rich culture, colonial gems and heritage at Cartagena, verdant plantations and world class brews in the Coffee Region, and beachside relaxation at the pristine Baru Island!
13 Days
from
$4,890 USD
/ person
Discover the rich culture and traditions of Colombia at its best-loved cities – from cosmopolitan Bogota to vibrant Medellin and colorful Cartagena. Also enjoy downtime at a traditional hacienda and some world class coffee at the lush green Coffee Region, high up in the Andes.
14 Days
from
$6,690 USD
/ person
Discover rich cultural heritage as you travel through the colonial cities of Ecuador and Colombia, right from Quito in the Andean highlands to colorful Otavalo, and bustling Bogota to timeless Cartagena. Highlights of your tour include a visit to the incredibly biodiverse Yasuni National Park in the Amazon as well as a brief sojourn in…
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Best Places To Visit
History
As the gateway to South America from the North American continent, and owing to its strategic location at the confluence the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans, expect an incredible diverse history on your tour!
Culture
Descended from a mix of European, Asian and native Indian ethnic groups, Colombia’s diverse mix of cultures is evident in the country’s heritage, music, arts and cuisine.
Cuisine
Colombian cuisine is a delightful smorgasbord of European influence and Andean ingredients. Nestled by the towering Andes and set on the equator, when it comes to fresh produce, your choices are endless!
The Enchanting Difference
What Our Guests Say
Incredible agency that pulled together an incredible trip with thoughtful details. Everyone’s seamless and safe, letting me fully enjoy the adventure. The price was 100% worth it!
Adriana Davila
Canada
Our trip to Colombia was absolutely amazing! Every detail was organized, and the local guides were excellent! The hotels, excursions, food, and travel details were perfect. There was excellent communication from the team during the entire process, and we were able to navigate smoothly even when traveling with two small kids. We had a wonderful vacation and will absolutely be booking with Enchanting Travels again!
Aakriti Carrubba
USA
Enchanting Travels kept in touch everyday. There was a day we wanted to change itinerary and Kevin got that arranged right away and kept us informed.
Kim Clausen
USA
Enchanting Travels was a dream to work with and I highly recommend! They created a custom trip and really listened to everything we wanted to incorporate and took care of all the details from start to finish. The hotels, activities and guides they vetted were all incredible. I look forward to planning another vacation with them!
Yuka Kobayashi
USA
Enchanting travel created a personalized experience, with Lisa and Samuel working with us on the planning of the trip. The itinerary and the guides provided were excellent, and gave us a good understanding of the history and culture of the three diverse regions we visited. Accommodations were per our needs. We would readily use Enchanting Travel for any future trips.
Satish Singh
USA
Enchanting travels was a top not travel company that was able to be current with the changing world situations. At a last minute country safety issues they were able to provide us with wonderful options so a trip could still be taken on desired dates like it had been planned all along! Great customer service!
Debra Davidson Scott
USA
