A country of passion, culture, history and incredible landscapes, Colombia is slowly but surely making its way to the list of must-visit countries. Colombia has urban cities such as Bogotá and beautiful cities of Cartagena and natural parks which attracts every adventurous people. From hiking the Andes to sunbathing on the Caribbean coast or tasting some of the world’s most delicious food, Colombia will not disappoint. However, before you go on this great adventure, there are several things that one needs to know about this country – the Colombia visa inclusion being among them.
It is always easier to plan for your trip when you have the right information, planning your trip to Colombia is no exception. Right from knowing when to travel and how to get there, eating where to eat and what to eat, doing what is culturally appropriate, right down to the finer details, everything matters in making the travel a successful one. When discovering the colours of culture, genuine friendliness, and stunning nature, it is impossible not to mention that Colombia is not only a place but a journey into a warm and diverse world. So, let’s look at the basic guidelines that will enable you to get the most of your stay in this fascinating country!
Here are the Essential Guide to Planning Your Trip to Colombia: What to Know Before You Go
1. Learn About Entry Requirements
The first thing that you need to know is the entry requirements to Colombia before you start booking for your flights. Every traveller must obtain a visa to enter the country and depending on the country you come from, you might be required to apply for a visa. One must always ensure the existing visa rules in the countries to avoid some last-minute troubles. I am glad to inform that, getting Colombia visa is not a complicated one provided one has the requirements with him or her. Always apply well in advance, as the turnaround time can take time.
2. Best Time to Visit
The climate of this country is also quite different depending on the territory and zone of Colombia. It depends on what one wants to find when they get there as to when is the best time to visit. In general, the dry season is from December to March and July to August, so it is suitable for tourism. However, if you’re interested in seeing festivals and local culture try visiting in February for the Barranquilla Carnival.
3. Getting Around Colombia
Travelling in Colombia can also be fun on its own! Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena are large cities with relatively developed public transport networks that consist of buses and metro. If you want a more localized experience, it is always safe to travel by bus from one city to another. But if you do not mind convenience, domestic flights are also offered and might take lesser time for long distances. One can hire a car, although the road conditions might be a bit tough in some places.
4. Safety Tips
Although the situation in Colombia has improved over the years when it comes to tourist safety it is always important to be cautious. It is advisable not to carry or flaunt valuables in the public place and should be very careful even in areas with few people. The best thing is to limit your exposure to crowded parts of the tourist areas mainly at night. This means that the best thing to do is to read the local newspapers and when in doubt, seek the advice of your hotel or other trustworthy people.
5. Embrace the Local Cuisine
One of the best ways to taste Colombia is through its food – and I was excited to try it. Don’t forget about local cuisine and taste bandeja paisa, arepas and sancocho. Every area has its niche, so do not be afraid to try products at local shops and in food stalls. Also, Colombia is famous for coffee; therefore, do not miss a coffee tour in the Coffee Triangle.
6. Discovering Colombia’s scenic beauty
Colombia has a great number of beautiful sights; one can visit both the Amazonian territory and the Andes mountains. One can go hiking in the Tayrona National Park, visit the Cocora Valley or spend some time on the islands of San Andrés. So don’t forget to dress and wear appropriate equipment and shoes for the hike and always take enough water with you if you are going to be active.
7. Cultural Etiquette
Culturally sensitivity is important while in Colombia for it determines the kind of experience one is likely to have. As much as Colombians are very reserved, they are friendly people and you will not be out of place if you start a conversation with them. Just a brief exchange of words can make a big difference! If you are attending churches, or other cultural places, do not forget about dress codes and restrictions regarding taking photos.
8. Language Tips
Most of the inhabitants speak Spanish but in the areas of tourism, people also speak English. Nevertheless, it is never too wrong to learn a few basic Spanish phrases that will make your communication experience better and also be culturally sensitive. Greetings, polite words, and questions to people are useful to make contact with the locals and often will be enough.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, I can say that it is the country that will make every tourist fall in love with it – Colombia. Due to rich cultural heritage and history, geographical location and scenic beauty of the regions, there is no place left in the country that is yet to be discovered. Before you set out on your journey, make sure you get the appropriate Colombia visa and discover more about the entry restrictions of your country. This preparation will ensure that you are in the best of Colombia without having to compromise on your experience because of some travel related hitches.
And first of all, being ready to be surprised by the things, people and meals that can be found in this country when you start your trip. From the crowded city of Bogota to the lonely shores of Cartagena, your experience of Colombia will be quite colourful. So, let’s start with packing your bag, getting the right visa and get ready for an interesting journey to one of the most beautiful countries of South America!
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